Mt Cook is awesome. Unfortunately, our itinerary didn’t allow us to stay there but we certainly would next time. All the accommodation is controlled by the one organisation but there is a great range both in quality and price. We looked at most of the options and decided that if we could afford it, we would stay at the Hermitage Hotel. This has been a top quality place for many years and it still has that classy atmosphere. A new large multi-storey accommodation block is being constructed at present and only time will tell if this diminishes the appeal. Hotel rooms cost NZ$320.65. The hotel has an excellent restaurant and a lounge with "one of the best views in the world". To sit here while sipping a drink late afternoon is one of life’s little pleasures. A similar view is available for free from the souvenir shop. The Alpine Restaurant and Snowline Bar operate all year.
The next step down is at Glencoe Lodge. This is a separate hotel some distance from the Hemitage even though it has the same management. It only operates during the summer season. Rooms are nice. They come with kitchens and bathrooms. The Wakefield Restaurant offers buffet-style family dining most nights and the Chamois Bar is a popular meeting place. Current prices are NZ$196.90 per room.
Next are the motel units. Again they come with kitchens and bathrooms and all rooms have TV. Room prices are NZ$140.65. Some rooms have a Queen bed while others have a double bed, couch bed and bunks. Chalets are designed for families but they only open during the summer. Rooms are equipped with a double plus 4 single beds. They are self-contained like the motel rooms. Chalets cost NZ$118.15 per room. Big Rock Backpackers offers beds from NZ$18 in ensuite units complete with kitchenette, which sleep up to seven bunk-style. The Mount Cook Tavern offers BBQ and Kiwi Roast meals most nights but it is closed during winter.
There are various treks, tours and sporting opportunities available to everyone. You can get close to a glacier and take aerial tours over the Alps from the airstrip. The National Parks office has a host of information, maps and souvenirs of your visit.
email: reservations.hermitage@xtra.co.nz