Explore Mount Cook Highway: Top 2 Scenic Parking Spots for Photos
This article is all about the essentials, give it a like ❤️ and save ⭐ for future reference [side eye R][side eye R]
🌟 After passing the Pukaki Information Center, turn from Highway 8 to Highway 80 (Mount Cook Road) and continue north towards Mount Cook 🏔️🧭! This road 🛣️ winds along the lake, creating some excellent photo spots 🎬. This post introduces the lavender farm and Peter’s Lookout 👇
🪻 The NZ Alpine Lavender Farm is about a five-minute drive 🚙 from the information center. Although it’s a bit simpler compared to the lavender farms in Tasmania 🆚, with fewer introductions and experiences, it’s also less crowded 🫵. In summer, the lavender 🪻 blooms as far as the eye can see [side eye R][side eye R]
[Checklist R] Three tips 👇:
[One R] To enter the lavender fields for photos 📷, there’s a 5 NZD fee; we were in a rush and had visited other lavender farms, so we just took a few shots from afar and left quickly 🔜 [frowning R][frowning R]
[Two R] Lavender ice cream is also 5 NZD, and we each got one 🍦
[Three R] The lavender farm is open during the summer months (around December to March). When we passed by at the end of April, the gates were closed 🚪🚪
🚙 About five minutes further north, you can park directly on the right side of the road 🛣️🅿️. The famous Peter’s Lookout, where many photos of the road + lake + snowy mountains 🏔️ are taken (photos 1/5/6) [wow R][wow R]
🚗 As you head closer to Mount Cook 🧭, although the distance is shorter, the composition isn’t as good as at Peter’s Lookout (photos 7/8/9). At this point, looking to your right 👉 at Lake Pukaki, you might be captivated by its blue color [winking R][winking R]
[Recommendation R] The next two posts will detail 🔎 the hiking routes in the Mount Cook area. Remember to follow, so you don’t miss out [hugging R][hugging R]. For those who are also interested in travel, feel free to leave a comment 👏 for discussion, I’ll answer any questions [shy R]
These parking spots sound amazing! I especially love the idea of stopping at the lavender farm—it must look stunning in bloom. Next time I’m on this road, I’ll definitely check these out.自驾游时发现这样的景点真是太棒了！
Thank you for your kind words! The lavender farm is indeed a breathtaking sight when in full bloom—don’t forget to bring your camera! I hope you have an equally wonderful experience exploring these spots on your next trip. Safe travels and happy snapping!
These parking spots sound amazing! I’ve driven this route before but didn’t realize there were such great photo opportunities. The view from Peter’s Lookout especially looks incredible. Definitely adding this to my travel bucket list!
Thank you for the kind words! Yes, Peter’s Lookout really is breathtaking—I always bring my camera along when I visit. If you do make it back, don’t forget to check out the lesser-known spots nearby too—they can be just as stunning. Safe travels and happy snapping!