Mt Cook

**Skyryder** · 15th July 2006, 20:53

Just thought that Mt Cook is about half way from north to south of the south island and could include a good number of SI Kiwi bikers for a bit of a whatever etc. Perhaps a day ride is a bit far and the socialising would be minimal. I have no idea of what accomidation is avaliable or if there is a camping ground.

The next question is when. I have a daughter getting married in November just not too sure of the date. So I'm open to suggestions. Would prefer a month where the weather is settled. So suggestions anyone. There's no rush with this although the sooner a date is finalised the more people can orgaise themselves to attend.

Skyryder

My typings gone to shit. Should be Mt Cook.

**Virago** · 15th July 2006, 21:30

Sounds like a great spot for a KB gathering.

There is a good camping ground at Glentanner Park at the head of Lake Pukaki, on the road to Mt Cook. Helicopter flights leave from there for a flight round the mountain and over to the West Coast (for those financially inclined).

**98tls** · 15th July 2006, 21:41

Great idea...im in

**oldrider** · 15th July 2006, 21:51

As discussed before, I am keen as long as there is no conflict with any other personal commitment, count me in.
Even Mrs O expressed interest in going along.
The local pub at Otematata was discussed as a possible venue for such an event but the last frosts cleaned out most of their accommodation and flooded the lot.
The pub just changed hands since the Moto Guzzi riders group were here, rocket Ron has moved on.
I will check if you like, there are other establishments here if you are interested.
If it is held here I don't get to go on a ride so I don't care much where you hold it. Cheers John.

**98tls** · 15th July 2006, 21:56

What about the Haka pub....they have a few rooms for those that dont want to tent...theres an area right beside the pub for tenting etc...somr trikers had a rally there a few years back.

**scumdog** · 15th July 2006, 22:02

Originally Posted by 98tls

What about the Haka pub....they have a few rooms for those that dont want to tent...theres an area right beside the pub for tenting etc...somr trikers had a rally there a few years back.

Sounds o.k - out on its own but handy to Kurow.

Just need a good 'lead-time' to get days off organised.

**98tls** · 15th July 2006, 22:11

Originally Posted by scumdog

Sounds o.k - out on its own but handy to Kurow.

Just need a good 'lead-time' to get days off organised.

same as i work 4 on 4 off,might not suit everyone but the owners are pretty good people ie flexible...its a starting point anyway....depends how many want a room instead of tenting as i dont think they have that many,can find out though.

**crazybigal** · 15th July 2006, 22:17

there is not that many places to stay except the hermitage hotel, but there are some good camp spot not far from mt cook, check out the icebergs on the tasman lake about 10min drive from mt cook and a 20min walk.
we took an inflatable boat and had a paddle

Originally Posted by Skyryder

Just thought that Mt Cook is about half way from north to south of the south island and could include a good number of SI Kiwi bikers for a bit of a whatever etc. Perhaps a day ride is a bit far and the socialising would be minimal. I have no idea of what accomidation is avaliable or if there is a camping ground.

The next question is when. I have a daughter getting married in November just not too sure of the date. So I'm open to suggestions. Would prefer a month where the weather is settled. So suggestions anyone. There's no rush with this although the sooner a date is finalised the more people can orgaise themselves to attend.

Skyryder

My typings gone to shit. Should be Mt Cook.

**Skyryder** · 16th July 2006, 10:27

Well there seems to be some general interest so the next thing is when.

I'm pretty much jammed up in November daughter's wedding's on the 18 so there are two options. Sometime in October...............or December. Of the two I'd go for October. December is too close to Xmas for me and I guess many others..............but the third choice would be some time in the Chistmas break in January. I know this some way down the track.......but the weather can be better..........but if it's just a short burst for the weekend October........so what's the line on this. Ideas..........................

Skyryder

**Jantar** · 16th July 2006, 10:34

Count me in also, depending on the dates. Late Octaber - early november would suit me best.

In the Central South Island there is good camping avaibale at Tekapo, GlenTanner (Mt Cook), Twizel, Omarama, Otematata, or 10 acres at our place near Alexandra. Personally I like the Mt Cook idea.

**Oakie** · 16th July 2006, 11:17

I worked in Mount Cook for 7 1/2 years (at the Hermitage Hotel) so if you have any general questions about the hotel or the Mt Cook area feel free to drop me a PM and I'll see if I can provide an answer.

Umm, no one has said they wanted to but you probably don't want to stay at the Hermitage complex. Even the cheapest option (a 'Chalet') is $280 for 4 people + $75 per additional person (after 1 October).

Here's the link to the Hermitage Hotel and a bit of Mt Cook info anyway. http://www.mount-cook.com/
and here's Glentanner Park http://www.glentanner.co.nz/

In addition to those there is also a DOC camping ground at the start of the Hooker Valley just past the Mt Cook village. Another option real close to Mt Cook is Unwin Hut which is about 5 km short of the village and is a popular spot for climbers and school groups to stay. (Dormitory style accommodation)

Good luck. Might even come myself.

**Skyryder** · 16th July 2006, 11:42

Originally Posted by Oakie

I worked in Mount Cook for 7 1/2 years (at the Hermitage Hotel) so if you have any general questions about the hotel or the Mt Cook area feel free to drop me a PM and I'll see if I can provide an answer.

Umm, no one has said they wanted to but you probably don't want to stay at the Hermitage complex. Even the cheapest option (a 'Chalet') is $280 for 4 people + $75 per additional person (after 1 October).

Here's the link to the Hermitage Hotel and a bit of Mt Cook info anyway. http://www.mount-cook.com/
and here's Glentanner Park http://www.glentanner.co.nz/

In addition to those there is also a DOC camping ground at the start of the Hooker Valley just past the Mt Cook village. Another option real close to Mt Cook is Unwin Hut which is about 5 km short of the village and is a popular spot for climbers and school groups to stay. (Dormitory style accommodation)

Good luck. Might even come myself.

Assuming that October early Nov is a goer what's the weather like for camping. Personaly I like the idea of a hut or some kind of shelter. If the weather turns to custard......................just no fun camping in the rain. Teh Unwin hut sounds interesting

Skyryder

Don't think the Hermatage is realy an option considering the price.

**Oakie** · 16th July 2006, 14:43

Originally Posted by Skyryder

Assuming that October early Nov is a goer what's the weather like for camping. Personaly I like the idea of a hut or some kind of shelter. If the weather turns to custard......................just no fun camping in the rain. Teh Unwin hut sounds interesting

You can never depend on the weather at any time of the year in Mount Cook. Can be glorious and turn to shit in an hour. I used to live in Twizel and commute to Mt Cook 65kms away and the weather could be completely different. It's just an alpine micro-climate. Even Glentanner 20 km down the road can have a nice day while it can rain all day at Cook.
It does rain regularly. I started there on 28 September 1994 and it rained there for at least part of each of the following 40 days. On the other hand if you get a nice day it's just glorious!
I can't find prices for Unwin Hut but here's a link for enquiries if you're interested. http://www.fourcorners.co.nz/new-zea...duct=unwin-hut
It's not much more than a place to sleep but it's warm and dry ... and fairly cheap I guess. (The place does have a live in manager)

If you do look at staying near Cook, the most reasonable place to eat is probably the 'Chamois Bar'. They do pretty cheap bar meals and the bar prices are the same as the city. (Well that was 4 years ago but I don't think they would have changed that as it's where the staff drink).

As an option, you could stay at Twizel and just do a day trip to Mt Cook. I never had the opportunity to do it but the Mt Cook Rd would be a great bike ride.

**TonyB** · 16th July 2006, 14:54

HA! Didn't look at this cause I thought it was something to do with food and the cooker thereof...
As long as I have a roadworthy bike I'd be keen. Seem to recall the accomodation being rather pricey, and they knew eachothers prices down to the cent. So at the time it looked like they had an agreement to keep prices up