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National park in New Zealand
Photo: Corey Parsons, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is a national park dominated by New Zealand's two highest mountains, Aoraki / Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Several other high peaks of the South Island's Southern Alps are nearby. The park is part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Haupapa / Tasman Glacier
New Zealand's longest glacier with a length of 23.5 km. Unfortunately, climate change has meant that the glacier has since been retreating and several crevasses have been exposed. The easiest way to view the glacier is via the 650-metre walk to Tasman Glacier Viewpoint from the car park – if you look north-east, the glacier is visible, though it may not be the nicest looking one. The confluence between the Tasman River and Lake are also a popular photo spot – turn right just before the Blue Lakes and continue for 1 km.
A small museum in The Hermitage Hotel focusing on the region's aviation history in addition to the climbing history of Aoraki / Mt Cook – it also features a planetarium and 3D movie theatre.
Kayaking on Mueller Lake with views to Aoraki / Mt Cook and the Mueller Glacier.
YHA associate hostel. Solar powered with wood lined rooms.
Motel with some views of the mountains.
Self catering and budget accommodation, backpackers and campervan sites. The cafe/restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch all year round with evening dining in summer. Views of the mountain.
By bus
InterCity, branded GreatSights, operate bus services to and from Queenstown, Lake Tekapo, and Christchurch. Pick up and drop off is at the Hermitage Hotel and by the Haka House Hostel (YHA).
By car
5 hours) and is a 3 or 4 hour drive from Queenstown and Christchurch. From Twizel there is an all-weather sealed road to Mount Cook Village.
Walking is a popular way to get around the park. There are a number of formed tracks and recognised walking routes.
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