VISITORS TO MOUNT COOK

Press, Volume C, Issue 29702, 21 December 1961, Page 21

VISITORS TO MOUNT COOK

Record Season Expected

Increased visits by Australian and American tourists are expected to make the present season at the Hermitage. Mount Cook, the busiest on record, according to the manager (Mr L. S. Dennis). Bookings were heavy right up to the end of April, he said yesterday. To cope with the influx of visitors, the 40-bed extension of one of the Hermitage wings is now" complete, bringing the total accommodation to 133 beds. Improved air travel to New’ Zealand was probably responsible for the greater numbers of Australians and Americans visting resorts such as the Hermitage. Mr Dennis said. DC3 aircraft services to the Hermitage and resorts further south W’ere enabling such visitors to include the South Island in short visits to New Zealand, he said. Climbing Prospects With heavy winter snow having made approach climbing to the peaks relatively easy, high-climbing prospects this season should be good, according to the Mount Cook National Park Boards chief ranger (Mr J. L. Burke). Climbing has got away to a good start with four ascents of Mount Cook to date—believed a record for so early in the season. The latest ascent was made on Monday by Mr D. McKay and Mr and Mrs M. Nelson. Their climb, by way of the Linda glacier, took 21 hours. Climbing parties are active on the peaks at the mBment. Ascents on Tuesday of Mount Walter (9507 ft and the Footstool (9073 ft have been reported.