The name came from Captain Cook, in 1770, who described their height. They had previously been mentioned by Abel Tasman, more than 100 years before.

They lie along a plate boundary, which is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, and they developed 30 million years ago. It is a young mountain range, and still actively uplifting. Because of high precipitation and erosion, there are some dramatic landscapes.

Many activities are available in these mountains, including walking (or tramping in local parlance), skiing, heliskiing, mountaineering, climbing, canoeing, rafting, fishing and scenic flights. Because they are perpendicular to the prevailing westerly winds, the range creates great waves for soaring glider pilots. And these prevailing westerlies also create a weather pattern known as Norwest Arch, which pushes moist air over the mountains, creating an arch of clouds.

Fast Facts:

1. Mount Cook is the highest peak at 12,283 feet
2. Over 360 glaciers
3. 400 miles long
4. Mountain lakes and coastal fjords are evident
5. Mount Aspiring is called the Matterhorn of the south