The Best Hotels near Mount Cook, New Zealand
Last Updated: 3rd October, 2023
Located in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island is the ruggedly beautiful Aoraki Mount Cook – the highest mountain in New Zealand! This magnificent mountain is found nestled in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, and is a must-see destination for anyone exploring the stunning Canterbury region of New Zealand. In this article, I will help you find the perfect place to stay during your adventure into this alpine wilderness, no matter if you are looking for a luxurious retreat or cheap-and-cheerful getaway! Here I have the found the best 10 hotels near Mount Cook:
5 Boutique Hotels near Mt Cook National Park
There are a number of boutique hotels near Mount Cook, offering a blend of luxury and comfort that will make your stay in this breathtaking region unforgettable! Here are the 5 best boutique hotels near Mount Cook:
1. The Hermitage Hotel | Aoraki Mount Cook Village
The Hermitage Hotel is one of most iconic and luxurious hotels near Mount Cook. Based in Mt Cook Village since the late 1800’s, it is the perfect base to explore the natural wonders of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park in style. The Hermitage Hotel offers a variety of luxurious accommodation and welcoming New Zealand hospitality, making it a memorable experience!
Located right beside the Sir Edmund Hilary Alpine Center, the Hermitage Hotel has a range of rooms and suites, all with the most incredible mountain views over Aoraki Mt Cook! From the luxurious Premium Suites to spacious rooms, staying here is an experience in itself. All rooms include a modern ensuite bathroom, a TV, and coffee-making facilities – so you can wake up and watch the sunrise over the snowy mountains from your private balcony, hot drink in hand. Bliss!
2. Aoraki Alpine Lodge | Aoraki Mount Cook Village
Set in the heart of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, the Aoraki Alpine Lodge offers comfortable, spacious accommodation – perfect for a relaxing getaway into the mountains! This lodge is everything you want for your winter escape, finished with beautiful native timber, with huge windows overlooking the breathtaking vista. They have a guest lounge, complete with a fireplace and a library, as well as a large deck where you can soak up the sun!
Aoraki Alpine Lodge have a range of rooms perfect for all visitor types, from Delux Studios with incredible mountain views, to 4 bed Family Rooms and spacious self-contained Apartments. Each is comfortably furnished, with a modern ensuite bathroom, free WIFI, and coffee-making facilities, so you can relax and unwind after a day of exploring this stunning alpine region!
3. Aoraki Court Motel | Aoraki Mount Cook Village
The Aoraki Court Motel is your home-away-from home hotel near Mount Cook, providing luxury accommodation at an affordable price! The highlight – each unit has sensational views of the surrounding mountains, with large windows facing the magnificent Mt Sefton and The Footstool!
There are a variety of room options available at the Aoraki Court Motel, from 2-bedroom units perfect for families, to the luxurious Spa Studio for a romantic weekend away! The units are spacious and beautifully decorated, with comfortable furnishings and king-sized beds. Each room has a well-equipped kitchenette and a modern ensuite bathroom – even with underfloor heating! This is a great option if you are looking for a more self-sufficient stay in hotels near Mt Cook.
4. Pukaki Air Lodge | Lake Pukaki
Pukaki Air Lodge offers luxurious accommodation with unique and exciting twist! This charming Bed and Breakfast style hotel is located on the small Pukaki Airport, and combines the owners love of aviation with hospitality to create a memorable experience! Each room has incredible, unobstructed views over the Mackenzie Basin and the Southern Alps, where you can relax and watch the incredible sunset. There is a shared fully-equipped kitchen, a comfortable lounge, and a beautiful outdoor patio with barbeque facilities -perfect for those warm summer nights!
The hotel caters mostly to couples, with a number of luxury studios overlooking the Pukaki runway. There is also a spacious family unit available, including a queen size and 2 king-single beds, which is ideal for family holidays! The best part for kids (of all ages!) is the cool Chinese CJ6 Nanchang they have spent 20 years restoring, and is now housed in the nearby hanger. If you ask nicely, i’m sure they would be keen to show you around!
5. Lake Views at Antler Lodge | Lake Tekapo
Lake Views at Antler Lodge is located in the charming town of Lake Tekapo, just over an hours drive from the magnificent Mt Cook National Park. Lake Tekapo is an awesome place to base yourself if you are looking at exploring Mt Cook and the surrounds for a while, as it is filled with awesome things to do and places to eat and drink during your stay!
This is a fully self-contained holiday home, complete with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a comfortable dining area with a fireplace, and a private balcony with incredible mountain views! It it perfect for large groups or families looking for a luxurious and spacious home to relax in during their adventures around the incredible Mackenzie District.
5 Budget Hotels near Mount Cook National Park
If you’re planning a trip to the stunning Mount Cook region on a budget, fear not, as there are still plenty of affordable and comfortable lodging options available! Here are some budget-friendly hotels near Mount Cook that won’t break the bank:
6. YHA Mt Cook | Aoraki Mount Cook Village
Situated deep in the heart of the Southern Alps, this YHA Mt Cook is one of the best budget-friendly hotels near Mount Cook! This accommodation will fulfill all of your log-cabin-in-the-mountains dreams, complete with a roaring fire in the lounge and a fabulous free sauna room!
The YHA Mt Cook has a room to suit you, whatever your budget and preference! From cosy private rooms to a variety of dorm-style rooms (including female only), this hotels near Mt Cook is perfect for families and backpackers looking to explore the incredible Mt Cook National Park!
7. Mt Cook Lodge | Aoraki Mount Cook Village
A fantastic budget-friendly hotel near Mt Cook is the Mount Cook Lodge. This Lodge and Motel is apart of the Hermitage, and offers a more affordable place to stay during your adventures around Mt Cook National Park! Choose from a number of spacious private rooms, with modern ensuites and coffee-making facilities, each boasting incredible views over the valley and the mountains surrounding the Mt Cook Village.
8. Mount Cook Station Huts | Lake Pukaki
Mount Cook Station offers a peaceful and secluded stay out in the wilderness around the vibrant Lake Pukaki! They offer three supremely comfortable accommodation options, including the legendary Shearers Quarters lodge, the ‘New House’ Boutique B&B, and the unique and rustic Station Huts. The rooms are cosy and welcoming, with fantastic shared facilities including a fully-equipped kitchen, modern bathrooms, a comfortable lounge with a log-fire, and sunny garden with bbq facilities.
This incredible accommodation is located in the heart of the back-country, and gives you a unique and memorable escape onto a working Station! It is around 45-minutes drive from Lake Tekapo and 1.5 hours from Mt Cook Village, along the eastern shores of Lake Pukaki.
9. Glentanner Holiday Park | Glentanner
Glentanner Park is the only fully-equipped campground and campervan park near to the Mount Cook National Park, and is a fantastic budget-accommodation option while exploring the area!
There is a variety of accommodation options available, from self-contained motel style units, dorm rooms for backpackers, and spacious sites for campervans and tents. These include access to the holiday park’s modern facilities, including a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, a comfortable lounge, as well as basic toilets and showers. It is located in Glentanner, and is only 15-minutes drive from the Mt Cook Village – making it the perfect base to explore the incredible Mt Cook and Lake Pukaki!
10. Lakes Edge Lodge | Lake Tekapo
Lakes Edge Lodge is a charming hostel-style accommodation option located on the shores of the stunning Lake Tekapo, only an hours drive from Mt Cook National Park! This Lodge offers a range of room styles, from spacious family rooms, private double rooms, and cosy and cheap dorm rooms perfect for backpackers. Shared facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, BBQ facilities, and modern bathrooms.
This Lodge is is a incredible location, only a few minutes walk from the heart of Lake Tekapo town, as well as the popular Mt John and Tekapo Spring hot pools! The Lodge looks out over the stunning Lake Tekapo, and offers a free shuttle service to the Lake Tekapo bus terminal in town.
