Mt. Cook NP or Arthur's Pass in mid-October

Old Sep 11th, 2015, 03:56 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Mt. Cook NP or Arthur's Pass in mid-October

Hi,
I'll have 3-4 days to get away from Christchurch in mid-October and want to do some hiking and mountain photography. Trying to decide between Mt Cook NP or Arthur's Pass NP. I like Arthur's Pass because it's pretty close to CHC, but I also heard it can be quite rainy up there especially at that time of year. Would I do better at Mt Cook for weather, or much the same?
Which choice would give more opportunities for great mountain vistas driving to and hiking around, or both great?
Thanks for your feedback, first visit to NZ.
soboyle is offline  
Old Sep 12th, 2015, 07:14 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,792
Received 83 Likes on 5 Posts
The weather in NZ is anyone's guess regardless of time of year, but both Mt Cook and Arthur's Pass get plenty of rain. Arthur's Pass is surrounded by mountains, so most tracks go up, and the sun doesn't reach the valley until late in the morning which can make it cold and dark. In my experience, it can be difficult to photograph from within the village as you're looking UP from below, but on a clear sunny day, there are endless photo ops on the drive to the village from Christchurch.

Mt Cook isn't much fun in bad weather, and can be completely obscured by fog more often than not, but on a beautiful day...well, you get the picture.

I personally prefer the tracks around Mt Cook, and the azure blue of Lake Hawea and Tasman Glacier is quite the photographic contrast even in the gloom.

Yeah, I know that' doesn't help much. Toss a coin. They're both good.
Melnq8 is offline  
Old Sep 13th, 2015, 04:58 PM
  #3  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Excellent, thanks. It's helpful knowing I can't really go wrong at either location. I think it will come down to weather and time available. One thing that surprised me was the train fare from CHC to Arthur's Pass. I can rent a car for much less, and have the option to stop along the way for photography.
soboyle is offline  
Old Sep 13th, 2015, 05:25 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,792
Received 83 Likes on 5 Posts
Yeah, and the train goes through tunnels, so you're missing the best bits. A car is the way to go for sure.
Melnq8 is offline  
Old Sep 14th, 2015, 11:56 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi,

While you are there, be sure to visit Hooker Glacier Lake in Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park. You can go camping there at the DOC hut and take in some of the most amazing views in the region. But be ready for the weather.

Here is some more information about this great attraction.

https://www.theor.com/content/5669569565818880
joshua63 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
DianeCHS
Australia & the Pacific
6
Aug 26th, 2017 12:18 PM
ChicagoJ
Australia & the Pacific
7
May 27th, 2015 05:52 AM
diego22
Australia & the Pacific
4
Aug 16th, 2012 05:27 PM
xxxxx
Australia & the Pacific
2
Feb 2nd, 2005 02:55 PM
Chad
Australia & the Pacific
10
Sep 24th, 2002 12:45 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -