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FAR ABOVE WORRY LEVEL

MANY ATTRACTIONS AT MOUNT COOK SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHRISTMAS The man who described Mount Cook as thousands of feet above worry level joins that band of immortals who from time to time have given humanity a phrase that in a few words conveys an infinity of ideas. Nothing further from worry could be imagined than the genial atmosphere that makes Mount Cook a holiday resort with special charms. In its essentials, the best recommendation a holiday resort can be given is that of people who have beea there, and it is safe to say that nobody has ever been to Mount Cook without becoming an enthusiast, and without taking a strong vow to go there again. There are many people who return there regularly, paying the Hermitage an annual visit, and finding there at each return something that is new. It is this very diversity of interest that makes the Hermitage what it is. There is something there for everybody from the age of 12 upwards. It is not a bit necessary to be a heavily ath--1 letic person to appreciate Mount Cook, and in fact many of those who are regular visitors there are the reverse of athletic, and are content to enjoy the glorious mountain scenery that is all round, and to bask in the sunshine of which the region has more than its share. There are walks of every sort from short strolls through interesting country to long rambles which become almost climbs. There are many interesting places to visit, and all the time one is among the finest of New Zealand scenery. World-famous Climbs Many books have been written on the climbing that is available at Mount Cook, and it is generally agreed by the experts who have been there from time to time that there is nothing better to be obtained anywhere in the world. It has been asserted that the ascent of Mount Cook itself is among the world's greatest climbs. The great attraction for the mountaineer is that the region contains so many peaks worthy of their attention, and almost all of them are easily (available from the Hermitage, or from the many huts placed at convenient localities. The climbing season is in the summer, but for the ardent enthusiast there is climbing almost the year round. Lately there has been a tremendous increase in the popularity of ski-ing, and during the winter Mount Cook offers the best that is to be had in New Zealand. There are in the opinion of people who know, few places in the world so well situated for winter sports of all sorts. In the summer there is available an endless variety of tours and climbs on skis, and this development of winter sport is having more and more attention paid to it. But these sports are for the young and vigorous. It is part of the greatest charm of Mount Cook that one need not go further than the actual precincts of the Herimtage to enjoy the great beauty and constant interest of the mountains. The air is exhilarating, and it has the property of giving the visitor a feeling that there is nothing in the world to disturb him. No matter what mood one is in, there is something at Mount Cook to satisfy it. The Herimtage itself is a luxuriously appointed hotel with all the latest conveniences, and with an atmosphere and individuality that cannot be found anywhere else. There is a friendliness about the place, and an easy mixing of strangers that can be found only in one other place—on shipboard. The tradition of the Hermitage is to make its guests comfortable, and to see in an unobtrusive way that they are enjoying themselves. It must be a complete misanthrope who cannot do so at Mount Cook. The Journey Up The journey to Mount Cook, from Timaru is one of the greatest fascination, and one which never loses its appeal. From Timaru to Fairlie the road lies among cultivated and prosperous fields. Thence, over a mountain range into a different world. The Mackenzie Country, a vast plain amid the mountains, bigger and more imposing than any plain in New Zealand, must appeal to the imagination of every. New Zeajander, used as he is to having his distant view almost always obscured by hills. The Mount Cook Tourist Company has arranged a specially attractive programme for this Christmas, and has arranged a low scale of charges for Christmas visitors. It is possible to spend a holiday of eight days at the Hermitage for an inclusive charge of £8 from Christchurch and back.

During the week from Christmas to New Year, several novel entertainments have been arranged. The festivities start on Christmas Day, when Santa Claus will pay a visit to the Hermitage, and at a special dinner will distribute gifts. On the following day there will be a trip to the Tasman glacier and the Hochstetter icefall. On the following days there will be trips to the Stocking Glacier, the Blue Lakes, the Hooker Valley, Mount Sebastopol, and the Red Lake. In the evenings there will be entertainments of different sorts, and also dancing for those who want it. Good Shooting There is very good shooting to be had in the mountains round the Hermitage, all of it within easy distance. Thar and chamois, two excellent sporting animals, are plentiful, and require skill in stalking and shooting. This has become one of the most important attractions at the Hermitage recently. There is also excellent ski-ing to be had from the Mueller Hut on the Sesly range at a height of about 6000 feet. Another enterprising move on tne part of the Mount Cook Motor COrnpany is the establishment of a oneday service t6 Queen&town from Chrlfctchurch. The service, for which special motor caches have been buijt, will be inaugurated on Tuesday. Passengers will go to §tudb,olme Junction by the first express and will be picked up there by motor coaches, and will go up the. Waitaki Valley past the hydro-electric station, over the Lindis Pass and the Clutha river to Cromwell, and down the famous Kawarau Gorge.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19341117.2.19

Bibliographic details

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21324, 17 November 1934, Page 6

Word Count
1,027

FAR ABOVE WORRY LEVEL Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21324, 17 November 1934, Page 6

FAR ABOVE WORRY LEVEL Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21324, 17 November 1934, Page 6