File:Caroline Face, Aoraki-Mt Cook (22592713611).jpg

The Caroline Face of Aoraki Mount Cook was first scaled by two self-proclaimed hippies, John Glasgow and Peter Gough, on 7 November 1970. Aoraki Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak at 3754m, and although not especially high by global standards, unpredictable weather and heavy snowfall makes it one of New Zealand’s most challenging climbs.

Aoraki Mount Cook’s summit was reached on Christmas Day 1894. The Caroline face was the last unclimbed face of the mountain. Four climbers tragically lost their lives during an attempt in the 1960s.

Mountaineering is a popular pastime in New Zealand, and the efforts of people such as Sir Edmund Hillary and Graham Dingle have helped to build New Zealand’s mountaineering reputation internationally.

This photograph shows the Caroline face of Mt. Cook, will Ball Hut in the foreground and was taken by T Hann in 1976. The photograph comes from the National Publicity Studios collection held by Archives New Zealand. The National Publicity Studios were established in 1945 to provide advice to government departments and state agencies on the provision of photographic, art, and display services and in particular to assist in the production of publicity material aimed at conveying a favourable image of New Zealand.