The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook - Aoraki / Mount Cook

Alpine hotel in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park with direct glacier tours and stargazing

Location & Setting

The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook sits inside Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, the only hotel in the park with extensive dining options. Guests have direct access to Glacier Explorers tours that depart from the hotel, navigating the Tasman Glacier and glacial lake. The property also lies within the world's largest Gold Status International Dark Sky Reserve, offering exceptional stargazing opportunities without leaving the grounds.

Rooms & Views

All rooms and suites at The Hermitage offer mountain views, with most looking directly at Aoraki/Mount Cook. Premium rooms on floors 5-7 include panoramic windows and beds positioned to face the peaks. The hotel also provides wheelchair-accessible rooms with grab rails and lower bathroom sinks, accommodating guests with mobility needs.

Dining & Bars

The Alpine Restaurant serves buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, with a focus on local New Zealand ingredients. The Panorama Room, open seasonally from December 1, offers an à la carte menu that highlights regional produce. For casual drinks, the Snowline Lounge features a log fire and views of Mount Cook, while the Sir Edmund Hillary Cafe & Bar provides grab-and-go options.

Entertainment & Activities

The onsite Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre includes a museum and planetarium, both open to hotel guests. A custom-designed theatre shows 2D and 3D cinematic experiences exclusive to the property. Guests can also book guided stargazing tours, heli-hike excursions, and the Glacier Explorer boat trip from the hotel's tour desk.

Services & Accessibility

A 24-hour reception and tour desk help organize local activities, including hiking on the Hooker Valley Track that starts nearby. The hotel offers free private parking, a minimarket, and facilities for disabled guests throughout the property. Laundry and business services are available, and the building is fully heated with an elevator serving all floors.

• Location: Inside Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, within Dark Sky Reserve
• Rooms: All with mountain views, wheelchair-accessible options
• Dining: Alpine Restaurant buffet, Panorama Room seasonal à la carte
• Activities: Glacier Explorers, stargazing, planetarium, custom theatre
• History: Over 140 years of operation, Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre