Mt. Cook, the Alps in the South Hemisphere

Day 1: Arrival at 🏠 #hakahouse Aoraki Mt Cook I arrived in Mount Cook Village after a scenic ride on the #intercity 🚌. The journey itself was stunning, with views of rolling hills, turquoise lakes, and the towering Southern Alps. I checked in the hostel, a cozy and well-equipped hostel with a friendly vibe. After settling in, I spent the evening relaxing and soaking in the majestic views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, right from the hostel. Day 2: Hiking the #hookervalleytrack The highlight of my trip was hiking the Hooker Valley Track. The trail was relatively easy but incredibly rewarding, with suspension bridges, glacial rivers, and panoramic mountain views. After about three hours, I reached Hooker Lake, where I was amazed to see small icebergs floating on the water, even in summer! The sight of Aoraki/Mount Cook 🗻 reflecting on the lake's surface was simply magical. I spent some time soaking in the tranquility before heading back to the village. Day 3: Departure to #laketekapo On my final day, I boarded the Intercity bus again, this time heading to Lake Tekapo. As we drove away from Mt. Cook, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the unforgettable experiences. The journey to Lake Tekapo was equally scenic, with the bright blue waters of the lake and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd coming into view. I knew my adventure in New Zealand’s South Island was far from over. Mt. Cook National Park left me in awe of its raw beauty and grandeur. From the towering peaks to the serene glacial lakes, it was a trip I’ll cherish forever.