I’ve heard so many people tell of disappointing and uneventful trips to the Mt Cook region where the great mountain has been under heavy mists and views have been limited to a mere glimpse of the white peak if at all.

Our hopes were renewed as we drove around the first corner and saw the soaring view of Mt Cook and its surrounding mountains clear in view. The clouds were drifting aimlessly in the blue skies above but not inhibiting on the snowy peaks. My speedo soared to unquestionable heights as we raced towards the mountain in fear that by the time we reached Mt Cook, Clouds would have overshadowed its peak.

We were delighted to find the mountain views were never lost in clouds, nor were we deprived of seeing the sun set light up the mountain like a pink neon light at dusk. There was no comparison for such a view! The most spectacular view of all however was sunrise at 5:30 as the sun peaked over Mt Cook, it lit up the snowy range in an array of colours and caused deep shadows to crease the grounds below, it was a beautiful and completely unparralled experience.