NEW ZEALAND // At 3724m (12,218ft), New Zealand's tallest mountain cleaves the sky like a knife. In the centre of the South Island, Aoraki/Mt Cook is surrounded by 18 other 3000m-plus (9842ft) peaks, their slopes cloaked in glacial ice. Mountaineers come to tramp, ice climb and bivouac in alpine huts, while the less athletically ambitious take boat rides amid the glaciers of Tasman Lake and sleep in the historic Hermitage Hotel.

Why is Aoraki Mount Cook famous?

Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, helped Sir Edmund Hillary develop his climbing skills in preparation for conquering Everest.

Is Mount Cook National Park worth visiting?

How long does it take to climb Mount Aoraki?

12 to 16 hours a day
Aoraki Mount Cook climbs are usually 12-16 hour days, although it is common for parties to last 20 or 24 hours. A big day, 1700 vertical meters. People often underestimate the difficulty if they come from the Alps, because the peak is not 4000 meters. But 1,700 vertical meters in one day is a major peak anywhere in the world.

Can you walk to the top of Mount Cook?

Once you're on the summit ice cap, the 3km vertical to the rugged west coast in one direction, and the full 30km of the Tasman Glacier in the other, drags your feet. This is not a 'hiking' mountain - it requires alpine climbing techniques.

What is so special about Mt Cook?