Mount Cook (Aoraki) Height report

Mount Cook (Aoraki) is the highest mountain in New Zealand, a part of the Southern Alps, the mountain range that runs the length of the South Island. Surrounded by 22 peaks over 3,000 meters, Mount Cook is covered with snow all year round, and it is flanked by Hooker Glacier (west) and Tasman Glacier (east).

Mount Cook is famous in New Zealand not only because of its height but also because of its special geological and natural environment. The Mount Cook National Park, where it is located, is part of the World Natural Heritage Reserve from Te Wahipounamu to the South West Region.

Mount Cook is a famous local attraction and a popular place for many climbers to explore. In 1894, the first New Zealand mountaineering pair led by Jack Clarke, Thomas Fyfe, and George Graham successfully reached the summit for the first time. However, only some are lucky. Sudden storms or avalanches in this mountain are hidden dangers and may kill climbers. This post introduces more facts about Mount Cook.

Mount Cook Height And Description

There are 22 peaks above 3,000 meters in the entire Southern Alps mountain range, and Mount Cook is the highest. Mount Cook National Park is located in the central and western part of the South Island, in the middle of the magnificent scenery of the Southern Alps. It is a long and narrow park with snow-capped mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes, forests, animals, plateaus, vegetation, etc. The park is 64 kilometers long and only 20 kilometers at its narrowest point, covering an area of 70,000 hectares. It has become the most popular outdoor travel and hiking spot and the favorite challenge for climbers.

The summit of Mount Cook is covered with thick ice and snow all year round; in the valleys of the mountains, there are many glaciers hidden. Among them, the Tasman Glacier is about 29 kilometers long, 2 kilometers wide, and 600 meters deep. It is one of the longest glaciers in the world, except for the polar regions.

Measurements of Mount Cook

Nowadays, accroding to the official date, Mount Cook is 3,724 meters (12,218 feet) above sea leavel. In 1991, due to a landslide, the height of the mountain fell by 10 meters (30 feet). Mount Cook includes three peaks, from south to north are Low Peak, 3,593 meters above sea level, Middle Peak, 3,717 meters above sea level, and High Peak, 3,724 meters above sea level.

Landform Features

Mount Cook is the highest peak in New Zealand, known as the "roof of New Zealand," and the second highest peak in Oceania. There was the seabed about 15 to 20 million years ago; 10 million years ago, the terrain began to rise and became a mountain. The most interesting feature is the variation in its vertical bands of vegetation.

• Below 900 meters above sea level is a mountain forest belt, where the forest is dense; there are many hares and antelopes, and it is an ideal area for mountain climbing and hunting;
• 900-1,300 meters is the sub-alpine belt, where there are forests, grasslands, shrubs, and exposed rocks;
• 1,300-1,850 meters is subalpine grassland; the main vegetation is snow tasek grass;
• Between 1,850 and 2,150 meters is a subalpine forest belt, where the rocks are exposed;
• Above 2,150 meters above sea level, it is the alpine zone. There is no grass, only dark black rocks interlaced between ice and snow, and many glaciers and waterfalls.

Conclusion

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home to New Zealand's tallest mountain and longest glacier. A pure alpine world is composed of steep peaks, huge glaciers, and permanent snow fields under the starlight. Although Mount Cook is surrounded by 22 peaks over 3,000 meters above sea level, it is easy to reach. Follow State Highway 80 to the village of Aoraki/Mount Cook; located on the scenic Lake Pukaki, it is an ideal base for alpine activities. It is the best mountaineering area in Australasia. Even the less experienced adventurer will find plenty to enjoy in the alpine walks, including beautiful alpine lakes, vast meadows, and spectacular glacier vistas.