We didn’t realize just how lucky we were to have a clear view of Mt. Cook as we drove towards the park. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is a rugged land of ice and rock, with 19 peaks over 3,000 metres including New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook.
We would not see it so clearly again.
From across turquoise Lake Pukaki the peak is almost lost in the clouds.
Looking down at the beginning of the Hooker Valley track (hike) with the first of three swing bridges in view.
Back towards Lake Pukaki from Hooker Valley.
Getting closer.
View from hut along track.
Lovely tiny late-season wildflowers. Think they are Gentian.
This (the third) swing bridge was a bit too high and wobbly for my liking.
Had to push ourselves along this last bit to get to the final reward at the end.
The hike wasn’t too strenuous, but it took longer than we expected. Turned out to be a good thing that we did it as soon as we arrived, because rain began to fall shortly after our return to the van and continued to do so for 24+ hours. We never saw the mountain again.
Mt. Cook across Hooker Lake at the end of Hooker Glacier.
Travels with haRVy 
great picture Leslie! Beautiful beautiful mountains.
By: jsahady on March 16, 2016
at 9:05 pm
LAL, You look great! Wonderful shots of the hiking.
Is NotHaRvy settling in & being a good fella for you two travel experts?
By: karen on March 17, 2016
at 10:58 am
So much beauty! Glad you decided to go to NZ so we can all see your always-impressive photos.
By: Paula Lindeman on March 17, 2016
at 8:57 pm
Glad you’re still having fun in NZ! We rented a car in Jamaica and learned what driving on “the wrong side” was like, so I know what you’re going through. You have to leave room for the passenger!
By: Rick James on March 18, 2016
at 2:01 am