The Maori legend of Mount Cook is the story of Aoraki and his three brothers. They were the sons of Rakinui (the Sky Father) and were on a voyage around Papatuanuku (the Earth Mother) when disaster struck and they became stranded upon a reef.
The voyagers climbed on to the top side of the canoe and after a time the south wind froze them and turned them into stone. Their canoe became the South Island (Te Waka o Aoraki is the oldest name for the South Isand) and Aoraki who stood tallest of the brothers is now seen as the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook with the Southern Alps as his brothers and other members of this crew.
European pioneers moved to the area in the 1850s and began extensive grazing of sheep and cattle. The Mackenzie Country is named after New Zealand's most famous outlaw: James Mackenzie, a sheep rustler who, along with his sheep dog Friday, was accused of sheep stealing. He was finally captured in 1855, and after a series of escapes and increasing illness, he was released in 1856 and promptly disappeared forever.
Although helicopters and 4WD vehicles have replaced the bullock trains and horses of the last century, the romance of the High Country has not disappeared. The harsh climate and weather conditions still test the people and their dogs to the limit.
The potential for hydro electric power from the region's magnificent lakes was first recognised in 1904 with the Hay Report and from this the Upper Waitaki Power Scheme was born. The first stage commenced in 1938 and by the 1980s the scheme had expanded to five power stations, and a system of connecting canals now cross the Mackenzie Country like turquoise highways - ribbons of blue on the scorched brown earth.
Mount Cook offers a camping site located on the road heading towards th Hooker valley, beautiful scenery to wake up to.
If you prefer a bed, the excellent YHA provides a range of options well within the reach of any pocket, the Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge has just opened or The Hermitage provides sanitary luxury at extreme prices! |
