Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Mount Cook National Park, also known as Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, is located in the South Island of New Zealand, within the Canterbury region. Nearby towns include Twizel and Lake Tekapo. Established in 1953, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its alpine landscapes. Parking is available at key locations like the White Horse Hill Campground and the visitor center, with no specific fees required. The park is home to native wildlife such as the kea, the world’s only alpine parrot, and the rare New Zealand falcon. Visitors may also spot chamois and tahr, introduced species that now inhabit the park's alpine areas. The park's flora includes tussock grasslands, mountain daisies, and the iconic Mount Cook buttercup, the world's largest buttercup. Mount Cook National Park is dominated by Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak at 12,218 feet (3,724 meters). Other highlights include the Tasman Glacier, one of the longest glaciers in the Southern Hemisphere, and the Hooker Valley Track, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Public transport options include bus services from Christchurch and Queenstown to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village. Additionally, guided tours and shuttles are available to access trails within the park.