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.