Peter’s Lookout to Aoraki Mt Cook
One of the best views of Aoraki Mt Cook that is available along the road from Tekapo to the Mt Cook Village is from a layby on the side of the road called Peter’s Lookout. For such a prominently signposted viewpoint it is a disappointment to drive onto a rough gravel car park with no information boards to explain the surrounding scenery, especially the mountains at the end of the lake. In the foreground is a newly cut pine plantation littered with the remains of the forestry operation. However, if you can overlook the immediate negative impressions, you are presented with this magnificent vista which features New Zealand’s highest mountain which towers to 3,754 metres (12,316 ft).
Aoraki Mt Cook is head and shoulders higher than the surrounding peaks. It is a technically difficult mountain to climb and a favourite challenge for the climbing fraternity. The first European ascent was on 25 December 1894. New Zealand’s famous mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary made his first ascent in January 1948. On 29 May 1953 he and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay were the first people to successfully climb Mt Everest.
Breathtaking photo.
February 13, 2013 at 12:54 am
Thanks for your comment. It is a truly inspiring approach to the mountain. Chris G
February 13, 2013 at 8:21 am
I’ll never forget pulling over there. A magical place….Aoraki.
February 13, 2013 at 3:12 pm
Hi Maureen. I have been thinking since I posted my comments that the clearing of the trees below the viewing point made for a better view. I shouldn’t grizzle about such minor things and appreciate the big picture! It is certainly a memorable view.
February 13, 2013 at 5:19 pm