MT. COOK/AORAKI NATIONAL PARK

Easily the most inspiring destination during the trek down the country, Mt. Cook National Park did not, and could not, disappoint.

We arrived late in the evening, after a long drive watching our elevation rise and the temperature drop. We set our alarms early to be the first out in the morning to walk the Hooker Lake track, a 5km out-and-back with little elevation gain and wooden foot paths to make one of the most accommodating hikes in the country. Despite the generally overcast conditions, witnessing dawn rise from the middle of the park, all to ourselves, was one of the most memorable events of the trip.  

Words and photos by Brendan Grieble