The Hermitage
The Hermitage Mt Cook
The Hermitage has a long history of being the centrepiece of the Mt Cook village. This tradition continues and in addition to providing a range of accommodation, the Hermitage is the main base for
Mt Cook activities and dining. When visiting the spectacular Mt Cook region it seems only fitting to base yourself at the Hermitage.
Mt Cook Accommodation Options
The main Hermitage building offers a high standard of hotel accommodation. The Hermitage also offers self-contained motel and chalet units. These are within walking distance of the main hotel, but there’s a courtesy shuttle bus if you want to save your legs for some real Mt Cook tramping.
Plans are also afoot for Hermitage backpacker accommodation. Renovations are currently underway in the former Glencoe Lodge.
Where is the Hermitage Hotel?
The Hermitage Hotel sits at the top of the Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Village. The location was perfectly planned to get the best views of Mt Cook and the surrounding splendour.
Aoraki Mount Cook and the associated village lie within the Southern Alps on the South Island of New Zealand. The village is approximately 3 hours drive north of Queenstown, and 3.5 hours south of Christchurch.
Hermitage Hotel Rooms
The hotel has a range of rooms. These start at standard rooms with views of Mt Sefton and the Tasman Valley for $210 per night (2010 rate). Other standard rooms and superior rooms have little balconies that face Mt Cook. However the piece de resistance when it comes to views of Aoraki are the premium and premium plus rooms that sleep up to 4 persons and feature full picture windows. The premium plus rooms even have nice extra touches such as bathrobes and slippers.
We stayed on the 9th floor in a premium room that was huge. It had two queen beds, a lounge area, desk, fridge and a coffee maker, and there was still plenty of room to move about. The bathroom was also large, although the bath was surprisingly small for such a big room. The room had lots of little extras including toiletries, minibar, a safe, TV, and even binoculars.
The décor of the hotel room was very upscale, but the furnishings paled into insignificance in the presence of such views. It was difficult not to just stare at Mt Cook constantly!
These hotel rooms are the place to catch up on any well needed rest. The beds are soooo comfortable, the bed linen delightful, it’s really quiet, and the curtains are dark. It can be a little difficult to get out of bed!
Facilities
The hotel has different options for dining (see below). Also contained within the complex are the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, the planetarium, Alpine Guides, and the Hermitage Retail Centre, a shop with souvenirs and a few groceries.
The bar area has wireless internet access available for a fee, although all of Mt Cook village is somewhat communication challenged when it comes to the speed of the internet (although a 3G service is available). There are also a couple of computers available off the lobby.
Dining/Bars
The Snowline Bar is located off the lobby. With big leather couches, a nice fireplace and wood panelling, the bar is a very classy place to take in the alpenglow of Mt Cook through the huge picture windows. Happy hour is a highlight where they have dangerously cheap cocktails on offer. They have some signature cocktails such as Snowy Peak, Mt Cook Sunset, and Alpine Breeze, as well as a large range of well known concoctions. Knock yourself out!
The Alpine Restaurant next door also has large windows so that you can dine and stare at Mt Cook simultaneously. Breakfast is either continental or a buffet that includes a wide range of hot cooked items. Buffet meals are also on offer for lunch and dinner that includes seafood, salads, casserole type dishes and a plethora of mini desserts. During winter when the Panorama Restaurant is closed, a small a la carte menu is on offer.
The Panorama Restaurant (closed during winter) is the ritzy dining establishment at the Hermitage. As the name suggests, this restaurant also affords great views of the mountains.
During the day the large Sir Edmund Hillary Café is the place to hang out, especially on the balcony on a sunny day. The food is simple and very affordable and includes sandwiches, paninis, sausage rolls, basic hot dishes, cakes, pastries and a variety of beverages including alcoholic ones. During summer pizzas are sometimes available in the evenings.
Why Stay at the Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook?
The Hermitage Hotel provides a very high standard of accommodation at which to base yourself and make the most of the many activities that Mt Cook has to offer: heli skiing, tramping, mountaineering, glacier tours and scenic flights. All the dining areas and most of the rooms afford fabulous views that are incredibly intoxicating (or maybe it’s the cocktails?!). The Hermitage Hotel provides convenient access to most of the dining and activities in the village – it’s the place to stay at Mt Cook.
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To make a booking:
1. Choose your room type. More information can be obtained by clicking on the link for the room type
2. Select the month from the drop-down menu
3. Scroll to the first date (using scroll bar at bottom) you wish to book (if $$$ show, room is available for that date)
4. Click on the $$$ link and it will take you to the booking page