The Top 12 Places to Stay in Mt Cook, from Budget to Luxury
Jessica McNamara
| Last Updated: March 2024 Most people who go to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park envision the perfect stay. The first time I went, I spent hours scouring websites and reviews, yet I ended up in a cramped motel room with a lukewarm shower.
Disappointed but not deterred, I vowed to find the ideal Mt Cook accommodation—a place that would become an integral part of the Aoraki experience, not just a place to sleep.
Since then, I’ve stayed in luxurious lodges and charming eco-friendly hostels, and I’ve found all the best places. So, whether you crave a touch of opulence or a cosy retreat, here are all the best places to stay near Mount Cook.
1. Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
Address: 86 Mt Cook Road (SH80), Lake Pukaki, South Canterbury 7944, New Zealand
Hours:
- Check In: 3 PM
- Check Out: 11 AM
Phone: +64274370820
Price: From 1800 NZD
Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is a luxurious escape designed to make your jaw drop and your worries fade faster than a cloud over Mt Cook itself.
Wake up to views of Lake Pukaki’s turquoise waters and the snow-capped mountains. Each villa is meticulously designed to frame these breathtaking vistas, making every moment feel postcard-perfect.
All the spacious villas come with their own private hot tub, perfect for soaking under a sky teeming with stars. Inside, you’ll find all the bells and whistles—think king-size beds and more.
And unlike most hotels, your stay includes breakfast and dinner, so you can focus on relaxation.
Pro Tip: Stargazing at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is next-level amazing. They have an on-site observatory and a wine cellar.
2. Haka House Aoraki Mt Cook
Address: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park 4 Kitchener Drive, Canterbury 7946, New Zealand
Hours:
- Check In: 2 PM
- Check Out: 10 AM
Phone: +64211931150
Price: From 72 NZD
Let’s be honest, mountain adventures can add up. Haka House offers comfy dorms and private rooms, so you can save some cash for that glacier kayaking trip or scenic flight.
Nestled right in Mount Cook Village, you’re just steps away from the action. Hike the Hooker Valley Track, visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or grab a bite at a local cafe—all within easy reach.
And of course, wake up to a jaw-dropping panorama of Aoraki and its mighty Southern Alps companions. No filter is needed!
Pro Tip: Refuel after a big day in the common areas—think cosy couches, board games, and even a guitar for impromptu jam sessions. There’s also a sauna to soothe those tired muscles (because, trust me, your legs will thank you).
3. Mt Cook Station Huts
Address: 1580 Braemar Mount Cook Station Road, Tekapo 7999, New Zealand
Hours:
- Check In: 2 PM
- Check Out: 10 AM
Phone: +6421942043
Price: From 185 NZD
Mt Cook Station Huts aren’t your typical drafty cabins. The huts have been lovingly restored, offering comfy beds and all the essentials for a relaxing stay. Plus, the quirky heritage adds a layer of charm you won’t find anywhere else.
And the views from the huts are seriously epic. You’ll be looking out at the Southern Alps, with Aoraki/Mt Cook stealing the show.
Not to mention you’ll get seclusion with a touch of company (if you want it). The huts are located outside the main Mount Cook Station homestead, so you get a real escape-from-it-all vibe. But if you’re feeling social, the homestead is just a short walk away.
Pro Tip: Take a short hike up the Governors Bush Track.
4. Aoraki Court
Address: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park 26 Bowen Drive, Aoraki / Mount Cook 7999, New Zealand
Hours:
- Check In: 2 PM
- Check Out: 10 AM
Phone: +6434351111
Price: From 350 NZD
Aoraki Court has all the comfy essentials you’d expect—think free Wi-Fi, heated rooms (perfect for those chilly alpine nights!), and even guest laundry. But what really sets Aoraki Court apart is the jaw-dropping scenery.
Compared to other luxury digs in the area, Aoraki Court offers spacious and modern apartments at a price that won’t break the bank. You get the best of both worlds—comfort and incredible scenery—without having to spend a fortune.
Plus, you’ll be in the heart of Mount Cook Village, putting you within easy walking distance of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Pro Tip: On a clear night, grab a blanket and be dazzled by a sky overflowing with stars. You might even catch a glimpse of the Milky Way!
5. NZ Alpine Club Unwin Lodge—Private Club
NZ Alpine Club Unwin Lodge—Private Club
Address: 5355 Mount Cook Road, Aoraki / Mount Cook 7999, New Zealand
Phone: +64 27 523 5360
Price: From 25 NZD
Unwin Lodge is all about camaraderie and the shared love of the mountains. Built by climbers, for climbers (and adventurers!), it has a genuine, outdoorsy feel.
Think fireplaces, drying rooms for your sweaty gear, and a common area where you can swap stories with fellow mountain enthusiasts. And you’re literally steps away from the incredible hiking trails that lead to the Hooker Valley and Mueller Glacier.
Not to mention, compared to pricier hotels, Unwin Lodge is a steal. And you still get a comfy bed, hot showers (a luxury after a long day on the trails!), and a chance to cook your own meals to fuel your adventures.
Pro Tip: Book your stay at Unwin Lodge well in advance, especially if you’re eyeing those private family rooms. They fill up fast!
6. Mueller Hut
Address: Mount Cook National Park 7999, New Zealand
Wake up to a 360-degree panorama of glaciers, ice cliffs, and New Zealand’s highest mountains. Aoraki/Mt Cook himself will be your neighbor! No filter is needed for these views.
The track to the hut is challenging but totally doable, with well-maintained paths and those epic views along the way.
Keep in mind, though, that Mueller Hut is a communal experience. So that means bunk beds and shared cooking spaces (you might meet fellow adventurers from all over).
Pro Tip: The sunrise from Mueller Hut is legendary.
7. Lakestone Lodge
Address: 4589 Tekapo-Twizel Road, Lake Pukaki, Twizel 7944, New Zealand
Hours:
- Check In: 3 PM
- Check Out: 11 AM
Phone: +6439711871
Price: 400 NZD
Lakestone Lodge is a luxurious, off-the-grid eco-lodge perched right on the shores of Lake Pukaki. True, they’re off-grid, but don’t worry, you won’t be sacrificing a hot shower or a toasty room. Luxury and sustainability go hand-in-hand here.
And it’s smack dab in the middle of the Mackenzie Region, so you’ve got easy access to hiking trails, scenic drives, and adventure activities.
Pro Tip: Book in advance. With views this good, rooms tend to fill up fast!
8. Moraine Lodge
Address: 86 Mt Cook Road, Lake Pukaki (SH80, Luke Pukaki, Twizel 7999, New Zealand
Phone: +64274370820
Price: From 1895 NZD
Moraine Lodge at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is your one-stop shop for an unforgettable stay.
Sink into a plush armchair by a crackling fireplace, all while gazing out at the majestic snow-capped peaks of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. That’s the kind of moment Moraine Lodge offers.
Their sophisticated accommodation features underfloor heating, stunning décor, and spacious living areas—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the outdoors.
And they boast the Mackenzie Region’s #1 fine dining experience. Indulge in a multi-course tasting menu that’ll tantalise your taste buds and leave you raving for days.
Pro Tip: Whether you’re planning a swanky wedding reception or an important business retreat, this versatile venue can transform to suit any occasion. Plus, imagine those epic mountain backdrops in all your photos!
9. The Hermitage Hotel
Address: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park 89 Terrace Road, Canterbury 7999, New Zealand
Hours:
- Check In: 3 PM
- Check Out: 10 AM
Phone: +6434351809
Price: From 300 NZD
The Hermitage Hotel is practically a Mt Cook institution. Most rooms, especially those facing north, offer stunning views of Aoraki/Mount Cook itself and the surrounding Southern Alps.
Hiking trails, including the Hooker Valley Track, one of New Zealand’s most popular walks, begin right outside the hotel. Not to mention, you’ll find a variety of restaurants offering delicious meals, from casual buffets to sit-down dinners with panoramic views.
Pro Tip: Ask the receptionist to book tours for activities like glacier kayaking or scenic flights for an aerial perspective of the park’s grandeur.
10. Aoraki Alpine Lodge
Address: 101 Bowen Drive, Aoraki / Mount Cook 7946, New Zealand
Hours:
- Check In: 3 PM
- Check Out: 10 AM
Phone: +6434351860
Price: From 200 NZD
Aoraki Alpine Lodge is all about laid-back vibes and epic mountain views, making it a perfect choice for chill travellers and adventurers alike. You’ll have a prime viewing platform for the mighty Mt Cook.
You’re also just a short stroll from the Hooker Valley Track. And here, you can forget stuffy hotel rooms. Aoraki Alpine Lodge offers a cosy lodge feel.
Think comfy beds and a communal kitchen and lounge area that’s perfect for kicking back after a day of exploring. It’s like staying at a friend’s mountain cabin, but with better Wi-Fi.
Pro Tip: Stock up on yummy snacks and drinks from the nearby Mt Cook Village shops.
11. Mt Cook Lodge & Motels
Address: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Glencoe Access Road, Canterbury 7999, New Zealand
Hours:
- Check In: 2 PM
- Check Out: 10 AM
Phone: +6434351653
Price: From 300 NZD
Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, or a family on a budget, Mt Cook Lodge & Motels has your back. They offer motel studios and family units, perfect for self-catering, or lodge rooms with a more social vibe.
And after a day of adventure, you can unwind in a place that feels like home. The atmosphere is chill, and the on-site bar and grill is the perfect spot to grab some good grub.
Pro Tip: There’s a good chance you’ll spot some curious kea parrots. So be ready to get some pictures!
12. Mt Cook View Motel
Address: 203 Cook Flat Road, Fox Glacier 7886, New Zealand
Hours:
- Check In: 2 PM
- Check Out: 10 AM
Phone: +6437510814
Price: From 75 NZD
Let’s be honest, sometimes you crave a comfy bed and a killer view without breaking the bank. That’s where Mt Cook View Motel comes in.
You’ll have uninterrupted views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, and Mt Tasman, and no matter who you are, Mt Cook View Motel has a room for you.
Their options range from cosy studios to sprawling two-bedroom apartments, all with kitchenettes, so you can whip up meals or midnight snacks. Plus, their units are way bigger than your standard motel shoebox.
Pro Tip: The motel’s location hits the sweet spot: close enough to Fox Glacier township for restaurants and supplies, yet nestled in a peaceful, rural setting.
