Beautiful Maya Bay Is “The Beach”

Have you seen the movie “The Beach” starred by the ever famous Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio?

The movie is about a group of young people who wants to escape the reality of life and accidentally discovered a spectacular island paradise.

The place featured in that movie is the then not so famous Maya Bay.

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What to see

This stunningly beautiful bay has become the main attraction of Phi Phi since the movie “The Beach” was filmed in 1999. Maya Bay offers different activities that tourists will definitely enjoy. Snorkeling, diving and kayaking are the most popular activities for tourists.

Diving and snorkeling is best throughout the bay which large underwater boulders are covered with corals and numerous radiantly colored fish. Tourist will definitely enjoy the silky soft white sand and extraordinary clear water of several beaches along Maya Bay.

Most of the beaches are small and some only appears during low tide but the main beach is about 200 meters long sheltered by 100-meter high cliffs on the sides.

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Tour guides and local tour shops offer fun activities such as drinking, partying and camping packages on “The Beach”. It is considered as a national nature reserve in Thailand and if you go there on your own, there is a fee of 200 baht. Phi Phi island has no airport, no stores and no hotels.

Tourists are advised to take a lot of food and drink before traveling to the island.

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Location

There is only one way to get to Phi Phi Island and the reason why is because it is a National Park in Thailand.

Maya Bay is situated on the island of Phi Phi Ley. Phi Phi is situated in Krabi Province in southern Thailand.

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Climate

Phi Phi is only 40km from Phuket and follows a similar climate with average temperatures around 75°F to 89°F (24°C to 32°C) year round.

The best time to visit Phi Phi is November to March when humidity and temperatures average 28°C and cool breezes keep things comfortable.

During the high season from November to April, seas are calm and access to the bay is easy that is why it is recommended to visit during this season.

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Transportation

All visitors have to ride a ferry boat in and out of Phi Phi Island and that is the only way to get to Maya Bay. There is no accommodation in Phi Phi Island where Maya Bay is located and is only accessible during the day by boat.

You can also rent private boats that can carry up to 4 people that can tour around the island in about 3-4 hours which costs about 1500 baht.

Tour packages costs from 500 baht to 1000 baht which includes visit to Maya Bay and other islands of Phi Phi. Guided tours depart daily from Phuket and Krabi by speedboat.

Images:

(1) http://ronkaclover.blog.pravda.sk/2013/10/11/maya-bay-sklamanie/

(2) http://www.travelnewsblog.co/tag/diving-on-phi-phi-island

(3) http://pinstake.com/map-of-phi-phi-islands/

(4) http://milliwall.com/phi-phi-island-27-cool-hd/

(5) http://www.sampaikini.com/maya-bay-ko-phi-le-thailand-wallpapers/

http://laurenceourac.com/beautiful-maya-bay-is-the-beach/

Afar Depression: Adventure of another Level

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Looks can be pretty deceiving when you thought of the beautiful landscape stowed away at one of the harshest places here on Earth.

Aside from unfavorable climate, one of the feared things in this region is the environment.

So why would people still seek it out? Because bearing witness to this surreal surrounding will be one of the highlights of your life.

Many has wanted to try this ultimate adventure, but only few followed to their desire and lived to tell that it is one of the greatest moments ever. Will you be one of those few? Warning though: BE CAREFUL.

LOCATION

Afar Depression is a geological depression also called the Afar Triangle, which is the result of Afar Triple Junction of the Great Rift Valley. It is situated at the three different regions: Eritrea, Djibouti, and the entire Afar Region of Ethiopia. It was locked by the Ethiopian Plateau and escarpment at the west, while the Danakil block borders the depression at the northeast.

Somalian Plateau and escarpment border it at the south, while at southeast border lies the Ali-Sabieh block. Lake Asal, Awash River, and the Danakil Depression cover the Afar Triangle.

CLIMATE

Danakil Depression is one of the hottest places here on earth for the whole year. Rainy seasons are from September to March with a temperature dropping only to 25°C while the dry season rises up to 48°C that happens at the end of March until the beginning of September. Due to harsh weather, only drought-resistant plants grow here.

Go in here during the rainy seasons in order for a more tolerable temperature.

TRANSPORTATION

A guided trip is recommended when taking a trip to Afar Triangle, which will prepare and brief you due to sometimes unstable political situations, harsh temperature, and land volatility.

The most common route is through the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, serving the Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Your booked guided tour will welcome you from the airport, which will care for your accommodations and vehicles that will tour you around the area of Afar Triangle. The trip will last for around 10 days depending on the places you will visit.

ATTRACTION

Awash National Park

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Awash National Park is a home for a number of species despite the harsh weather. The wildlife here constitutes mostly of herbivores such as the Grevy’s Zebra, Soemmering’s Gazelle, Oryx Beisa, and the African Wild Ass which has the last population in the world set in this region.

Ostrich, the Secretary Bird, Arabian and Kori bustards, Abyssinian Roller, Crested Francolin and the endemic lark are the birds living in this area.

Awash River

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The Awash River lies in the southern half of the Afar Region interconnected to other places in Ethiopia. It is one of the Awash town to-brag leisure sights.

It offers a quieter and calmer ambience reserved for you to fully enjoy the natural world.

Danakil Depression

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The Danakil Depression is the lowest point in the continent dropping to 509 feet below sea level. You have to brave the harsh temperature, since the region is distinct to be the hottest place in the world.

The depression is considered as the source of salt of the Ethiopians. The vivid tint of yellow due to sulfur and mineral salt formations mixing at the greenish tint of water creates an orange hue.

Erta Ale Lava Lake

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Now this is the ultimate adventure for those thrill-seekers. The Erta Ale Lava Lake has its molten magma bubbling just below the rim of five to ten meters. The place takes danger to another level.

Aside from the high activity, another thing to watch out for is the unstable region and sometimes unwelcoming natives. To get to the famous lava lake, you need to brave the harsh place of Danakil Depression and other inhospitable terrains hiding behind the deceiving vivid and colorful landscape.

Aside from the nature firework display of Mount Yasur, this one is another surreal moment that will top your life changing list.

Images:

(1)http://41.media.tumblr.com/25a8fa7111d7551935455b56e291bad2/tumblr_mso7ro5pkT1spdy26o1_1280.jpg
(2)http://i.ytimg.com/vi/TpSMnI7MUbE/maxresdefault.jpg
(3)http://www.bitanya-tour.com/images/attraction_pic4.jpg
(4)http://www.colinsnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/024-14-1024×678.jpg
(5)http://www.colinsnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/023-17.jpg

http://laurenceourac.com/afar-depression-adventure-of-another-level/

A Gaze to the Beauty of Rich Coast – Costa Rica

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Costa Rica is not the world’s biggest country, but is dubbed as the world’s happiest country. In 1502 Christopher Columbus named the country as “rich coast” and indeed it is. It may look small but Costa Rica has hidden, mysterious cloud forests, quiet beaches, green landscapes, red volcanic flames and extraordinary wildlife.

The country has about five percent of the world’s biodiversity, 200 volcanic formations, 800 miles of coastline and numerous national parks that are remarkable and historical. The country has earned its name as “the world’s happiest country” because of the abundant natural beauty and great experience that has to offer to the visitors, tourists and local residents.

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What to see

The Country has a lot of beautiful beaches of the Caribbean Coastline to Pacific that offers swimming, relaxation and some are best for surfing.

Some of top beaches are the Playa Real, Playa San Juanillo, Playa Rajada and Playa Avellanas and a lot more secretive shores that have dramatic sunset, pristine white sand and surf perfect waves.

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For travelers, going to Costa Rica also means taking a tour to see its rich wildlife and rainforest.

Tourist can watch the world’s rarest Neotropical animals that can easily be spotted with a pair of binoculars.

Some of it are the Scarlet Macaw, Squirrel Monkey, Leatherback Sea Turtle, Jaguar and Baird’s Tapir.

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Location

Costa Rica is a rainforest, Central American country, located between Nicaragua and Panama. Its boarders are the coastlines on the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.

The Capital city is San Jose, located in central Costa Rica called the Meseta Central.

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Climate

Costa Rica itself has an average temperature of 70 to 81 F (21 to 27 C). Due to its proximity to the equator, it has no real summer or winter.

It has two seasons; the Rainy season from May to November and the Dry season from December-April. Average rainfall in Costa Rica is around 100 inches a year, but some areas in Costa Rica’s mountains can get 25 feet of rainfall annually.

However, it doesn’t rain all the time during the Green (or Rainy) season, but this is the best and more affordable time to travel.

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Transportation

Visitors to Costa Rica enter through its capital city San Jose. Starting November 2015, Thomson Airways will be the only airline operating direct flights from the UK to Costa Rica.

Flights from London Gatwick to Liberia will operate weekly using 787 Dreamliners.

Images:

(1) http://coastalanglermag.com/costarica/costa-rica-franchise-launching-july-2015/
(2) http://www.tophdgallery.com/beach-rainforest-costa-rica.html
(3) http://otteradrift.com/tag/wildlife/
(4) http://www.freeworldmaps.net/centralamerica/costarica/
(5) http://thecruisetraveller.co.uk/destinations/central-america/costa-rica
(6) https://www.holidayhypermarket.co.uk/hype/truth-airlines-seat-pitch/

http://laurenceourac.com/a-gaze-to-the-beauty-of-rich-coast-costa-rica/

A calendar must see of Japan

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The Land of the Rising sun derived from the Japanese terms Nippon and Nihon both to literally mean “Origin of the Sun”.

There are numerous of captivating tourist hotspots in Japan every change of their season which rovers should enlist in their voyage pads.

Location

Japan is well known of its islands, that’s the reason why it is called a “Shimaguni” a Japanese term for an “Island Nation”. It is cabled with 6,852 islands and are subdivided into four main Islands namely Honshu inhering Tokyo city another is Shikoku, Kyushu and Hokkaido.

Japan is branded as a strategic location in terms of commerce it lies on the Pacific Ocean and located in Eastern part of Asia. Compared to its neighboring countries Japan may seem to look smaller in terms of its land area yet was able to capitalize it making them as one of the fastest emergent countries all over the World making them name worthy for their trademark “The land of the rising sun”.

Climate

Japan’s annual climate and weather change is commonly moderate, having 4 season changes such as Winter which is from December to February then a leap going to spring which is from March till May then the much awaited summer in June till august, and last of the clock is autumn which is from September up to November.

Such duration of climactic change is due to its location closest on the Northern sphere.

Transportation

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To mobile Japan will be such an ease due to their efficient transport systems common to other countries are buses, taxis to which are safe and convenient to ride on and are also extending reasonable prices.

Passes are also available to travelers for a smooth navigation on the road. One prominent transport system in Japan is called the Shinkansen trains connecting their major cities this 250 high-speed carriage is famous for being punctual and efficient of its kind.

What to see/ Attraction

Winter: Jigokudani Monkey Park

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Snow Monkeys or known as “The Japanese Macaques” settle in the beautiful valleys of Jigokudani which is near Shibu Onsen.

Visiting Japan during this season will not only make you feel cozy because of its icy weather but it will also leave you astounded as you will have a close encounter to these beautiful creatures (Snow Monkeys) as you see them enjoy take a bath on a hot.

Spring: Japan in Pink – Cherry Blossoms

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Who likes a pink spring? Cherry blossoms also known as “Sakura” cover the Japanese cherry trees during spring.

Sakura trees are not fruit bearing trees thus because of its beautiful pink matte shaded petals hanging around cool and breezy roads covering streets and the Chidorigafuchi moat in Tokyo, tourists are sure to have fond of seeing.

This is one spot must see in Japan. From its average bloom in March up to its full bloom peaks in May.

Summer: Get a tan at Shirarahama Beach

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Japan will never let themselves down by being one step behind other tropical countries in terms of stunning beaches. Want to have a white sand experience? Try going to Shirarahama Beach living by its name which means pure white.

This opens early May until summer time ends this beautiful sandy resort is located in Nanki Shirahama Onsen (hot springs) resort.

Autumn: Nature Trip

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If you are a nature lover this is one destination spot for you. Japan is known for preserving and treasuring their natural resources such as their greenly forests, layered water falls running down the streams, rivers and lakes.

Japan has so much to offer, such is the Nikkō National Park which is located just 125 km away from Tokyo and if you are a hiking and excursion fanatic this is one season that you wouldn’t want to miss in Japan.

Japan has been an all-time favorite tourist destination and will never go off the bucket not only because of their rich culture but because of for love and patronage their locals are extending to support and care for their natural resources.

http://laurenceourac.com/a-calendar-must-see-of-japan/

Zooming in to White Island

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If you want to add your vacation with a bit of spice, then the White Island cruise will just be perfect for you.

For around six hours get ready for a panoramic view in the form of hissing, bubbling, and steaming White Island volcano, which tourists still seek out amidst the other stunning view Bay of Islands is rich of.

LOCATION

White Island also known as Whakaari stands at a prominent height of 321 meters, situated 48 kilometers at the east coast of North Island, New Zealand. This andesite, stratovolcano is NZ’s most active volcano.

It has a circular shape with about two kilometers in diameter. It only rises at 321 meters, since it is just the peak of a much larger mountain hiding beneath sea level. The height of the submarine mountain rises at 1,600 meters making it the largest volcanic structure in NZ.

CLIMATE

Since it is one of the islands in Bay of Plenty, it experiences the same climate with minor to very little differences. The general climate of the island enjoys four seasons. Spring occurs at the months of September to November with max. Average of 19ºC to min. average of 9ºC, while fall occurs during the months of March to April with max. Average temperature of 21 ºC to min. average temperature of 11 ºC.

The island enjoys summer during the months of December to February with a max. Average temperature of 25 ºC and a min. average temperature of 14 ºC, while winter months fall from June to July experiencing a max. Average temperature of 16 ºC and a min. average temperature at 7 ºC.

TRANSPORTATION

To get to the island, it’s either by plane or by boat. Boating companies offer trips seven days a week if the weather allows with $175.00 charge per person. There’s a discount for children under thirteen years for the months of January and December and a free charge for children below one year of age.

The roundtrip lasts for five to six hours with refreshments included. On the other hand the round trip will only last for two and half hours if you travel by plane. They also offer trips seven days a week with a charge of $435 per person.

ATTRACTIONS

The Cruise to White Island

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If you thought you’ll be losing time travelling by boat, then you’re sorely mistaken.

Opting for this mode of transportation will treat you to more than an hour of marine show with whales and dolphins as the main acts in a scenic backdrop of Sweeping Ocean.

The Barren Landscape

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Stepping at the Shore of White Island, you’ll see that everything is in plus size.

Huge, strewn boulders dominate the barren, streaked red, iron oxide reach land standing in contrast to the vividness of sulfur whites and yellow.

The Crater Lake

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It hisses, it bubbles and it spurts. You will see the true geological wonder here at the Crater Lake creating sulfur-enriched steams creating smokes that cover the glittering red-and-yellow limestone adding a much needed color to the barren grayscale landscape.

Wear your hat and add a nose mask if you have some medical problem in venturing here.

Old factory

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The tour will not be complete without taking a look at the old sulfur manufacturing factory. It stands as a monument of the result of being exposed too much to sulfur with its decaying and crumbling foundations.

The factory may still be present now, but add another years, decades, and this sight at the White Island will be no more – a testament to the cruelty of time.

http://laurenceourac.com/zooming-in-to-white-island/

Tanna Island: Where History is preserved

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Tanna Island is the place where black meets white. A fusion of stark, black volcanic sands stands in vivid contrast to the region’s white sand beaches.

The rich culture and amazing sights island will bring you into different heights of emotion and the one experience that will have you craving for more of what other treats the Oceanic Island Nations has to offer.

LOCATION

Tanna Island also spelled as Tanna is a 40 kilometers long and 19 kilometers wide area belonging to the Oceanic Island Nation of Vanuatu Archipelago of the South Pacific Ocean.

The archipelago lie 1, 750 kilometers east of northern Australia, 500 kilometers northeast of New Caledonia, east of New Guinea, southeast of the Solomon Islands, and west of Fiji. Tanna Island itself lies at the south of the archipelago, facing Erromango Island at the north, Anatom Island at the south, the Coral Sea at the west, and Aniwa and Futuna islands at the eastern part.

CLIMATE

The general climate of the archipelago to which it includes Tanna Island is tropical. Months of April and September enjoy a cool season while at the start of October; the region experiences a rise in temperature.

The wettest and hottest months occur from months of December until April, which is the season cyclones, while the driest months are from June until October.

TRANSPORTATION

You can have connecting flights from the eastern seaboard cities of Australia to Vanuatu which constitutes of Brisbane (2.5 hours flying time from North East of Brisbane to Vanuatu), Sydney (2.5 ours flying time), Melbourne (under four hours flying time), and Auckland (more than 2 hours flying time).

From Vanuatu, there is a domestic flight from Port Vila. The flight will last for 35 minutes. It will be more efficient if you allow an hour of check-in time. Getting around Tanna Island will be mostly through trucks as the roads are rough.

ATTRACTIONS

Nekowiar Festival

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Nekowiar Festival or also known as “Toka Dance” features the most importance dance in the ceremony.

The festival is not held every year, so spectators wait for the discretion of the chiefs to see the riot of colors from the sun’s rays sifting through colorful feathers and spangles, reflecting through the vivid greens of fronds and grass skirts. This festival is a truly mirrors the rich culture of the Vanuatu.

The Kastom Walk

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Kastom is the way of life in Tanna, where they preserved their culture by rejecting western influences. In Kastom walk, you will be greeted by the natives and introduced to their cultures through colorful face paintings and coffee plantations among others.

Collective visit is arranged to prevent getting in the way of the villagers chores.

White Grass Plains

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Whitegrass Plains is a sweeping expanse of grass-covered land perfect for horse-riding. There are numerous tracks available for your choice. A little bit further near the shore is a resort also famous in Tanna.

It offers restaurants to fit your taste buds and other amenities such as free Wi-Fi and massage or treatment rooms among other standards. Outside the building, you can spend your time snorkeling or simply walk by the shore.

Mount Yasur

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Mount Yasur is one of the most visited in Tanna. Going to the mountain offers a splendid sight of jagged limestone cutting though volcanic ashes shifting the panoramic view of lush greenery to stunning moonscapes.

But just what the old adage says, save the best for the last. The exploding magma it shoots at the night sky will rival your fireworks display. This nature firework is one of the life-changing sights you’ll see.

http://laurenceourac.com/tanna-island-where-history-is-preserved/

Lost Your Worries at Mt. Cook National Park

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Witness the snow-hugged terrain of Tasman glaciers on the slopes of the greenery-covered Mt. Cook.

Up in the heights of the park’s peak, let your worries float away with the winds or let your bad memories buried and forgotten while hiking or simply just taking a walk through the winding terrain of the park.

LOCATION

Mt. Cook National Park is located near the town of Twizel in the South Island of New Zealand.The 700 square kilometers span of Mt. Cook National Park cradles the around New Zealand’s 20 peaks including the country’s highest mountain Mt. Cook or also known as Aoraki, which stands at the glorious height of 3753 meters.

Covered by an estimated 40 percent of glacier, the area boasts the Tasman Glacier. The rugged terrain of landscape uplifts at about five to ten millimeters per year, which are easily countered by the erosion occurring in the park.

CLIMATE

Climate in the Mt. Cook National Park changes constantly; however, here’s the statistics to keep you guided for the park’s climate. The maximum average temperature peaks in mid-February ranging from 14 to 16 degrees Celsius while the minimum average temperature falls at July in which the temperature drops for as low as 2 degrees Celsius.

The park also enjoys the beautiful passing of seasons in which the summer months that fall during November to February are long, hot, and dry while winter is a wonderful contrast of crisp, and snowy white landscape during the months of June to September. You will also get treated to autumn’s myriad of colors and to spring’s blessings that blooms throughout the region.

TRANSPORTATION

Queenstown and Christchurch are nearest to the park’s region. Since there are several international airports in New Zealand, it is better if you opt for those two nearest places. It will take about two and half hour drive to reach the region if you’re from Christchurch that is in the South, and also the same number of driving hours if you’re from Queenstown that is located in the North of the region.

However, you need to get acquainted to the travel rules of New Zealand since they have uncommon ones due to the right of way. You can visit their Land Transport Safety Authority’s Overseas Driver’s Section to get some advice.

On the other hand, if you’re travelling during the months of September and May, Cook Connection offers shuttle service which also includes commentaries between Lake Tekapo, Twizel, And Mount Cook, and Twizel.

ATTRACTIONS

Tasman Glacier

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The 27×3 kilometer Tasman Glacier is New Zealand’s largest glacier that is melting fast!

This crisp, snow-capped landmark is one of the must-sees before the glaciers melted down and you lost the chance of glacier sea-kayaking in this area forever.

Mount Cook Helicopter Flight

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When visiting Mount Cook National Park, helicopter flights are the things you don’t want to pass up. The flight will take you through vast snowfields atop the mountains and experience the thrill in standing at the top of the mountains where the winds blew strong and the climate definitely colder.

Fly over also through the Tasman Glaciers and slopes of the park’s peak. The scenic views are never-ending in this ride as you fly across the native rainforests of the rugged West Coast.

Hike and Trek at Mount Cooks’s Famous Tracks

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Hike and trek though the famous tracks at Mount Cook’s National Park. The Tasman Glacier View Track is the best choice for sightseeing where the Tasman Glacier is the main attraction.

Hooker Valley Track is another popular hiking and trekking site at the park. It is one of the best walks in the park where you’ll get across three swing bridges which will grant you another sight to behold of the Mount Cook National Park landscape.

Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

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Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre is another place the park has to boast. Located in the middle of towering peaks and blooming flora, the centre is a multimedia museum named after the regarded greatest New Zealander of all time.

The museum is the home for Sir Ed’s memorabilia especially the 75-minute film of his conquest of Mount Everest. The centre also showcases domed planetarium and a cinema.

Hooker Valley Aorki

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The domed planetarium is a special treat of the centre where they introduce the country’s southern sky through a 45-minute presentation.

After that, you can venture outside with telescopes, binoculars, and astronomy guide for a complete experience.

http://laurenceourac.com/lost-your-worries-at-mt-cook-national-park/