Mount Cook National Park (New Zealand)
The mountain is a popular challenge for serious climbers who often ascend it as practice before taking on Mount Everest. However the Park provides plenty of scenic hikes for non-climbing visitors who want to experience the mountain at its best. For those looking for something slightly more strenuous, there are mountain passes that involve some climbing. All walks lead from the Mount Cook Village, where it is also possible to give weary legs a rest and go up the tracks on horseback.