Story: European discovery of New Zealand

Some of the highest peaks of the Southern Alps are named after Pacific explorers and navigators. This panorama is taken from above the Cook River valley and shows the three peaks of Aoraki/Mt Cook (1). To the left is the country’s second highest peak, Mt Tasman (2). The third highest peak is Mt Dampier (3), in front of which is Mt Hicks. In the foreground is Mt Perouse. Leading towards Mt Tasman from Mt Dampier are two minor prominences named after Vancouver and Malaspina.