MTCOOK

New Zealand

SOUTH ISLAND - MT COOK

MT COOK
mtcook The string of moutains that runs down the centre of South Island is known as the Southern Alps. Many of the peaks are tall enough to be permanently covered with snow. The tallest of these is Mt Cook, named for Captain Cook. It is 3764m and together with Mt Sefton(3157m) and Mt Tasman (3497m) they are known as the roof of New Zealand. The mountains are contained in two national parks. The 880,000 hectare Westland National Park and the 70.000 hectare Mt Cook National Park.

THE GLACIERS

There are three glaciers for tourists to visit. The largest of these is the Tasman Glaicier. It is 29km long about 1600m wide on average and 610m deep measured at Ball Hut. The others are Fox Glacier and the Franz Joseph Glaicier. The best way to see these glaciers is to take a scenic flight or to walk on them. The scenic planes are specially equipped with the ability to land on the glacier. The planes are either 6 or 10 seaters. The basic flight is 40 minutes , but there are other, longer options that allow you to visit more than one of the glaciers. Flights depend on weather conditions and often the will not allow you to land on the glaciers. When the flights are not operating it is still possible to walk on the glaciers. You can obtain information on walks from hotels and information centres.

WALKING TRACKS

GLENCOE WALK Starting from behind the Hermitage Hotel. Approximately 15 minutes.

GOVERNORS BUSH Starting from behind the post office. Approximately 60 minutes.

RED TARNS Starting from Balckbirch Stream. Approximately 90 minutes.

KEA POINT Starting from Hermitage Hotel. Approximately 180 minutes.

HOOKER VALLEY Starting from Hermitage Hotel. Approximately 240 minutes.

WAKEFIELD TRACK Starting from Hermitage Hotel. Approximately 120 minutes.

GLENCOE WALK	Starting from behind the Hermitage Hotel.	Approximately 15 minutes.
GOVERNORS BUSH	Starting from behind the post office.	Approximately 60 minutes.
RED TARNS	Starting from Balckbirch Stream.	Approximately 90 minutes.
KEA POINT	Starting from Hermitage Hotel.	Approximately 180 minutes.
HOOKER VALLEY	Starting from Hermitage Hotel.	Approximately 240 minutes.
WAKEFIELD TRACK	Starting from Hermitage Hotel.	Approximately 120 minutes.

LAKE PUKAKI

All of the waters from the glaciers flow into long, slim lake Pukaki, which has no fish because the glacial flows ensure that no fish can survive Lake Pukaki eventually goes into Lake Benmore which has New Zealand's largest hydro power station.

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