VISITING
AORAKI/ MT COOK NEW ZEALAND |
Plan & prepare
Useful phone
numbers:
Visitor Centre:(03) 435 1186
Weather: (03) 435 1171
Hermitage: (03) 435 1809
Alpine Guides: (03) 435 1834
Hostelling International Mount Cook: (03) 435 1820
Getting
there
From Twizel a sealed road leads right into the park. Aoraki/Mount
Cook Village lies at the end of the road just below the
terminals of the Hooker and Mueller Glaciers.
*Aoraki/Mount Cook village has an airport, but no serviced
flights.
* A regular bus service operates to Aoraki/Mount Cook
Village.
Facilities
The Department of Conservation Visitor Centre has displays
and information on the Aoraki/Mount Cook region. Weather
forecasts, up-to-date track information and conservation
merchandise, including publications and maps, are also
available. There are no banks at Aoraki/Mount Cook Village
but EFTPOS facilities are available.
What
to take
The alpine tramping routes in Aoraki/Mount Cook National
Park are not for the inexperienced. The weather conditions
can be severe and groups attempting the trips must be
properly equipped and well prepared.
Park
Your group should have a capable leader and everyone must
carry a sleeping bag, sufficient high energy food (with
some extra for emergencies), a waterproof raincoat and
over trousers, gloves, a hat, and several layers of warm
(wool or fleece) clothing.
Take
sun cream and sunglasses, summer or winter. Your group
will also need a first aid kit, portable stove, fuel,
cooking utensils and a map and compass (along with someone
who knows how to use them). Boots and specialised equipment
are necessary (ice axe and crampons are a minimum).
Warning
During and after heavy snow falls avalanches are possible.
Please check at the Department of Conservation Visitor
Centre for up-to-date information on weather and track
conditions. Fill in an intention form and remember to
let them know when you have completed your trip.