Wild About New Zealand Season 1 Episode 5 Aoraki / Mt. Cook

Located in the heart of the Southern Alps, Aoraki/Mt. Cook stands tall as the highest peak in New Zealand. In this episode of Wild About New Zealand, viewers are taken on a journey to explore the natural beauty and unique wildlife that surrounds this iconic mountain.

The episode begins with a bird's eye view of the mountain, as a helicopter soars over its jagged peaks and glaciers. Host Hayden Turner explains that Aoraki/Mt. Cook is not only a popular destination for mountaineers and hikers, but also a place of cultural significance for the Maori people, who view the mountain as a sacred ancestor.

As the helicopter lands on the mountain, viewers are introduced to expert guide Franz Josef, who will take them on a trek up to Mueller Hut, located at an altitude of 1,800 metres. Along the way, Franz points out several rare and endangered species of plants and animals, such as the alpine buttercup and the kea parrot.

Once they reach Mueller Hut, Hayden and Franz settle in for the night, enjoying a stunning sunset over the mountains and sharing stories about the history and culture of the region. The next day, they set out on foot to explore the Tasman Glacier, the longest glacier in New Zealand.

As they hike along the glacier, Hayden and Franz encounter a group of scientists who are studying the effects of climate change on the ice. They explain how the glacier has been receding rapidly in recent years, and the impact this could have on the surrounding ecosystem.

Next, Hayden travels to a nearby farm, where he meets a group of hunters and their trusty hunting dogs. They set out on a hunt for chamois, a small goat-like animal that is native to the Southern Alps. Despite the challenging terrain, Hayden and the hunters manage to track down a chamois and take a moment to admire its stunning coat and impressive horns.

Back in the mountains, Hayden and Franz take to the skies in a small plane for a bird's eye view of the region. From above, they can see the vast expanse of the Tasman Glacier and the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki, which is fed by glacier meltwater.

As the episode comes to a close, Hayden reflects on the unique natural beauty and cultural significance of Aoraki/Mt. Cook. He marvels at the resilience of the plants and animals that call this rugged landscape home, and the importance of preserving this precious ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.