Mount Cook - the highest mountain in New Zealand

The next stage was the highlight of this trip so far, literally, because we went to Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand at 3,724 m. The tour was not far, but led through spectacular scenery.

Hardly had we left Lake Tekapo behind us when the next huge lake appeared: Lake Pukaki. Also deep turquoise green and in front of a breathtaking mountain backdrop. The ascent towards Mt. Cook was beautiful, on the right side this lake and straight ahead the snow-covered mountains came closer and closer. Only the wind was annoying again with stupid gusts from the side. About 20 km before the end of the road, we set up our tent on the campsite in this mountain scenery. The place was very spacious and largely natural, it felt like being in the wild. Nevertheless, the place offered all the comfort that one is used to here in New Zealand on campsites: warm showers, kitchen with everything you need, sofa corner with television and BBQ area. Everything perfect.

In the late afternoon, we drove up to the village for a coffee, where the road ends and the hiking trails begin. The mountain scenery came closer and closer, only Mt. Cook was, as usually, hidden in clouds. But while we were sitting in the cafe, there was suddenly unrest among the guests, some went to the window or outside on the terrace. The reason was quite simple: through a gap in the clouds, Mt. Cook appeared...the cameras clicked in all corners, ours as well.

On the way back, we stopped again at the side of the road, the sky cleared up more and more. Within a short time, the remaining clouds dispersed and the mountain showed itself in all its splendor. When we sat in front of the tent in the evening, we could admire Mt. Cook from there under a starry sky until sunset. Brilliant!

The next morning, we went up to the village again for hiking, under a brilliant blue sky and calm weather. In about 4 hours, we got closer and closer to Mt. Cook until we reached a glacial lake. These were magnificent sights, like the ice floating in the lake and everything was reflected in the gray glacier water because there was absolutely no wind. And even if you are not alone there, it was a pleasure and the most beautiful hike of our trip so far.