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Mt Cook, named Aoraki by the local Maori, Ngai Tahu, is the highest peak in New
Zealand and stands amongst several other major peaks in the Southern Alps.
Such is the beauty of the area it has been designated a National Park, Mt
Cook National Park and borders the Westland National Park on the west side
of the mountain.
Mt Cook is the
highest peak in Oceania and is surrounded by numerous glaciers and other
spectacular ice formations.
Sir Edmund Hillary did extensive climbs in the Mt Cook area before using his
ice climbing experience to join the British expedition on Mt Everest in 1953
and along with Sherpa Tensing, to be the first climbers to climb to the top
of Mt Everest.
The only village within
the Mt Cook National park is Mt Cook village. The tranquil village is
located in the Tasman Valley below the Tasman Glacier.
To minimise human impact on the environment, accommodation levels are
limited in Mt Cook village and bookings are essential.
Scenic flights by fixed
wing aircraft and snow landings by ski plane or helicopter are available
from the Mt Cook airport and nearby Glentanner Park.
Other activities such as boat trips on the terminal lake of the Tasman and
Murchison Glaciers are available.
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