Posts Tagged ‘aoraki’

January 26th, 2010 Photo Blog 015 – Flying over Mount Cook

Southern Alps, New Zealand

I’ve taken my sweet time in uploading my next set of shots from New Zealand, but here it is after 2 weeks or so since my last effort.

This collection is from a little helicopter tourist flight we took over the mount cook range. It was an experience of mixed emotions. On the one hand we were flying high above and between the most beautiful snow-capped mountain range, getting close-up views of the famous landmark peaks and just generally having a whale of a time. On the other there was the disappointment of it being too foggy to land up in the snow and take our promised walkabout. Oh yeah, and there were the 2 small girls in the back who wouldn’t stop screaming.

The Helicopter Line

The image above is of the actual chopper we rode in. Luckily Sonia and I got given the front two seats next to the pilot which meant we had a much better view than the 4 people (plus two brats) in the back.

Up, up and away!!

Shortly after takeoff we were already being introduced to some spectacular views, this shot somewhat able to convey the scale of the scene unfolding, with Mount Cook Road in the foreground providing an anchor. It was about now that the kids behind (2 girls aged around 2 and 4) started wailing. We were extremely grateful for the headset that we had to wear to listen to the pilot as it did manage to block most of the girls shrieking.

On the way to Mount Cook

The shot above shows the way ahead as we made our way towards Mount Cook which is the right-most peak in the photo. If you look really closely you can just about make out Mount Cook Road again in the middle-right portion of the frame. We headed along in this direction before veering left and up towards the snowy peaks that you can just make out amidst the clouds.

A steep incline… Or decline depending on your footing.

This was one of the first areas I was able to take a nice shot up in the peaks. Unfortunately for me, once we got up there a combination of the striking similarity between one mountain and the next and a general confusion brought on by a feeling of euphoria from being amongst such a wonderland meant that any one of these shots could have been of Mount Cook itself, but I’m never likely to know now.

A Glacier – who knows which one?

High above a glacier, possibly the Tasman, but just as likely any other. You can see in the top left a glacial lake that is fed by this huge chunk of ice as it slides down through the valley.

Landing anyone?

It was around about this time when we realised we weren’t going to be making our snow landing. The pilot made out that it was too cloudy, but he really didn’t seem too sure. He seemed to be avoiding the subject when other pilots suggested alternative sites over the radio… In hindsight I am 99% certain that he just didn’t want to deal with the little sh… kids in the back, having to get them out and then having the hassle of making sure they dont die. All I know is that the $20 refund we received for not getting to go out and have a walk didn’t really make up for it considering it was supposed to be a big chunk of our $295 trip. It was difficult to stay mad though considering I was having the time of my life anyway.

Go West

This penultimate shot was taken looking west towards the Fox Glacier area, although I cant promise exact accuracy. For a few moments we could actually see the coastline which was incredible considering to get there by car from where we took off would take around 8 hours.

Lake Pukaki

This final shot was taken on our descent towards Glentanner park where we were staying. You can just make out a runway at the bottom-right edge of Lake Pukaki which is where we were to land. The wonderful colours of Lake Pukaki did not diminish even from this great height and were a great little bonus to finish our little tour on.

See you next time!