Aoraki / Mount Cook National park

 Location: Canterbury, west-central South Island, New Zealand

Annual visitors: over 1,000,000 pers.

Mount Cook National Park, located in the Southern Alps, is home to the highest mountains and the longest glaciers. It is alpine in the purest sense - with glaciers, permanent snowfields and skyscraping peaks all set under a star-studded sky. With 23 peaks over 3,000 meters including New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki / Mount Cook. The mountain features a summit of 3,724 m. Mount Cook has three different peaks.  The Low Peak is furthest south with a height of 3,593 m, with the Middle Peak coming in at 3,717 m, and the High Peak topping off at 3,724 m. Mount Cook's Maori name, Aoraki, translates to "cloud piercer," which is a fitting description as the summit often emerges through the clouds. This iconic mountain holds cultural significance for the Ngāi Tahu, the indigenous people of the region, who consider Aoraki a sacred ancestor.

Paradise shelduck

Aoraki-Mount Cook National Park was created for a purpose -  to protect the terrain and wilderness surrounding the country's tallest mountain. The park also protects the black stilt. This species of wading birds is the rarest in the world.

Also in the national park lies the Tasman Glacier, which is the longest glacier in New Zealand. It flows out of the Southern Alps on New Zealand's South Island. It is 4 km wide and 600 m deep. The glacier is astounding with a huge area. The aerial views of it provide opportunities for incredible photographs. The Tasman Glacier is also known as Haupapa.  

Hiking is one of the favourite activities for visitors exploring the national park. Trails vary in length and range from easy to difficult providing an opportunity for everyone to engage in the splendor of Mount Cook. But aside from just hiking, it is also possible to participate in climbing and stargazing. 

With its breathtaking landscape surrounding the peak, the region's beauty makes Aoraki a captivating symbol of New Zealand's culture.

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