A fantastically scenic drive of 40 miles to Mount Cook Village (or so it should have been if not for the downpour we drove through all the way) sees us arrive at the historic Hermitage Hotel for a night. Once the weather clears, we can see why everyone that visits this area is lost for words. The sight of snow-topped mountains intermittently hidden by drifting clouds makes for a picture perfect scene.
Happily, the weather remains fine and we embark upon a hike to the foot of the Hooker Glacier, the nearest point to Mount Cook without climbing it! Once there, the sight of Mount Cook and the (still) advancing Glacier provides an unforgettable memory.
The following morning we have to drive back the same way we came and the weather is brilliant thereby highlighting the fantastic scenery we missed on the way in.
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