Mount Cook

The magnificent chain of mountains that runs almost two thirds of the length of the South Island is called The Southern Alps, and the tallest peak in the chain is Mount Cook (height 12,313 feet). The Maori name for Mount Cook is Aoraki. 

The Mount Cook National Park was awarded "World Heritage" status because of its incredible beauty. The park contains 22 of the 27 highest peaks in New Zealand, and a third of its 7,000 hectares is covered with permanent snow and ice.

Trampers, mountaineers, and skiers are all attracted to this area, but many visitors come just to view the fantastic scenery enjoying it in the comfort of a fixed wing or helicopter sightseeing flight