Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986, home of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mt Cook, training ground of Sir Edmund Hillary before his Everest ascent, the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park will amaze. Nineteen peaks in the Park are over 3000m, small wonder therefore that more than a third of the Park is permanently covered in snow. The drive in to Mount Cook Village is stunning, as you skirt the shores of the glacially blue Lake Pukaki.  When there enjoy the relatively level walk up to the Hooker Lake, three hours return but the scenery starts immediately, so walk as far as you wish.  And don’t forget you are in an International Dark Sky Reserve so make sure you go outside at night.