Aoraki/Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand towering at over 12,000 feet above sea level. The area was named after New Zealand’s most famous outlaw who escaped custody multiple times before finally being released, then disappeared forever.
The area has an interesting legend surrounding its creation.
The locals say that Aoraki and his three brothers were on a voyage around the world when they got stranded on a reef. The voyagers climbed on to the top side of the canoe and after a time the south wind froze them and turned them into stone.
Their canoe became the South Island and Aoraki, who stood tallest of the brothers, is now seen as the Aoraki/Mount Cook, while his brothers and other members of the crew became the Southern Alps.
This region is perfect for those who want to get away from the busyness of every day life. There aren’t many people living there, and it’s home to the world’s largest International Dark Sky Reserve. That, along with snowcapped mountains and turquoise lakes, make it perfect for those trying to enjoy nature.
