8.Mount Cook National Park is home of the highest mountains and the longest glaciers.It is alpine(高山) in the purest sense-with skyscraping peaks,glaciers and permanent snow fields,all set under a star-studded sky.
Key Highlights
Although it includes 23peaks over 3,000metres high,this park is very accessible.State Highway 80leads to Mt Cook Village which is situated beside scenic Lake Pukaki and provides a comfortable base for alpine activities.Far from city lights,the stargazing here is magnificent-Aoraki Mount Cook National Park forms the majority of New Zealand's only International Dark Sky Reserve.
Mountaineers regard the area to be the best climbing region,while less skilled adventurers find plenty of satisfaction with the mountain walks that lead to alpine tarns,herb fields and spectacular glacier views.Encounters(遇到) with cheeky kea (mountain parrots) are part of the fun.
Key Activities
Mountain walks
There are 10short walks beginning near the village.All tracks are formed and well marked.The Red Tarns Track,Kea Point and the Hooker Valley Track each take around two hours return.For more experienced alpine hikers,there are three mountain pass routes-over the Mueller,Copland and Ball passes.
Glacier viewing and skiing
Helicopters and ski-planes provide access to the park's fabulous glaciers.The Tasman Glacier is an excellent choice for intermediate skiers,while the Murchison,Darwin and Bonney glaciers promise excitement for advanced skiers.From October until May,you can explore the Tasman Glacier's terminal lake by boat.
Mountaineering
Climbing Mount Cook remains the ultimate challenge,but there are many other peaks to tempt experienced climbers.Tasman,Malte Brun,Elie de Beaumont,Sefton and La Perouse are local favourites.
Key Tips
•Climbers don't require permits,but are requested to complete a trip intentions form.
•Local guides are available for climbing,walking and glacier skiing.
•Winter climbing is an extreme sport-only recommended for well-prepared,experienced mountaineers.
•The weather can change very suddenly-be prepared for heavy rainfall,snow and/or high winds.
•The park has an airport serving domestic commercial flights and scenic flight operators.
56.Which is one of the characteristics of Mount Cook National Park?B
A.It is so-called alpine and hard to reach.
B.It provides star-shining night skies for visitors.
C.It attracts less skilled visitors to all alpine activities.
D.It appeals to adventurers mainly for finding cheeky kea.
57.If you are a visitor to the park,you shouldA.
A.properly evaluate your own experience and skill
B.get your permit prepared before you start to climb
C.hire local guides to help you to train for climbing
D.choose Darwin glacier to ski on as an intermediate skier.