Discover the Stunning Scenery: Day 5 Mount Cook Hiking Adventure in New Zealand

Woke up to the soothing yet slightly disheartening sound of rain, which dampened my spirits a bit, as it was supposed to be a perfect day for hiking. However, since the rain was gentle, we decided to embrace the adventure and set out anyway. Yesterday, when we gazed at Mount Cook from the viewing platform, it was shrouded in clouds, so today we ventured forth with renewed hope.

🚗 **Transportation**: We embarked on the Hooker Valley Track, navigating to the parking lot, which is about an hour’s drive from Tekapo. The journey along the road by Lake Pukaki is breathtaking, especially on a clear day, with the serene lake reflecting the sky and surrounding mountains.

🍱 **Food**: On our way from Tekapo to Mount Cook, we stopped by the popular Mt Cook Alpine Salmon shop. This charming spot primarily offers sashimi, and while it has fewer products than other stores, the fish here is exceptionally succulent. Since there are no food options at the start of the hike, we made sure to pack some trail snacks.

At the starting point, there’s a restroom and a cozy indoor area for rest. That day, someone was even cooking something in a pot, adding a warm, inviting aroma to the air.

🏔️ **Route**: The round trip is approximately 10 kilometers, with minimal elevation gain. If the weather is favorable, you won’t need a waterproof jacket. The trail features three picturesque suspension bridges, leading to a stunning lake at the foot of Mount Cook. I’ve heard that on a clear day, the sunlit golden mountain is a sight to behold, and in winter, floating icebergs can be seen on the lake.

When we visited, it was autumn, and the lake had only a little ice. Due to the rain, Mount Cook was partially hidden, adding a touch of mystery to the landscape.

🛏️ **Accommodation**: For the night, we stayed at a quaint motel in Twizel, the closest town to Mount Cook. The motel consists of independent wooden cabins, offering a quiet and comfortable stay. Despite its small size, Twizel is incredibly beautiful, with views of snow-capped mountains, and it has all the essentials, including supermarkets and cafes.

🌌 **Stargazing**: After missing the starry sky the previous night at the Church of the Good Shepherd, we were determined to catch a glimpse of the celestial wonders. Knowing that this area is also a dark sky reserve, we checked the weather forecast, which promised clear skies in the latter half of the night. Setting an alarm for 3 AM, we drove to a secluded roadside and were rewarded with a spectacular view of the Milky Way (photos p7-9).

In the Mount Cook area, you can also experience thrilling activities like helicopter glacier hiking and skydiving, which, like everything else, depend heavily on the weather. Let’s all keep our fingers crossed for more sunny days, and maybe even a few clear nights!