For those who want to see or ski the mountains, there are light aircraft and helicopters that can get you to places in minutes that would otherwise take hours or days of walking.
'''Air Safaris''' [http://www.airsafaris.co.nz] provide scenic flightseeing tours flying from both Glentanner Park and Lake Tekapo. The Grand Traverse scenic flight from here offers the big picture with an exciting and comprehensive aerial sightseeing tour of all the major mountains and glaciers in both the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and the Westland National Park.
Fly From Queenstown with [http://www.glenorchy.net.nz/mt_cook.html Glenorchy Air]
For walking options refer to www.doc.govt.nz
Tramping options include an excursion to Mueller Hut (refer to Department of Conservation website above) and the Ball Pass Trek. For the Ball Pass crossing you need mountaineering experience, crampons and ice-axe, or go with a guide. For the guided option see www.alpinerecreation.com or phone +64 3 6806736.
Skiing options include day skiing on the Tasman Glacier with Mount Cook Ski Planes and Alpine Guides, or heliskiing in the Ben Ohau and Liebig Ranges, or ski touring based at high alpine huts. See www.alpineguides.co.nz and www.alpinerecreation.com for more information.
Mountaineering options range from Introductory Climbing Courses to guided ascents of Mount Cook.
See www.alpineguides.co.nz and www.alpinerecreation.com for more information on all options.
Aoraki / Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in Australasia. There are a number of glaciers around Aoraki / Mount Cook including the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand_fs longest glacier. Experience the glacier boat trips on the terminal lakes where you can get close to the only icebergs in Australasia, explore some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand on a unique glacier sea kayaking adventure, one of the sub-alpine experiences to try when in the Aoraki Mount Cook area.
Aoraki / Mount Cook village is surrounded by beautiful nature walks for all abilities, For a bird_fs eye view take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps to the West Coast and some planes will even land you on top of the Tasman Glacier.
The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre is located in Mount Cook Village and has a fascinating museum, planetarium and 3D movie theatre. There are climbing courses and stargazing tours which can also available.
Situated right in the centre of the Southern Alps of the South Island, Aoraki / Mt Cook village is located near the popular tourist spots of Lake Tekapo, Omarama, Twizel and is a 3 or 4 hour drive from Queenstown and Christchurch.
Even in summer, day-walkers should carry warm clothing and some high-energy food, as the weather in this area can change rapidly.
Tramping and Climbing parties should be prepared to stay overnight in the open in an emergency. Intention plans should be lodged with the Park Rangers. Be aware that weather conditions may delay Search and Rescue efforts, so parties should be self sufficient and competent in all aspects of mountaineering. Local advice and guidance should be sought on any proposed activities.
Motorists should keep to the paved roads and not venture onto unsealed roads or 4 wheel drive tracks unless they are sure of their driving abilities and the suitability of their vehicle for the terrain and road surface. Some (notional) ''roads'' in this area are so dangerous they are excluded from vehicle insurance policies. In winter, chains should be carried and used when the roads become snow covered.