Mount Prepare dinner Nationwide Park is one among New Zealand’s premier pure treasures. In case you’re headed to Mount Prepare dinner then you definately’re in luck, as a result of this text will go over all the very best issues to do in Mount Prepare dinner Nationwide Park on New Zealand’s South Island.
New Zealand won’t have the best mountains on this planet, however it’s exhausting to argue that it doesn’t have among the most stunning. The Southern Alps stretch from the highest to the underside of the South Island. At 12,218 ft (3724m), the apex of this superior mountain vary is Mount Prepare dinner, named after British explorer James Prepare dinner, however also referred to as Aoraki within the Māori language.
The mountain peak is protected in a nationwide park that provides some great leisure alternatives. This publish is all about visiting Aoraki/Mount Prepare dinner Nationwide Park so learn on to find extra about this actually breathtaking place!
Mount Prepare dinner – What You Have to Know
The place is Mount Prepare dinner Nationwide Park?
Aoraki/Mount Prepare dinner Nationwide Park is in the midst of the South Island of New Zealand. It’s a strong 4-hour drive from Christchurch or a 3-hour drive from Queenstown, the closest airports.
The park is on the north tip of Lake Pukaki and sits within the jap facet of the Southern Alps. The closest city is Twizel, about 50 minutes south by automotive. It’s remoted, to say the least.
The right way to get there
One of the simplest ways to get to Mount Prepare dinner is by automotive, be it your personal or a rental. Most individuals go to Mount Prepare dinner as a part of an extended highway journey round New Zealand. It’s a essential cease on any two-week or 3-week New Zealand itinerary, however it’s additionally attainable to do as a weekend journey from Christchurch or by flying out and in of Christchurch for the weekend.
There are direct flights to Christchurch from nearly each home airport in New Zealand, however not from abroad (although United claims to be beginning a direct service from San Francisco to Christchurch in 2024). From Christchurch, it’s about 3 hours to Mount Prepare dinner.
For reserving rental automobiles in New Zealand we use discovercars.com. They provide nice charges in New Zealand. You possibly can take a look at leases from Christchurch or Queenstown.
In case you don’t really feel like driving or simply don’t need to drive on the left facet of the highway then you’ve two choices. You possibly can take a bus or an organized tour. The bus isn’t a nasty choice, as when you get to the park you do not want a automotive.
There are quite a few excursions to Mount Prepare dinner from Christchurch and Queenstown. These offer you much less freedom however make life simpler with all of the logistics labored out for you. Some tour choices are beneath.
Climate and when to go to
You’re within the mountains right here, so you actually by no means know what you’re going to get in relation to the climate. Anticipate a mixture of rain, solar, and wind. Do not forget that summer season within the southern hemisphere is December – February.
You possibly can count on a mixture of heat days and funky days in the summertime, however by no means too scorching. It may be 80 levels (27 C) in the future and 55 (13 C) the following. It’s important to come ready for all sorts of climate once you go to Mount Prepare dinner.
Winter within the park is chilly and snowy. Except you want mountaineering within the snow, you must go to Mount Prepare dinner between October and April. December to February would be the warmest and provide the finest alternative to see wildflowers. It’s additionally the busiest time of the 12 months within the park, however you actually need to go to in that busy window because of the climate.
How lengthy to spend at Mount Prepare dinner
Folks normally keep one or two nights at Mount Prepare dinner. Three nights will provide you with the very best alternatives for good climate, although. Something greater than that basically isn’t wanted except you’re planning on summiting Mount Prepare dinner.
At a minimal, plan to spend one evening within the park with a full day on both facet. A number of folks simply cease by Mount Prepare dinner for a day journey, however this actually places you on the mercy of the climate gods and I don’t advocate that except you’re quick on time.
Meals and cash
There are just a few locations to eat inside the park, however for those who’re on a finances, it’s finest to convey your personal meals, as there may be nothing quick and low-cost.
In order for you a very spectacular eating expertise, have lunch or dinner on the Alpine Dining Room on the Hermitage Lodge. It’s a buffet meal with an ideal view of Mount Prepare dinner, like one thing from a dream. At $49 NZD it’s not low-cost, however completely price it. I’d by no means had such recent and scrumptious salmon earlier than in my life.
It’s now well-known, however New Zealand has among the finest king salmon on this planet and it comes from the freshwater rivers round Mount Prepare dinner. When you’ve got an opportunity to attempt Mount Prepare dinner salmon, don’t move it up!
New Zealand makes use of the New Zealand Greenback. It’s normally about 0.7 to the US Greenback. Issues are costly in New Zealand, however for Individuals and Europeans touring there, prices are a bit higher because of the alternate price.
You don’t want money wherever in New Zealand, however it’s a good suggestion to get at the least a couple of bucks. Plus the notes are fairly cool. Attempt to rip them aside. You possibly can’t, are you able to?
Mount Prepare dinner Village
Nearly all of the lodging and eating inside the park is situated in just a little space on the base of Mount Ollivier often known as Mount Prepare dinner Village. You’ll possible spend at the least a while right here, even for those who’re tenting.
Issues to do in Mount Prepare dinner Nationwide Park
Now that you realize the fundamentals about Aoraki/Mount Prepare dinner Nationwide Park let’s get into among the finest issues to do at Mount Prepare dinner. There are loads of actions within the park, however they’re primarily centered round nature and the good open air. So if that’s not your factor, then this in all probability isn’t the very best journey for you!
Mountain climbing
The spotlight of any go to to Aoraki/Mount Prepare dinner Nationwide Park is getting out onto the paths. There are trails for all health ranges within the park and everybody will have the ability to get some epic views of Mount Prepare dinner and the encircling peaks and glaciers.
This publish doesn’t go into element about all the person hikes within the park, however simply provides a fast overview of every hike. Seek advice from the supplied hyperlinks to the AllTrails web site for beginning areas and additional particulars in regards to the hikes.
Hooker Valley Monitor (10.6km spherical journey)
The Hooker Valley Track is the preferred path within the park. It takes you to the sting of a mountain lake proper on the base of Mount Prepare dinner. It’s as shut as you’ll get to the mountain except you’re a mountain climber.
It’s largely flat and appropriate for all ability and health ranges. The duvet picture for this publish was taken from the path. You’ll cross just a few suspension bridges that may be fairly thrilling, however apart from that it’s a quite simple mountaineering path that gained’t check your endurance.
Mueller Hut Route (9.3km spherical journey)
The Mueller Hut Route is a steep, strenuous out-and-back hike that takes you to a mountain hut. You’re mainly strolling upstairs for an hour or two.
It’s enjoyable to spend the evening up within the mountains at Mueller Hut in case you have it booked prematurely. You usually should e book actually far prematurely and plan your journey round it.
No sweat although, the hike is satisfying as a day hike as effectively. Or actually, a half-day hike because it’s not likely that far. The route is busy however not practically as busy because the Hooker Valley monitor.
Sealy Tarns Monitor (5.1km spherical journey)
If going all the best way to Mueller Hut is a bit a lot for you, you may go for the Sealy Tarns Track, which fits about midway to the hut however stops at an alpine lake earlier than heading again.
Mount Ollivier Summit Monitor (11.5km spherical journey)
Quite the opposite, if the Mueller Hut Route isn’t daunting sufficient for you, you may at all times proceed to the highest of Mount Ollivier on the Mount Ollivier Summit Track. In case you make it to the highest right here, you’ll actually be wanting down on Mount Prepare dinner Village and throughout to Mount Prepare dinner.
Kea Viewpoint and Sealy Tarns (7.8km spherical journey)
For a pleasant stroll alongside the bottom of a mountain with a little bit of climbing to a lake, go for the Kea Viewpoint and Sealy Tarns track. The path begins and ends in Mount Prepare dinner Village and gives beautiful views of surrounding peaks. It’s a reasonable hike and good for hikers of all health ranges.
Tasman Lake Monitor (3.5km spherical journey)
Whereas the focus of the nationwide park is likely to be Mount Prepare dinner itself, there may be extra to the park than simply the well-known mountain. On the opposite facet of Mount Prepare dinner is the Tasman Glacier, the longest glacier within the nation. On the base of the glacier is Tasman Lake, a big lake with practically 360-degree mountain views.
The Tasman Lake Track will take you to the primary viewpoint for the lake and glacier, in addition to just a few different viewpoints. There are fairly just a few strolling paths on this area which you could wander round as effectively. It’s largely flat and tough to get misplaced.
Ball Hut Route (15.5km spherical journey)
In case you’d prefer to stroll alongside the Tasman Glacier you may trek to Ball Hut and again on the Ball Hut Route. It’s an off-the-cuff uphill hike that takes you face-to-face with the glacier.
In order for you you can even keep in a single day on the hut. There are six beds and it’s first come first served. Observe that the Tasman Glacier isn’t a fantastic white glacier or something like that. It’s lined in rocks and dust and for those who didn’t know higher you wouldn’t even suppose it’s a glacier.
Go to the Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
The good Kiwi mountain climber Edmund Hillary used to coach for Everest on Mount Prepare dinner. It was right here at Mount Prepare dinner the place we mastered the climbing expertise that gave him the energy and ability to be the first person (along with climbing mate Tenzig Norgay) to summit Everest in 1953.
On the Hermitage Lodge, you may go to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and study all about arguably probably the most well-known New Zealander ever. The museum is open every day from 8 AM to 9 PM and prices $25 NZD for entrance ($15 for kids).
Mountain Pictures
Mount Prepare dinner is the second most photogenic place in New Zealand (in my humble opinion), the primary being Milford Sound in Fiordland. It’s a wide ranging place that can meet any photographer’s lust for magnificence.
There are two essential spots to hit for the very best images of Mount Prepare dinner. The closest you may get to the mountain is on the finish of the Hooker Valley Track. Hooker Lake stands between you and the foot of the mountain and normally has little icebergs floating round.
The opposite common spot for images is on Freeway 80 alongside the shores of Lake Pukaki. You’ll observe this freeway for about 55 kilometers alongside the lake in your option to Mount Prepare dinner Village. As you drive this highway the mountain will appear like it’s proper in your face, though it’s dozens of miles away.
There’s one scenic turnout you may cease at, however be looking out for the very best views as you drive the highway. With the solar shining on the mountain, it might look purely gorgeous.
The highway is normally not busy in any respect, and you may take images of your self in the midst of the highway. Sadly for us, it was fairly cloudy that day so I couldn’t see Mount Prepare dinner from the highway. However we did get some fairly good views on the best way again to Christchurch.
Take a Scenic Helicopter Experience
Taking a scenic helicopter flight high above the mountains is among the most fun issues to do at Mount Prepare dinner Nationwide Park. The flights are quick and costly, normally 25-40 minutes for about $300 NZD. However most individuals who embark on the helicopter journey discover it price each penny.
The helicopter excursions additionally embody a touchdown at a flat, snowy spot up within the mountains. You don’t have lengthy to stroll round, however you get a barely completely different perspective than you may get from the mountaineering trails.
Climb Mount Prepare dinner
When you’ve got intensive prior mountaineering expertise, summiting Mount Prepare dinner is probably the most exhilarating factor you are able to do within the park. There are a selection of outfitters that provide guided climbs of Mount Prepare dinner, akin to Queenstown Mountain Guides.
The climb will set you again just a few thousand {dollars}, take as much as 6 days, and also you’ll should show to them that you’ve got enough climbing expertise. However standing atop the best level within the Southern Alps is priceless.
Don’t be fooled by the comparatively low elevation of the Mount Prepare dinner summit. Attending to the highest isn’t straightforward. Critical technical mountaineering ability is required to make the summit because of the glaciated terrain of the mountain. If the clothes shop decides that you simply don’t have sufficient related climbing expertise, they gained’t take you.
Lodging in Mount Prepare dinner Nationwide Park
There are a number of choices for spending the evening in Mount Prepare dinner Nationwide Park. From high-end motels to tenting, you could find one thing that fits your finances in and round Mount Prepare dinner Village.
Tenting
There’s one campsite within the park. It has 60 tent websites and is managed by the nationwide park. It’s just a little north of Mount Prepare dinner Village, proper the place the Hooker Valley Monitor begins. Be sure you e book prematurely, because the campsite is in excessive demand in peak summer season. An ordinary tent web site is $15 NZD per evening ($18 NZD between 26 Dec and eight Feb).
Extra info on the campsite may be discovered on the Department of Conservation website.
The Hermitage
The Hermitage Lodge is as luxurious as you may get within the park. However it additionally gives extra primary motel rooms and easy cabins. The Hermitage manages the vast majority of rooms obtainable within the park.
The resort is large – extra like a posh – and there are a number of completely different lodging sorts, with the motel being the most cost effective and the resort being the costliest. Seek the advice of their web site for extra info. Motel rooms begin at about $200 NZD and resort rooms can run over $400 NZD for a superior room with a view of Mount Prepare dinner.
YHA Aoraki Mt. Prepare dinner
YHA is a well-liked model of hostels in New Zealand. They are often discovered all around the nation. You possibly can e book a mattress in a shared dorm at YHA Mount Prepare dinner for about $40 NZD. In addition they provide personal rooms with personal bogs extra within the $150 NZD vary.
Aoraki Courtroom
Aoraki Courtroom is a small, privately owned motel with room charges beginning round $200 NZD. There is no such thing as a restaurant and there are not any companies, however you may get some good mountain views from the rooms.
Aoraki/Mount Prepare dinner Alpine Lodge
The Aoraki / Mount Prepare dinner Alpine Lodge competes with the Hermitage, although it’s a lot smaller and gives extra primary lodging choices. There is no such thing as a restaurant on the lodge however there’s a communal kitchen that friends can cook dinner at.
Mountain Huts
There are 10 mountain huts inside the park boundary. Mountain huts are highly regarded in New Zealand. It’s basically a quite simple shelter within the mountains with dorm-style bunk beds.
The huts range in companies. Some provide bedding, some don’t. It depends upon the hut. The Division of Conservation web site explains what companies are in every hut. If you wish to keep in one among these, make sure you e book effectively prematurely, as they’re a particularly common factor for Kiwis to do.
Mount Prepare dinner – Closing Phrase
Aoraki / Mount Prepare dinner Nationwide Park is among the most visited locations in New Zealand, and when you see it you’ll perceive why. Mount Prepare dinner itself is beautiful, lined in ice and rising 3000 meters from the valley ground beneath. However there may be extra to the park than simply the tallest peak within the nation.
Historical glaciers move down mountains into icy lakes and wildflowers bloom in the summertime meadows. You’ll certainly love your time within the park. No person leaves Mount Prepare dinner disillusioned!
Chris runs the journey weblog Across the World with me.
