The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook

The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook - A 4-star alpine retreat with direct Aoraki/Mount Cook views and access to glacier tours

Nestled in Mount Cook Village, The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook provides unobstructed views of Aoraki/Mount Cook from most rooms, excluding 'no view' accommodations. The hotel houses the Alpine Restaurant, serving buffet breakfast and dinner, while the Panorama Room offers à la carte dining with premium mountain vistas. Guests can explore the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, featuring a museum, planetarium, and 3D cinema showcasing local legends and landscapes. The Activities Retail Centre organizes excursions like Glacier Explorers, the only glacial boat tour in New Zealand, requiring a 1.5km (25-minute) walk to Tasman Lake. Premium Plus rooms on floors 8-10 include bathrobes, slippers, and Nespresso machines. A 24-hour reception, limited free Wi-Fi, and self-service laundry facilities ($8 per load) are available. The Hermitage Hotel stands 800 meters from Mt Cook Lodge, where the Chamois Bar & Grill serves pub-style dinners.

Pros

Most rooms offer direct views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and surrounding peaks.

Location within Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park provides immediate access to hiking trails like Hooker Valley Track (20-minute walk from hotel).

Unique on-site activities including the only glacial lake boat tours in New Zealand and stargazing in an International Dark Sky Reserve.

Multiple dining options ranging from buffet service to à la carte fine dining with mountain panoramas.

Cons

Limited Wi-Fi connectivity due to remote alpine location.

Nearest shops are 66km away in Twizel, requiring guests to purchase essentials beforehand.