Leaving Queenstown and Central Otago behind us we headed North for the last time and stopped off at the majestic Mount Cook for a short weekend stay in the Mt Cook Village. Driving through mist, it was only when we reached Lake Pukaki that we were rewarded with clear blue skies and Aoraki rising clearly out above the surrounding mountains. It's safe to say she can not be missed on a clear day.
The drive towards her was my favourite part, like children excited before Christmas, knowing that we were edging ever closer to this huge mountain and its striking summit. Walking around the village with the sun going down was spectacular, watching the light change on the snow as the sun fell behind the mountains to our west. Staying in the YHA in the village is familiar to that of a European ski resort; the timber building, wood-burning fire and every window has a picture perfect view of the surrounding valley.
In the morning we woke to yet another blue sky day and fresh snow on the mountains surrounding us. We set off on the Hooker Valley Track to reach Hooker Lake below Mt Cook. Famous for its scenery; bridges stretching over the glacial rivers, and walls of mountains either side of the valley we were not disappointed to say the least. The track is so accessible from the village, which makes it incredibly popular with visitors, it feels quite remarkable to be able to get so close to these mountains without the need of crampons and full mountaineering equipment.
Stepping out onto the frozen lake in front of Aoraki felt dangerous and magical at the same time. Knowing it was mid winter was certainly reassuring, and I somehow thought that to come to Mt Cook in the summer would not have been as impressive. Since the West Coast usually bears the worst of the weather for New Zealand, Mt Cook is often surrounded by clouds or a rolling mist, so for us to catch the area mid-winter with two clear days and plenty of snow was most fortunate.
Comentários