Mt Cook accommodation – 9 amazing places to stay in Aoraki
Use our guide to compare the different Mt Cook accommodation offerings before deciding on which hotel, motel or campsite is the best fit for you.
To stay in a national park with unobstructed views of some of New Zealand’s largest mountains and glaciers is an incredibly special experience.
Unsurprisingly then, we recommend spending an evening or two in Mount Cook, if at all possible.
Sure, it’s possible to enjoy this part of Canterbury as a day trip, but given the chance, why would you not want to wake up to views like this?
Some businesses are experiencing staffing challenges post-COVID. If you want to guarantee a space at a restaurant or attraction, we suggest pre-booking.
Join us as we share the best options in the area – each of them offers something unique that makes them a great choice.
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Comparison Of The Best Accommodation at Mt Cook
| Accommodation | Price | Location | Check Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Horse Hill Campground | $ | Mount Cook Village | Check availability & price |
| Aoraki Alpine Lodge | $$ | Mount Cook Village | Check availability & price |
| Aoraki Alpine Chalet | $$ | Mount Cook Village | Check availability & price |
| Aoraki Court Motel | $$ | Mount Cook Village | Check availability & price |
| Mt Cook Lodge and Motel | $$ | Mount Cook Village | Check availability & price |
| The Hermitage Hotel | $$$ | Mount Cook Village | Check availability & price |
| Glentanner Park Centre | $-$$ | 23km from MCV | Check availability & price |
| Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat | $$$ | 55km from MCV | Check availability & price |
| Lakestone Lodge | $$$ | 60km from MCV | Check availability & price |
The Best Mt Cook Accommodation
In no particular order, these are nine of our favourite Mt Cook accommodation options…
Budget-Friendly Accommodation in Mount Cook Village
1. White Horse Hill Campground
If you’re keen to camp right amongst the action, then the White Horse Hill Campground is just the ticket.
Located at the start of the Hooker Valley Track (and other Mount Cook walks), this basic freedom camping spot is nestled under the Mt Sefton. From there, you’ll likely hear small avalanches dropping off the cliffs – don’t worry though, you’re well out of harm’s way.
This campground (which is really more like a car park with facilities), has flushing toilets and a dining/kitchen area that is sheltered from the weather.
Don’t expect to find any other mod-cons there though. The site is lacking showers (though you’ll find some 2.5km away at the public shelter in the Mount Cook National Park Village) and doesn’t have any power for you to hook your camper up to.
Due to the lack of facilities, this campsite is best suited to campervans that are self-contained or only looking to stay for a night or two in their van or tent.
Though this accommodation option is simple, it is affordable and right where the action is, making it a great option for campers.
Advance bookings are required.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park 227 Hooker Valley Road, Canterbury 7999
Moderately-Priced Mt Cook Accommodation
2. Aoraki Alpine Lodge
If you’d like to stay in the heart of Aoraki Mount Cook Village but don’t want to spend a fortune (yet camping isn’t your scene), a stay at the Aoraki Alpine Lodge could be perfect for you.
They have 16 ensuite rooms and allow a 24-hour check-in (which means there’s no hurry to arrive if you’re enjoying yourself elsewhere). These rooms are comfortably furnished and kept impeccably clean, plus there’s a cozy lounge with the most wonderful views of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
You’ll have access to self-catering facilities (in case you wish to cook) or can make the short walk to the Old Mountaineers Cafe or The Hermitage if you’d prefer to let someone else take care of dinner.
101 Bowen Drive, Aoraki / Mount Cook 7946
3. Aoraki Alpine Chalet
The Aoraki Alpine Chalet is located right next door to the accommodation mentioned above – this isn’t so surprising when you learn they’re both owned by the same people.
This Mt Cook accommodation is to be booked by a whole group. As it sleeps eight, this makes it perfect for larger families and groups travelling together.
The chalet comes kitted out with everything your group could possibly need in Mount Cook National Park. You’ll have a fully-equipped kitchen, a BBQ, free WiFi and satellite TV.
You’ll be able to enjoy incredible mountain views from your own private balcony or your outdoor terrance and garden – the choice is entirely yours.
The chalet is definitely retro but it’s cosy and well-positioned in the village, which makes for a great combo.
7 Generator Place, Mount Cook Village
4. Aoraki Court Motel
If you’re looking for affordable accommodation that delivers a touch of luxe comfort, the Aoraki Court Motel could be just what you’re looking for.
This motel was opened in 2013 and ever since it has been welcoming guests with stunning views of Mt Sefton and the Southern Alps.
The rooms are all well-sized, each with its own private ensuite. You’ll also find cooking facilities and free WiFi included in each of the units.
When it comes to value for money, it’s hard to go past this Mt Cook accommodation option.
26 Bowen Drive, Canterbury 7999
5. Mt Cook Lodge and Motel
The Mt Cook Lodge and Motel is another wonderful accommodation option right in the middle of Mount Cook Village.
The majority of their rooms have recently been updated, providing guests modern rooms from which to enjoy this beautiful setting.
They have a range of accommodation types, ensuring they have something to suit all preferences (and budgets).
To save money, you’re able to book into a shared dormitory – plus you’ll likely make some new friends in the process.
Or, if you’d prefer a little more privacy, we suggest choosing either a lodge room (that comes with tea and coffee making facilities) or a motel room (with self-catering kitchen facilities and air conditioning).
You’ll also find the Chamois Bar & Grill onsite, offering tasty pub-style meals. We also suggest challenging your friends/family to a game of billiards or enjoying a sports game on one of their big TVs.
The Mt Cook Lodge and Motel also includes a complementary shuttle service to the Hermitage Hotel (which is approximately 800m away). There, you’ll find a range of restaurants and bars, along with your departure point for a number of activities.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Canterbury 7999
Luxury Mt Cook Accommodation
Within Mount Cook Village, there is one hotel that is perfect for celebrating special occasions.
6. The Hermitage Hotel
With unrivalled views of Mount Cook National Park, beautiful old-world charm and spacious common areas, The Hermitage Hotel is on of the most famous accommodation options in the whole country – it is a local icon!
With something for everyone, they have motel units, chalets and hotel rooms, though it is of course their premium hotel rooms that you’ll want for ‘those’ photos of the incredible views.
The Hermitage is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway. With a number of restaurants and bars, it’s possible to keep yourself busy with their awesome hospitality, without ever stepping foot off of their property.
Not that we would suggest that – you’ll definitely want to head out exploring!
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park 89 Terrace Road, Canterbury 7999
Affordable Accommodation Near Mt Cook
Accommodation in Mount Cook Village is a little limited, but there are another three options that you’ll nearby.
You’ll find them on the same road that you drive in and out of the national park, so stopping by is particularly convenient.
7. Glentanner Park Centre
The Glentanner Park Centre is located just shy of 20km from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (a 15 minute drive). You’ll find it on the shores of Lake Pukaki, where it offers comfortable accommodation at a reasonable price.
They have a range of room types including dormitory rooms, self-contained cabins and camp sites (both powered and non-powered), making them a great fit for a range of budgets.
When you manage to tear yourself away from the area’s beautiful panoramic views, you’ll find a shared kitchen, bathrooms and lounge available to you, along with a covered barbecue area which is a great summertime addition.
If you’d prefer not too cook, they also have a cafe on-site that serves breakfast and lunch daily.
3388 Mount Cook Road, Glentanner 7999
Luxury Accommodation Near Mount Cook
Though these two recommendations are a little drive out of Mount Cook National Park, they offer an unsurpassed guest experience.
In our opinion, they’re definitely worth considering for your upcoming visit to this incredible region.
8. Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
The Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat offer two different luxurious accommodation options.
First first of which is a 2-bedroom villa with its own sauna, lake-side hot tub, workout room and massage room.
Alternatively, book yourself their other 2-bedroom villa, where you’ll have your own outdoor bathtub and all of the mod-cons you’d expect in accommodation of this calibre.
Located in the middle of a Dark Sky Reserve, this is an ideal location to enjoy the night sky or try your hand at astrophotography. Or, soak in your own hot hub or outdoor spa and marvel at the Milky Way – the choice is yours.
The Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat really is a bucket list accommodation option near Mount Cook and one we recommend checking out if you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary or special birthday.
86 Mt Cook Road (SH80), Lake Pukaki, South Canterbury 7944
9. Lakestone Lodge
Last but certainly not least on our recommended Mt cook accommodtion options is the Lakestone Lodge.
There, you can choose between a lodge guestroom or lakestone apartment.
Best suited to families and those wanting self-contained facilities, the lakestone apartments offer luxury at a relatively affordable price. Guests staying in these rooms will enjoy rural views with glimpses of Lake Pukaki (which is one of the biggest lakes in New Zealand) and the stunning Ben Ohau mountain range.
If you’re planning a stay here though, we unreservedly recommend booking into the lodge guest.
With unobstructed views of the lake, a gorgeous tub nestled under a picture window and your own private courtyard, a stay in one of these rooms is an incredibly memorable experience.
A delicious breakfast is included in the cost of your lodge stay, as is complimentary WiFi throughout. Plus you’ll have access to their outdoor fire pit, therapy room for massages and facials, media room (with Sky Sport, Movies and Chrome-cast) and complimentary access to their mountain bikes.
This is luxury accommodation done right!
4589 Tekapo-Twizel Road, Lake Pukaki, Twizel 7944
In order to enjoy the awesome activities in Mount Cook, you need to have a fantastic place to stay. Mt Cook has a number of fabulous hotels, motels, lodges and campsites, ensuring there is an appropriate accommodation option for all tastes and budgets.
Which will you choose on your next visit?
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Photo credit: Unless otherwise stated, all photos are care of the accommodation recommended.
