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Mountaineering in New Zealand is as old as the first Maori settlements. 1000 years ago, Maoris climbed the gorgeous Southern Alps and traversed the nearly impassable passes to spread across the country their cultural roots from their native land. Centuries later, Sir Edmund Hilary climbed these very slopes in preparation of the epic Mt Everest climb. Today these Southern Alps are not only known world over for its Alpine beauty but are also visited for their mountaineering opportunities.
Mountaineering in Southern Alps
Of the 26 mountaineering spots in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, Aoraki / Mount Cook is the highest in Australasia. Though the average height of 3000 m for may seem lesser than its European counterparts, these mountains pose consideration challenge and are great for expert mountaineers in need of practice.
Westland, Mount Cook, Mount Aspiring, Arthur's Pass and Fiordland national parks located on around the Southern Alps great divide are the other most frequented mountaineering destinations in New Zealand.
While the best time to climb a mountain in New Zealand is from November to March, you can also try the winter months incase you are an expert and experienced mountaineer.
Walks and Treks
If mountaineering in not your thing, don't be dismayed. New Zealand is famous for its great walking tracks that can take you around these very mountains and other places in the national parks within minutes or days, on your tour to New Zealand with Tours to New Zealand packages.
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