Hiking Mount Cook in winter is a fantastic way to spend your day. One of the best day trips on the South Island Mount Cook stands as New Zealand’s largest mountain, in the New Zealand Himalayas.
THe trail is wide, well maintained, and mostly level. Its accessible to any level of fitness. The trail is so easy, those in wheel chairs would have little difficulty. And while the ease of the experience takes away from the reward of completing a hike; the views more than make up for it.
It’s A Photographer’s Dream
Hiking Mount Cook in winter is easy and accessible. Parking’s free, and the natural lighting’s fantastic. The wide level trails give plenty of room to set up tripods. Large rocks to rest gear are scattered about. There’s variety; rivers, bridges, mountains, glaciers, lakes, and plains. Majestic birds fly overhead, while waterfalls surround you at every side (as long as you’re there for the right season)
The Best Seasons Are Winter Or Spring
The two best seasons to hike Mount Cook are either winter or spring. I often opt to do all my hiking in Summer and spring, however New Zealands lack of snow makes winter hiking easy. Furthermore, the snow greatly adds to the aesthetic of the Himalaya’s and plains. The mountains are more pronounced.
It’s not to say the mountains aren’t beautiful in the summer. They’re still magnificent, looming wonders of nature. Meerly the dusting of snow adds a seasonal beauty, which makes the cold air worth while.
Was It Good For My Mental Health
I’d say so. This day trip reminded me of why I stayed on the South Island. Rents cheaper, and wages are higher on the North. Yet sights like these are harder to find and far more crowded. It was good to get out of the city and do something fun. To do something that I love, and be surrounded by good people.
For once, I wasn’t reminded of what I had been missing. Merely what I can have, should I stick it out on the South Island. The unparalleled beauty of New Zealand’s South Island is truly envied by the world. Mount Cook is a fantastic time and if you can’t be bothered to do a ridiculous drive, then I’d suggest looking into accommodation local to the area.
For hotels and luxurey travelers https://www.booking.com/hotel/nz/the-hermitage.html?aid=356980&label=gog235jc-1DCAYorgFCCm1vdW50LWNvb2tIM1gDaK4BiAEBmAExuAEXyAEM2AED6AEB-AECiAIBqAIDuAKwp__3BcACAdICJGM3MjQxZWRmLTNmYzctNDUzNS04NDM2LTk2MGI4Y2Y5OGU4YtgCBOACAQ&sid=f670e691f3c95d9663f2e8a60fea4086&lp_sr_snippet=1
For the hostel lovers and budget backpackershttps://www.yha.co.nz/hostels/south-island-hostels/yha-aoraki-mt-cookhttps://www.yha.co.nz/hostels/south-island-hostels/yha-aoraki-mt-cook
Side Note
This post is part two to my ramblings of spending Canada Day in New Zealand during the COVID Pandemic. While it wasn’t Canada Day in New Zealand, it was Canada Day back home; and I think this was my best Canada Day yet. Please follow the link to see my thoughts towards Canada Day abroad.
