New Zealand - Mount Cook

Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo Gallery. Last updated 10.12.06



New Zealand South Island Galleries Mount Aspiring Galleries

Aoraki National Park is at the heart of the Southern Alps, containing New Zealand's highest mountain at 3754m, as well as eighteen other peaks over 3000m. This area is on the east of the Main Divide and borders the Westland National Park along its length. In an area as rugged as this there is very little easy tramping, many routes quickly becoming full blown serious mountaineering expeditions.

Lake Tekapo

Situated in the Mackenzie Basin, this is a popular destination which enjoys a mild and often dry climate. The views from the town at the head of the lake are magnificent and the whole area has a more beautiful and softer feel, compared to the dramatic mountain giants in the nearby National Park. We stopped off here on our way back to Christchurch.

Photographs from two visits.

In December 2006 we spent three days here, exploring the Tasman and Hooker Valleys, staying at the Ball Shelter Hut overnight.
In February 2005 I spent three days here, climbing up to the Mueller Hut to camp overnight. I plan to return here and have the Ball Pass Crossing as one of my mountaineering goals.