Climbing the mountain is a technical challenge crossing large crevasses with a risk of rock and ice falls, avalanches and rapidly changing weather conditions. The first attempt to climb the highest peak was in 1882 by two Swiss climbers and it is believed they came within 50m of the summit and it was successfully summited in 1894 when New Zealanders Tom Fyfe, John Michael Clarke and George Graham reached the top.
Unfortunately, Aoraki/Mount Cook, is also NZ's most deadliest mountain, with over 80 people perishing on it’s slopes.
However, the area is not just about extreme mountaineering. There are plenty of activities for all levels of fitness and technical ability and you’ll find something to challenge you in this National Park.
As people were coming to grips with the travel restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 epidemic and the loss of their potential overseas travel plans, the focus turned to New Zealand and what we have to offer the intrepid traveller and the adventurer at heart.
The strange thing is, that for overseas visitors, New Zealand is considered the adventure capital of the world, yet we often look overseas first for our next adventure. So while in isolation, as most New Zealanders did I am sure, I got to sorting out the spare bedroom and came across photo albums from back in the day.
This story is from the June 2020 edition of Adventure Magazine.
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This story is from the June 2020 edition of Adventure Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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