Down Under Answers
New Zealand
Nature & Wildlife
Naturally New Zealand
1 night Mt Cook, South Island from $829.00 per person based on double occupancy
Land on a remote glacier by helicopter and take time out on top of the world!
INCLUSIONS
- 1 night The Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Wing
- Scenic Helicopter Flight
- Dinner
- Breakfast
ITINERARY
Past the tussock downs of the Mackenzie Country and deep into the towering mountainous terrain of the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, the Hermitage lies in a World Heritage wilderness playground. Surrounded by the silent splendor of the Southern Alps, The Hermitage is within arms reach of the majestic Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Ice, snow, hidden valleys, lakes and glaciers offer golden opportunities for discovery, relaxation and adventure from the ground or from the air. There is no better place to discover the spectacle and drama of New Zealand’s Aoraki Mount Cook National Park from the splendor and comfort of The Hermitage Hotel and Mount Cook village, for an encounter you will never forget.
Fourty percent of the park’s area is made up of glaciers, of which 72 are named. The Tasman Glacier is the longest glacier in the Southern Hemisphere, but has retreated rapidly over the past 100 years along with other glaciers in the park. Where the end of the glacier stood 50 years is now a large terminal lake, in which you can often witness floating icebergs.
Among this remote landscape and hostile environment thrives an abundance of native flora and fauna, including species unique to the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Over 750 different Native flowering plants live in the park, mainly found in the alpine shrublands and tussock grasslands.
About 40 species of birds are found in the park. The most distinctive is the kea, a mountain parrot well known for its mischievous antics. The only permanent alpine bird is the tiny rock wren, which survives the winters in high rocky basins.
After checking into The Hermitage you will have time at leisure to discover the National Park by foot, taking in the native flora and fauna of the area.
Enjoy your overnight stay at The Hermitage Hotel, in the morning you will make your way to the township of Twizel, a short distance from Mt Cook heading towards Queenstown where you will have time for an ‘out of this world’ experience in less than half an hour! This majestic helicopter flight will land you amongst the jewels of the Southern Alps. Dramatic mountains expose their rugged faces and snow clad spines. Enjoy spectacular views into the Mackenzie Basin and over Lake Pukaki before an alpine landing overlooking ancient glacial terrain. Take time out on top of the world!