Photo: Mount Cook Snow Peaks Canterbury New Zealand

The snow settles in and around the peaks of Mount Cook in Mount Cook National Park in Canterbury, New Zealand.

Under the brilliant sunshine that fills the sky around the South Island of New Zealand, the snow covered peaks of Mount Cook glisten. On a fabulous day like this, it makes it hard for hikers to be able to see as the sun reflects off the snowy peaks creating a massive glare.At this height, the peaks of Mount Cook are always covered with snow as this is the highest mountain in New Zealand. Sitting at approximately 12,300 feet, other peaks surround Mount Cook but they only tower to about 10,000 feet.Rocks jut out from beneath the snow, making Mount Cook a challenge for mountain climbers. Once they succeed and reach the peaks, the view of Canterbury and the surrounding region is breathtaking. Climbing the peaks of Mount Cook is not recommended for everyone visiting the area as the right ice climbing equipment and experience is needed.The Tasman Glacier and Hooker Glacier flow down the side of Mount Cook creating an ever changing landscape to Mount Cook National Park but making it even harder to scale the mountain. ... continue below the picture...

... Many trails exist around the base of the mountain in Mount Cook National Park in Canterbury, New Zealand where you can admire the beauty of the area without needing special hiking tools.In 1882, there was an attempt by three men to reach the summit of Mount Cook but they ended up fifty meters short of the summit. Shortly after, the climb to the snow covered peaks was accomplished by a few people and in the following years lots of attempts have been conquered.For those attempting to climb Mount Cook, be well prepared as the weather can change significantly in a short period of time. Winds can whip across these mountains making conditions unbearable for most and once the snow blows, life threatening situations can occur.Most tourists that come to Mount Cook National Park in Canterbury, New Zealand like to view the snow capped peaks from below. Whichever way you see the area around Mount Cook, it is a picture of beauty that you will never forget.Rocky slopes of Mount Cook (New Zealand's highest peak), 3,754 metres, in the Mount Cook National Park, Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand.