Alpine Lakes & Mt. Cook National Park

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

We travel by coach from the Port of Timaru through the varied farming landscape past, cropping, sheep, and beef farms until we reach the Mackenzie basin where the landscape and farming changes dramatically. This is the domain of merino sheep, iconic high country stations but the landscape is dominated by the Southern Alps and its glacial lakes that we've come to see. First stop is Lake Tekapo, a small town that faces north over this remarkable turquoise lake with stunning views of the glacial valleys that feed it. On the shores of the lake you'll see the beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd, where the altar window frames a perfect view of the Southern Alps beyond the lake. The church was built in 1935 for the pioneer families of the Mackenzie District and is still used as a place of worship. A light morning tea will be provided.

Travelling to Lake Pukaki we cross one of the many hydro canals that criss cross the Mackenzie Basin before reaching the shores of Lake Pukaki. Lake Pukaki is surrounded by big country. Sourced from the Tasman Glacier (New Zealand's longest at 29km), the lake borders the eastern slopes of New Zealand's greatest alpine park - Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. It is the largest of three lakes in the region which also encompasses the country's highest mountains (19 peaks over 3000 metres) and a series of glaciers that cover 40 per cent of the park. Aoraki Mount Cook (3754 metres /12300 feet) and the national park form part of Te Waipounamu - South Westland World Heritage Area in recognition of its outstanding natural values. Travelling from lake Pukaki we pass the hydro town of Twizel and Lake Ruataniwha, before a short stop at the High Country Salmon Farm.T heir is an opportunity to walk, shop, and have lunch at the town of Omarama a location renowned for its gliding and clear night skies. The journey then travels out the Waitaki Valley crossing two hydro dams by Lake Benmore and Lake Aviemore before travelling through rolling farmlands back to the port of Timaru.

Special Notes:

Views of Mount Cook are weather dependent. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suited to the day's conditions. The total distance travelled in the coach is approximately 350 kms (225 miles). Estimate coach time of 4 hrs 40 minutes. Plenty of time allowe for enjoying the locations and bathroom stops if required. A full commentary is provided throughout the tour.