New Zealand's Highest Peak

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Mt. Cook and the Southern Alps from Above and Below

Mt. Cook is New Zealand's Highest Peak at 12,349 ft (3,754 m). I took a scenic flight in a small plane over the Southern Alps and Mt. Cook from Wanaka two weeks earlier (45 minutes to the south by air). I included those photos in this entry, as well as my photos from hiking in Mt. Cook National Park.

The Māori people of New Zealand named this mountian "Aoraki," or "Cloud Piercer." Glimpses of the peak are rare, since it's usually surrounded by clouds. I was very lucky to catch these views.

I dedicate this entry to my Grandfather, who recently passed away at the age of 90. To Mom and Grandma - Know that my thoughts are with you... Love, Laura

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Photos

Mt. Cook - New Zealand's Highest Peak
I took this photo from my scenic flight over the "Southern Alps"

Mt. Cook from my hike below
These hiking photos were taken 2 weeks later from Mt. Cook National Park

Taken from my scenic flight
On the way back to the airport at Wanaka

The Hermitage Hotel in Mt. Cook National Park
I didn't stay here, but I did visit the Sir Edmond Hillary Museum located at this hotel. He was the first man to summit Mt. Everest in 1953. He did most of his training here at Mt. Cook in his home country.

The YHA Hostel in Mt. Cook Village
This is where I stayed for US$18/night.

Lake Pukaki
On route to Mt. Cook National Park

Church of the Good Shepherd
Lake Tekapo

The shores of Lake Tekapo
Just east of Mt. Cook

Comments

[Lara Stone]

WOW! What gorgeous photography!
How wonderful that you had such good weather while you were there. This looks incredible. I miss you! I hope your birthday is wonderful!

[Jayne]

Great weather at Mt Cook!!
Hey Laura. WOW you lucked out :) ... your pictures are stunning. So glad you had great weather... So sorry to hear about your grandfather's passing. Keep on travelin'......and living life.

[CaminoGirl]

Love getting comments!
Thanks for commenting on my blog... Knowing that people are following it makes it worth the effort!

[Ruthanne Cortez]

Torquoise Blue Lakes
I can't believe how incrediably beautiful everything is. I especially liked the picture of the lakes (Lake Pukaki). The water is so vividly blue (torquoise blue). Clean air, beautiful scenery, adventure and personal courage..... what a combination. Take care dear one.

[bob]

mt.cook
mt cook looks tall. i have never seen it but from thoes pics it does.