Avoid These 3 Critical Mistakes When Driving Solo to Mount Cook National Park
Mount Cook is an absolute must-see when traveling in New Zealand, and you should definitely set aside ample time to explore it! The area is brimming with breathtaking sights and thrilling activities, and you might find that around 40% of your travel budget will be spent here!
I’d like to highlight three common pitfalls for self-driving or independent travelers. Avoid these mistakes to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip!
1. The road where I snapped this photo is near the end, on a long, straight stretch. Some tourists can’t resist stopping as soon as they catch a glimpse of the snow-capped mountains, but the view isn’t complete, and more importantly, it’s incredibly dangerous to stand in the middle of a curve to take photos!
If you’re engrossed in posing and a car comes around the bend, boom! You’ll become part of the scenery in the worst way possible! Remember, drive further in! Ensure there are at least 200 meters of straight road in front and behind where you park, and if you see a car approaching, get out of the way immediately!
2. The weather in this valley can be quite different from the conditions by the lake. Always check the weather forecast specifically for the Mount Cook area. Don’t let a rainy day at Lake Pukaki deter you, and don’t assume it’s sunny and warm inside just because it is outside. It could be windy and pouring rain, which would be a real waste of your time.
3. Resist the temptation to stop wherever you want! While many parts along the way are stunning, and there might be open spaces by the roadside, it’s not always safe to pull over. The height difference between the road and the shoulder can be significant in many places. If you have a large SUV, you might be okay, but be extremely cautious with a smaller car; it’s easy to get a flat tire or damage the undercarriage.
Some spots are also on curves, and you need to accelerate quickly after merging back onto the main road. Additionally, make sure to fill up your gas tank! It’s over 150 kilometers round trip, and a small car will need more than half a tank. Gas stations are both hard to find and expensive in the area.
If you have any questions about traveling in New Zealand, feel free to follow me and ask anytime! I’m here to help you discover the most authentic and rewarding New Zealand travel tips!
