Planning Your Visit

How many nights should I stay in Aoraki / Mount Cook?

While many visitors stop for one night, we recommend staying at least two nights to fully experience everything Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park has to offer.

A two-night stay allows time to explore iconic walking tracks such as the Hooker Valley Track, enjoy unique experiences like Glacier Explorers and Big Sky Stargazing, and take in the spectacular alpine scenery without feeling rushed.

Guests staying longer can also enjoy scenic flights, the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, local dining experiences and some of New Zealand's most memorable night skies.

When is the best time to visit Aoraki / Mount Cook?

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is a year-round destination, with each season offering a different experience.

Summer brings longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures and excellent hiking conditions. Autumn offers crisp days and fewer crowds. Winter transforms the landscape with snow-capped peaks and exceptional stargazing opportunities, while spring brings flowing waterfalls and dramatic mountain scenery.

There is no single best time to visit, the ideal season depends on the experiences you're looking for.

Can I visit Aoraki/Mount Cook as a day trip?

Yes, Aoraki/Mount Cook can be visited as a day trip from Christchurch, Queenstown, Wānaka or Tekapo. However, many visitors find that a day trip doesn't allow enough time to fully experience the region.

Is it worth staying overnight in Aoraki/Mount Cook?

Absolutely. Staying overnight allows you to experience the national park beyond the busiest daytime hours.

Many guests consider sunrise, sunset and the night sky to be highlights of their visit. An overnight stay also makes it easier to enjoy activities such as Glacier Explorers, Big Sky Stargazing and the Hooker Valley Track without feeling rushed.

How long does it take to get to Aoraki/Mount Cook? 

From Christchurch, please allow 4hrs 15 mins to get to the Hermitage, Aoraki/Mount Cook 

From Queenstown, please allow 3hrs 15mins – 3hrs 30mins to get to the Hermitage, Aoraki/Mount Cook. 

From Wanaka, please allow 2hr 30mins to get to the Hermitage, Aoraki/Mount Cook. 

From Dunedin, please allow 3hrs 45mins – 4hrs to get to the Hermitage, Aoraki/Mount Cook.  

How do I get to Aoraki/Mount Cook if I cannot drive or hire a car?  

Cheeky Kiwi and Great Sights have day tours to Mount Cook from/to Queenstown & Christchurch. However, their timetable does vary, and you would need to contact them directly for up to date schedules.

How can I make a booking? 

You can make a booking directly on our website. We offer live availability so our website will show what rooms and activities are available on any given day. Please visit our stay page to make an accommodation booking and our experience page to book an activity. 

Do you offer any special offers or discounts? 

For all our packages and special offers please check our Packages page for the most up to date deals. 

Accommodation

Which accommodation option is best for me?

The best accommodation depends on your travel style and budget.

• The Hermitage Hotel is ideal for guests looking for premium accommodation, iconic views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and convenient access to dining and activities.
• Mt Cook Lodge offers more relaxed accommodation in the lower Aoraki village, with Hooker Valley View and Village View room options.
• Mt Cook Motels provide self-contained accommodation with kitchen facilities, making them a popular choice for families, groups and independent travellers.

Which rooms have views of Aoraki/Mount Cook?

At the Hermitage, all Premium, Premium Plus, Superior, Mount Cook Suite and Standard Mount Cook View have a view of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Our Standard rooms have a view of Mount Sefton on one side and towards the Tasman Valley on the other. Some rooms look over the car park.

Mt Cook Lodge and Mt Cook Motels do not have direct views of Aoraki / Mount Cook, although some rooms enjoy views across the Hooker Valley and surrounding mountains.

What is the difference between Premium and Premium Plus rooms?

Premium Plus rooms are located on the highest floors of The Hermitage Hotel and offer some of the best available views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding alpine landscape.

Premium rooms also feature mountain views and modern amenities but are located on lower floors.

What is the difference between Valley View and Village View rooms at Mt Cook Lodge?

The main difference between a Lodge Valley View and a Lodge Village View is the side of the building they are on. The Valley View Rooms have the best view looking out towards Mt Sefton, Mt Wakefield, and the Hooker Valley, while the Village View looks over Aoraki/Mount Cook Village and the forest that goes up to the portion of the Southern Alps that holds Red Tarns. 

Both room types provide comfortable accommodation within easy reach of activities, dining and walking tracks.

What time is check-in and check-out? 

Check-in at the Hermitage Hotel and the Mt Cook Lodge & Motels is at 3.00pm.

Check out at the Hermitage Hotel and the Mt Cook Lodge & Motels is at 10.00am.

Can I request an early check-in or late check-out? 

Early check-ins are subject to availability and cannot be confirmed in advance. If your room is ready upon arrival, then we are more than happy to accommodate you upon arrival.  

Late check-outs are also subject to availability and cannot be confirmed in advance. Please check in with a duty manager when you check-in to see if a late check out is possible. 

Can I request a particular room? 

We cannot guarantee room allocations prior to arrival, our teams will endeavour to accommodate your request. Kindly note, that this is not guaranteed and is subject to availability. 

Do you have bag storage? 

Yes, we have bag storage, our friendly front desk team can assist you with this upon arrival. Your bags can be left with us allowing you to venture out and explore the National Park.  

What is your cancellation policy? 

We have a 48-hour cancellation policy. Bookings cancelled within 48 hours of arrival will forfeit 100% of the total price paid. If you cancel 48 hours before arrival, you will receive a full refund. Please read our full Terms and Conditions for more information. 

Are there laundry facilities in the hotel? 

There are self-service laundry facilities located in the Hermitage and at the Mt Cook Motels. These facilities are open daily from 9.00am - 5.30pm. Washers and dryers are available for $8 per load and include washing powder. Laundry facilities in the hotel are cashless, and can be paid for by credit or debit card on the machine in the laundry room. Laundry facilities at the motels are coin operated and are $8.

**Laundry facilities at the Hermitage Hotel will be unavailable from 3 May -  1 November 2026. During this time, guests at the hotel will need to use the laundry facilities located at the Mt Cook Motels.**

Is there somewhere I can charge my electric vehicle?

We recommend that you come to us with your Electric Vehicle (EV) fully charged. Limited EV charging is available in the national park. There are two charging points available at the  Department of Conservation Visitor Centre carpark but currently this is all

What is the distance between the Lodge and the Hotel?  

The Mt Cook Lodge & Motels is located 1km from the Hermitage. There is a walking track that can take you there. Please ask at reception for a map or directions.  

Do you have a map of the area we can view before we arrive?

You can view our village map and map of Aoraki/Mount Cook walking tracks here.

Do you run a shuttle to the Mt Cook Lodge & Motels?  

From 1 October we will be operating a shuttle between the Hermitage and the Mt Cook Lodge & Motels on request. This is subject to availability. 

Do you provide free parking? 

Yes, we provide free parking for all guests at the Hermitage and the Mt Cook Lodge & Motels. Please note that this is subject to availability.

What if the road is closed on the day of my booking? 

If the road is closed due to situations out of our control we will offer a full refund if you cannot reschedule your booking.  

Do your rooms have air conditioning?

Our Premium and Premium Plus rooms are the only room types in the Hermitage Hotel that have air-conditioning. The Mt Cook Lodge rooms have air conditioning but this is managed from a central point. The Mt Cook Motel units have heat pump units that can blow cold air. Due to the pristine environment and eco-friendly practices of our hotel, the refreshing mountain air and cool temperatures in this alpine setting typically make air conditioning unnecessary.

Is there internet in the National Park? 

Yes, there is free limited Wi-Fi available when staying at the Hermitage and the Mt Cook Lodge & Motels. There is 4G signal in the National Park. Due to our location, the signal may vary and the connection may be slow.

What is there to do in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park? 

Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is home to New Zealand’s longest Glacier and the world’s largest Gold Status International Dark Sky Reserve. You can spend the day exploring the Tasman Glacier on Glacier Explorers and the night discovering the outer reaches of our galaxy with Big Sky Stargazing. Enjoy one of the many walks or hikes around the village and environs; ranging from 10 minutes to 4 hours, there is something to suit everyone. 

The park is home to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, where you can explore the history of this iconic region at a museum dedicated to one of the world’s greatest explorers. The movie theatre shows inspirational and informative 2D and 3D movies. 

Can I fuel my car in Aoraki/Mount Cook? 

Yes, there is a fuel pump in the village but please note it is self-service, and pay at the pump with card only. We would recommend you fuel up before arriving in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. 

Can I charge back expenses to my room?

Yes. While staying with us, you can charge food, beverages, activities, and retail purchases to your room. A pre-authorisation of $300 per night will be placed on your card to cover these charges.

Are there any shops in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village? 

While it is called a village, there are no shops or convenience stores in Mount Cook Village. We have a retail store in the Hermitage that sells outdoor apparel, souvenirs, and a small selection of snacks and drinks. If you are staying in a motel and plan on cooking, please make sure you take groceries with you. The nearest shop is 66km away in Twizel.  

Can I take my pet with me? 

The Hermitage Hotel and Mt Cook Lodge & Motels are located in the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. There are no pets allowed in the National Park, this is in place to protect native wildlife and plant species.  

Can I heat up my food in my room?

Due to our internal hotel policies, warm-up facilities for food are not provided in the Hermitage, the Mt Cook Lodge, and all rooms at both properties. However, Aoraki/Mount Cook Village offers a wide range of food choices to assist you with any culinary needs. Please feel free to contact us for further assistance or dining recommendations.

If you have booked to stay in a motel room, these include a full kitchenette.

Dining 

Do I need to book dinner in advance?

If you are dining at Alpine Restaurant, dinner reservations are recommended before you arrive to avoid disappointment. However, reservations for breakfast are not required. 

If you wish to dine in the Panorama Room dinner reservations are essential. 

Dinner reservations are not required in the Chamois Bar & Grill. 

Can I book a window seat? 

We can’t guarantee a window seat before arrival. Please check with the restaurant team on arrival for availability.  

What are the opening and closing times of your restaurants?  

Our various dining outlets have different operating hours please check our dine page for the most up to date information. 

Is there a children's menu in the Panorama room?  

Panorama Room dining is not available for children under 14 years, children 15 years and up will be charged at full adult rate.  

Can I dine at the Hermitage if I am not staying there? 

Yes, we accept bookings from outside guests. We would recommend you make a reservation before you arrive. Bookings can be made here.  

Is your meat Halal certified? 

We do cater to Halal/Vegetarian diets on all menus. However please note the beef & lamb served at the hotel while Halal certified, our kitchen is not Halal as we also prepare pork products for other guests in this kitchen. Please also be aware any game meat we may serve is wild and will not be halal. 

Do you cater to dietary restrictions? 

We can cater to most dietary restrictions, our menus will list all dietary specifications. If you have concerns, please talk to our reservations team before you arrive or one of our team members when you arrive at the hotel. 

Which restaurant is right for me?

The Alpine Restaurant offers a buffet dining experience featuring locally sourced ingredients and spectacular mountain views.

The Panorama Room provides a premium à la carte dining experience showcasing New Zealand produce and wines.

The Sir Edmund Hillary Café is ideal for casual dining, coffee and light meals, while the Chamois Bar & Grill offers a relaxed atmosphere and hearty pub-style favourites.

Activities 

Is Glacier Explorers worth it?

Glacier Explorers is one of New Zealand's most unique experiences and the only glacier boat tour of its kind in the country.

Guests cruise among floating icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Lake while learning about the region's geology, glacial history and changing alpine environment. For many visitors, it is a highlight of their time in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park.

If you cancel due to weather do I get a refund? 

If your Glacier Explorers or Big Sky Stargazing tour is cancelled by us due to weather, you have the option to reschedule or you can get a full refund. 

How far in advance should I book an activity? 

To avoid disappointment we always recommend you book ahead of time. We would suggest booking your desired activities when you book your accommodation. 

What should I wear for Glacier Explorers?

We recommend dressing in warm layers and wearing sturdy walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.

Weather conditions in the national park can change quickly, so a waterproof jacket, sunglasses and sunscreen are also recommended. Additional equipment is provided where required.

How long is the walk to the Tasman Glacial Lake? 

A bus will take you from the Hermitage to the Tasman Valley. From the car park, you will be required to walk 1.5km to the Tasman Glacial Lake. The track involves navigating small hills both ascending and descending. The surface can be quite uneven in certain areas, while loose rocks are present along the way. At the end of the track, there is a relatively steep slope leading down to the lake, extra care should be taken when descending this section. Guests must be physically fit and able to complete the 1.5km walk to the lake within 25 minutes. 

Can my 3 year old go on Glacier Explorers with us?

Unfortunately, your 3-year-old cannot go on Glacier Explorers, the minimum age is 4 years. 

Where does Glacier Explorers depart from? 

Glacier Explorers departs from the Hermitage Hotel. Check-in is 30 minutes prior to departure at the Activity Retail Centre. A bus will then take you from the hotel to the Tasman Valley. 

Does Glacier Explorers operate in winter? 

During the winter season, the Tasman Lake freezes over which means from mid-June to the end of August Glacier Explorers will be closed. These dates are subject to change.   

Where does Big Sky Stargazing depart from? 

Big Sky Stargazing departs from the Hermitage Hotel. Check-in is 15 minutes prior to departure at the Activity Retail Centre. A bus will then take you from the hotel to the Starbase which is located near Mount Cook Airport. 

What is the minimum age for outdoor stargazing? 

The minimum age for Big Sky Stargazing outdoor tour is 8 years. 

The minimum age for Galactic Journeys, our indoor Planetarium show, is 5 years. 

What should I wear for Big Sky Stargazing?

Temperatures can drop significantly after sunset, even during summer.

We recommend wearing warm clothing, including a jacket, long trousers, closed footwear and additional layers during cooler months. Dressing warmly will help ensure you are comfortable throughout the experience.

Can you see the Milky Way in Aoraki / Mount Cook?

Yes. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park lies within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the world for stargazing.

On clear nights, the Milky Way is often visible to the naked eye and appears in remarkable detail thanks to the region's exceptionally low levels of light pollution.

The time slot I want is not available, can you put me on the waitlist?  

As we have live availability on our website, we do not offer a waitlist. If your preferred time is not available, we suggest you book another departure time or keep checking our website to see if we add more spaces or extra departure times.  

Do you have bikes we can hire?

We have bikes for hire from the Activity Retail Centre. These are available for $30 per bike for the day.

Is there somewhere I can charge my e-bike?

We recommend that you come to us with your  E-Bike fully charged.  We have limited spaces in our hotel E-Bike charging facility. This operates on a ‘first in first use basis,’ and we cannot guarantee availability.

Do you run a shuttle to the Hooker Valley Track?  

We do not offer a shuttle service to the Hooker Valley. You can join the walking track at the front of the hotel, it is a 20-minute walk to the start of the track. Please ask reception for a walking map. 

Do you hire tramping gear?

We do not hire tramping gear but you can purchase some outdoor apparel from the Activity Retail Centre. We would suggest before you do any tramping in the National Park you check conditions with DOC (Department of Conservation) and make sure you have all necessary equipment and clothing with you before you arrive in Aoraki/Mount Cook.