Location
Mackenzie Country is a high inland basin
beneath the Southern Alps and Mount Cook, south west of Christchurch.
General
At 3,754m Mount Cook (its Maori name is
Aoraki) is New Zealand's highest mountain. It towers above a splendid cast
of massive snow-clad peaks that make up Mount Cook National Park. Nudging
one side of Mt Cook is the mighty Tasman Glacier, a 30km giant and one of
the longest outside the Himalayas.
Mount Cook village is an easy five-hour drive from Christchurch. We
recommend visitors take the route from Christchurch to Fairlie, gateway to
the Mackenzie Country. From here the road passes through a land of lakes,
vast open spaces and golden, tussock-covered hills rolling towards the
towering Southern Alps.
On the way you will pass turquoise glacial lakes such as Lake Tekapo,
on whose shores is the stone Church of the Good Shepherd, which has a
spectacular view of the Southern Alps framed by its altar window.
Main Attractions / Activities
Scenic flights from
Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook afford breathtaking views over the Southern
Alps and countryside, with ski-plane landings on the Tasman Glacier
providing an unforgettable experience. All ski options are available,
including heli-skiing and ski touring, and guides are available for
climbing.
Glorious mountain walks to suit every degree of fitness show off the
park's rich flora, including the Mount Cook "lily", the largest buttercup
in the world.
Don't Miss
- Church of the Good Shepherd Lake Tekapo
- Scenic flight and glacier landing
- Hiking/walking in Mount Cook National Park
Main Centres
- Fairlie - gateway to the Mackenzie Country and Mount Cook
- Mount Cook Village - Mount Cook National Park Headquarters
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