Accommodation in Mount Cook
The Mount Cook National Park offers spectacular alpine views and 22 peaks above 3000 meters. The park covers an area of 700 square kilometers. On one of the 22 mountains, the park also owes its name, Mount Cook. The majestic mountain whose summit towers 3,764 meters above sea level is the highest mountain in New Zealand. The Mount Cook National Park, of which over one third is permanently covered with snow and ice forms the backbone of the Southern Alps.
In the Mount Cook National Park is the majestic Tasman Glacier. It is 29 kilometers long, four kilometers wide and 600 meters deep. The Tasman Glacier is located south of Mount Cook.
Mount Cook National Park is one of the biggest tourist attractions, especially among rock climbers, hikers, skiers and photographers. The Mount Cook National Park is ideal for a hiking, or climbing, in which everyone can participate because there are walks for every level. The hiking trails are well marked and generally maintained. In the park you can see more than 300 different species of flowers and plants and over 40 different bird species, including the rare New Zealand falcon, paradise duck and cheeky Kea.
Many hiking trails start at New Zealand’s first hotel The Hermitage. The 1884 hotel was destroyed by a flood in 1913. The current hotel is one kilometer away, and was completely rebuilt after a fire in 1957.
Directors Choice – Top Hotels for all Budgets
Hermitage Hotel *****
“Set on a stunning located within Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, the hermitage offers a range of accommodation types from hotel rooms to motel rooms and chalet rooms. “
Aoraki Court Motel ***
“Comfortable motel at the base of Mt cook. This motel offers excellent prices!”
More information about Mount Cook
1. Explore the Tasman Glacier
Visit New Zealand’s Tasman Glacier lake for a fascinating experience. Take a 30 min walk and the board a Mac boat to experience the glacier up close. Find Out More >
2. Helicopter Line Mount Cook
Take an unforgettable helicopter ride high above the alpine environment in Mount Cook World Heritage Park. From glaciers to New Zealand’s highest peak brace yourself for a breathtaking journey. Find Out More >
3. Hike Hooker Valley
Hikes by Hooker Valley are ideal for less experienced walkers, partly because there are fewer steep climbs. The Hooker Valley Walk takes about four hours, and goes across suspension bridges. You will see a very unique sight – floating blocks of ice in a glacier azure lake. Find Out More >
4. Copland Pass Track
For experienced climbers. This tour runs from Mount Cook along steep slopes and hot springs to the Westland National Park. Along the way you can enjoy breathtaking views. Find Out More >
5. The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
A tribute to one of the world’s greatest explores, the Sir Edmund Hillary center showcases the region and its people. The center is interactive and designed to educate and inspire. The center depicts the great expeditions Hillary undertook. Find Out More >
6. Glacier Sea Kayaking
Take an adventurous kayaking trip to see the east side of Mt Cook and the main divide. Find Out More >
7. Kea Point
This one hour return trip is a great walk for the whole family offering stunning views of Mount Cook and the Main Divide on good weather days. Find Out More >
8. Governors Bush
This 45 minute walk starts and finishes at the Mount Cook Village public shelter. This is a popular walk with children as they can run around in a natural landscape. Find Out More >
9. The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
This truly unique ride is suitable for all ages. Allow six days for the entire 300km ride or simply cycle a section and enjoy stunning lake views and snowy mountain tops. There are many start point options depending on which section of the trail you’d like to ride. Find Out More >
10. Tekapo Springs
On a clear evening soak in relaxing outdoor hot pools and gaze up at the amazing night sky. Three large outdoor hot pools are located in Lake Tekapo. Find Out More >
To explore Mount Cook you can either do so by car or by arranged tour.
