Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park

The protected area covers 70,000 hectares of alpine terrain with 23 peaks above 3,000 meters and glaciers covering 40 percent of the land.

The first ascent of Mount Cook occurred on December 25, 1894, when New Zealand mountaineers Tom Fyfe, John Clarke, and George Graham reached the summit.

The mountain holds deep significance for Ngai Tahu people, who named it Aoraki after a young boy turned to stone according to Maori legends.

Mount Cook Village provides accommodation, guided tours, and access to numerous hiking trails including the Hooker Valley Track and Mueller Glacier walks.

The national park contains the Tasman Glacier, stretching 27 kilometers, making it the longest glacier in New Zealand with a terminal lake for boat tours.

Location: Canterbury Region

Location: Mackenzie District

Inception: 1953

Part of: Te Wahipounamu, Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

Website: http://doc.govt.nz/templates/PlaceProfile.aspx?id=38406

GPS coordinates: -43.73330,170.10000

Latest update: May 13, 2025 04:55