After 10 days and over 3000 Kms of Self-drive cutting across the North and South Islands, on the penultimate day it was now time for a Rendezvous with towering Mount Cook in New Zealand.
With the return flight scheduled to depart from Christchurch the next day, you begin your drive early morning from Queenstown to Christchurch, a distance that would take more than 5 hours to cover. On the way is this famous and an exceptionally picturesque, 3754 Mts high, Mount Cook also known as Aoraki.
So, after leaving Wakatipu Lake behind and then winding through Kawarau Gorge to Cromwell and then through Lindis Pass into Mackenzie, you turn left from a place called Twizel to towards the road that leads to the fabled Mount Cook.
Along this road, you come across the astounding lake called ‘Pukaki’. This lake formed from the constant melting of glaciers, stands in serenity presumably to welcome you. You are spellbound. Totally enamored of its enormity, your foot automatically hits the brake. It is just not possible for anyone to pass by this massive mesmerizing turquoise water body without halting to capture its magnificence.
Overwhelmed, you click, click, click & click till you start looking foolish at your own self. You then continue to drive ahead, however the temptation to turn back and admire the Lake’s beauty for one more time never ceases.
Caveat: Bad weather on a particular day can disappoint those who desire to have a bird’s eye view of Aoraki/ Mount Cook through the Helicopter window. Its Glaciers including the National park and pristine alpine environment could be a real treat to your eyes when viewed from the sky.
The road travel too, that passes along myriad picturesque spots before you ultimately reach Mount Cook, is as much mesmerizing. Try both if you have time.
Like all other places in NZ, visit to Aoraki Mt. Cook too transpires to be another unforgettable experience. The unfolding of the nature’s benevolence on this part of the land seems never ending. (Incidentally, Sir Edmund Hillary, a New Zealander, who was the first to conquer Mt. Everest back home along with Sherpa Tensen – May 1953, is also credited to reach atop peak Mount Cook albeit much earlier, January 1948.)
After a close view of the Majestic snow clad Mount Cook right from its foothill, the gushing sound of streams formed from the constantly melting glaciers and assimilating as much of its aroma, beauty and grandeur as possible, it’s time now to get back to your car and move towards Christchurch.
One can also visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center, adjoining the iconic Hermitage Hotel here that houses a fascinating ‘Museum and Hillary Gallery’. This place fills you the informative insight into the remarkable History of Aoraki.
You can also enjoy a stimulating 15 minute “Mount Cook Magic 3D Movie” and get incredible Cinematic experience of the Majestic Southern Alps.
On the way back a refreshing break at the banks of the picturesque lake Tekapo adorned by numerous enticing eateries is a recommended option.
After you fill yourself up, you then proceed for a 3 hour drive from there on to over golden tussock land to beautiful Canterbury plains before landing in to the garden city of Christchurch.
It’s time now to check-in for the last time at a hotel in Christchurch. Next day early morning, pick up your luggage, drop the Car at the designated place outside airport and say Syonara to this exceptionally enchanting, beautiful & joyful Country.
As an innocuous envy of lucky those who reside permanently on this idyllic piece of earth lingers in your mind, you hear the announcement; Fasten your seat belts.
Destination… back home… India.
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markpoll
Nice . Really appreciate your work. Your posts are really handy & useful.
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Khale
Nicely written. it will inspire many to travel. Beautiful photos
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yara
Superb ,informative read and awesome pics. Nice
Nilatanua
This must have been such an awesome experience. Never been to Mount Cook but you almost make me want to go . Very Interesting blog..
IAN
“BEAUTIFUL ” IS A ONE WORD IN WHICH I CAN DESCRIBE THIS PLACE. NEW ZEALAND BY ITSELF IS A PARADISE. NICELY PRESENTED.
Tuttysan
Very nice blog. Every one will wish to visit this place after seeing this beautiful picture of Mount Cook .
rajesh ajmera
mesmerizing place in clicks but must be spell bounding experiencing it .must thank god for the time,energy and determination to visit such eye soothing places in this beautiful world.A place away from the dubious depressing overcrowded place to the serene inspiring and heavenly place where one feels to take maximum out of it
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