Aoraki/Mt Cook stands as New Zealand’s highest peak, dominating the Southern Alps with glaciers, turquoise lakes, and alpine landscapes that feel distinctly remote despite being accessible from the tourist trails of New Zealand‘s South Island. The small Mt Cook Village serves as the base for exploring this dramatically beautiful region, where you can paddle amongst icebergs on Tasman Lake, learn about mountaineering legend Sir Edmund Hillary at the alpine centre that bears his name, or simply marvel at some of the darkest skies in the world.
The surrounding area includes Lake Tekapo, where the Mount John Observatory offers behind-the-scenes access to world-class stargazing facilities in one of the planet’s most renowned dark sky reserves. Whether you’re after adventurous activities like iceberg kayaking, cultural insights into New Zealand’s mountaineering heritage, or simply want to understand what makes this corner of the South Island so special for both locals and visitors, these articles provide practical guidance on exploring one of New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine regions — where glacial landscapes meet Māori significance in the name Aoraki, meaning ‘cloud piercer’.
- Iceberg kayaking on Tasman Lake.
- Review of the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre at Mt Cook.
- Behind the scenes at the Mount John Observatory in Lake Tekapo.
