NewZealand’s mountainous South Island is a veritable paradise for adventure seekers and adrenaline junkies. With unparalleled natural beauty and awesome scenery at every turn, it’s the ultimate road trip destination. A trip here will fill your lungs with some of the freshest air on earth and offer memories that will last a lifetime.
Aoraki/Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand and is famous for having helped Sir Edmund Hillary to develop his climbing skills in preparation for the conquest of Everest. The mountain is also deeply embedded in the history and culture of the Māori people. When visiting the region, make time to learn more about the history of the area and its Māori culture.
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home to 23 peaks, each over 3,000 metres high. It’s an alpine region in the purest sense of the word, with skyscraping peaks, glaciers and snow fields, all set amongst breathtaking wilderness.
Highlights from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Although the area is large, the park is very accessible. State Highway 80 leadstoAoraki/Mt Cook Village, which is situated beside scenicLakePukaki and provides a comfortable base from where you can explore the region and organise alpine activities.
World Class Stargazing
Because of its isolated location far away from the interference of city lights, stargazing in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is world-class, and is home to New Zealand's only International Dark Sky Reserve. With light pollution strictly controlled, this is a stargazing experience that is one of the best on earth.
Magnificent Mountaineering
Experienced mountaineers regard the area to be the best climbing region in Australasia, with plenty of challenging peaks to climb. However, even if you're not an experienced climber or mountaineer, you’ll find lots of suitable mountain walks that lead to alpine lakes, herb fields and spectacular glacier views. Encounters with New Zealand’s cheeky kea birds are also par for the course and all part of the fun.
Glacial Landscapes
At 27 kilometres in length, the mighty Tasman Glacier is New Zealand’s longest. Cascading down from 3,000 metres above sea level and finishing at its own terminal lake, the sheer scope and size of this beast is spectacular. The two most popular ways to view and experience the glacier and the Tasman Valley is by jumping aboard the Terminal Lake Cruise, or by going on the 4WD and Argo Tour.
NZ Alpine Lavender Fields
Just over a half hour drive from the glacial wonderlandofAoraki/Mount Cook National Park isNewZealand Alpine Lavender Fields. Beautifully nestled under the majesticBenOhau mountain range, this is the largest certified organic lavender farm in the Southern Hemisphere. The farm has been a labour of love for its visionary founders, and today it produces some of the most potent and beautiful lavender oil in the world, which is all thanks to the farm’s unique location. The farm is situated in an area of immense natural beauty, with snow capped mountains, turquoise glacial rivers, and beautiful lakes occupying the surrounding region. Stop by here for a visit and walk through the lavender fields and experience the beauty for yourself. Be sure to treat yourself to a gift.
Hot Tubs Omarama
After a few days exploring some of the South Island’s most stunning sights, what better way to unwind than with some hot tub therapy. Hot Tubs Omarama have created a beautiful spa facility, situated on private landscaped gardens, offering visitors the chance to soak their bones in pure mountain water while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding landscape. It offers the perfect opportunity to decompress, making for the perfect end to any road trip.