Happy Monday traveler!

We’re going hiking in New Zealand this week - on the South Island. You’re going to experience Hooker Valley Track and one of the most beautiful mountains you’ve ever seen, Mt. Cook.

🌍️ What’s Going on In the Travel World?

• Record July Fourth travel expected as Americans hit the road and the skies - will be after the 4th by the time you read this but interesting prediction

• London’s newest and most exclusive hotel penthouses start at $50,000 a night - we’re not into extreme luxury travel, but would be cool to check out

• Big News for Atlas Ocean Voyages Polar Expeditions - Expeditions like these and learning about the Inuit are on our list, what about yours?

• Greenland’s tourism industry is expected to boom - sticking with the Arctic theme, Greenland is fascinating, any publicity is good publicity

• Airline Ramper Moons Plane Captain in Viral Video - 🤣no better way to get a pilot’s attention

A message from Passport Inspiration

Looking to plan an inspiring adventure right now?

Planning an international trip can be overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be.

How?

You just need a plan for your plan.

It’s important to prepare with enough time for things like:

• Visas

• Dining

• Lodging

• Passports

• Excursions

• Travel Arrangements

  If you want a head start planning, we can help you prepare for an amazing trip.

🙌This Week’s Inspiration

If you’re searching for a place where turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and unforgettable trails meet, look no further than Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park on New Zealand’s South Island.

This is the tallest mountain in New Zealand and the name Aoraki recognizes its Maori name which means “Cloud Piercer”.

The name “Cook” is European and comes from Captain James Hook. The mountain range is called the Southern Alps.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park was established in 1953 and is now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Area known as Te Wahipounamu - Southwest New Zealand.

We flew into Christchurch and stayed there for a couple of nights before heading further south to Mt. Cook. The city suffered extensive damage by an earthquake in 2010 and there are still remnants of that destruction today. However, it is recovering and is definitely a place worth staying and exploring.

We loved the trolley cars, shops and restaurants there which made this city the perfect place to stay for a few nights.

The drive to Mt. Cook from Christchurch is a trip in itself. You’ll pass through rolling farmlands with sheep grazing in the hillsides. Stopping in the town of Fairlie is the perfect place to stretch your legs out a bit.

Make sure to purchase some breakfast or lunch items at Fairlie Bakehouse and then continue on towards Mt. Cook.

A must-see spot as you near Mt. Cook is Lake Tekapo. Also, take a moment to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd which is the most photographed church in all of New Zealand. Photography is not allowed inside the church. There is a glass wall inside the church that gives you stunning views of Lake Tekapo.

Further along is Lake Pukaki, which is famous for its glacier-fed, milky turquoise water. You’ll get your first glimpse of the Aoraki/Mount Cook as it rises in the distance from the shore.

Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park is one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen, but the highlight is the Hooker Valley Track. This is a relatively easy (flat) 3 hour return walk that takes you over swing bridges, through alpine meadows with wildflowers, and ends at Hooker Lake with Mt. Cook looking down on you.

You cannot help but feel inspired here, surrounded by snowcapped mountains, turquoise waters and wide-open alpine valleys. Standing here will make you feel small and deeply connected to the earth.

*How to Get to Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park

You can either rent a car (driving is done on the left side of the road in New Zealand) or you can take a day trip from Christchurch.

🚗⛰️Here are some driving tips:

✅ Allow plenty of time

It takes around 4.5 hours nonstop, but you’ll want to stop for photos and breaks, so plan on a full day.

✅ Fuel up in bigger towns

Once you leave Christchurch, fuel stations become sparse. Fill up in places like Geraldine or Fairlie before heading into Mackenzie Country.

✅ Drive on the left

If you’re not from New Zealand, remember to drive on the left side of the road.

✅ Stop at Lake Tekapo

It’s the perfect halfway point to stretch your legs, see the Church of the Good Shepherd, and grab food.

✅ Watch for weather

Conditions can change fast, especially in winter — check weather and road closures on NZ Transport Agency websites before you go.

✅ Be prepared for narrow roads

Some roads near Mount Cook village are winding and narrow — drive carefully and pull over for photos instead of slowing down in traffic.

✅ Plan for photo stops

Lake Pukaki has amazing turquoise water with Mt Cook views — you’ll want to stop here!

✅ Pack snacks and water

There are limited shops once you get closer to Mount Cook National Park.

✅ Be aware of DOC fees and visitor information

Many hikes are free, but check Department of Conservation (DOC) info if you want to use facilities or do guided walks.

✅ Stay overnight if you can

Driving there and back in a day is exhausting. Stay in Mount Cook Village to really soak in the scenery.

Where to Stay:

Aoraki/Mt. Cook Alpine Lodge - steps away from the Aoraki/Mt Cook Visitor Center

Pukaki Air Lodge - guesthouse with free breakfast

Haka House Aoraki Mt Cook - only an 8 minute walk to the Aoraki/Mt Cook Visitor Center

What to Pack:

You will need sturdy shoes or hiking boots for the trails. Depending on the season, you will need a warm jacket for the winter and something lighter for the summer months. Definitely dress in layers. The UV rays in New Zealand can be strong and you will want sun protection. Hiking poles may be useful but not required for the Hooker Valley track. We recommend this tripod to help you capture the perfect photos of Mount Cook, and this power bank to help keep your phone charged.

👋 Have an Inspiring Week

Here are a few of our affiliate links to help you when at Mt. Cook. It’s no extra cost to you and helps us keep this email free for everyone. 😀

• Day tours from Christchurch to Mt Cook

• Three hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

• From Queenstown - Mt Cook and Tasman Glacier viewpoint

• Mt Cook Tandem Skydive Experience - would you do this?!

See you next week,

Trisha & Bob