Aoraki/Mount Cook - Mackenzie Region, New Zealand

Mt Cook Lodge & Motels

Written by Jason on October 17, 2024.

The perfect gateway to your Aoraki/Mount Cook adventure. The Mt Cook Lodge & Motels blends the old with the new through stylish rooms and stunning mountain vistas. The Mt Cook Lodge comprises of 59 rooms, each with a balcony and mountain views and an onsite bar & grill for your convenience. Conveniently located close by are the Mt Cook Motels which offer the perfect setup for families or those who want to self-cater.

Hermitage Hotel

Written by Jason on July 8, 2024.

Why not have your special day set against one of the most memorable landscapes in the world? The Hermitage, Aoraki/Mount Cook, is an iconic destination offering a stunning alpine retreat for your special day. With a wide range of facilities and an experienced team that will make your wedding dreams a reality. The sheer natural beauty of the Hermitage and the surrounding Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park ensures a beautiful backdrop for your special day. The Hermitage accommodates weddings from May to September. So if you are looking for the perfect winter alpine venue look no further. Often the...

Haka House Aoraki/Mt Cook

Written by Jason on May 29, 2023.

Haka House Aoraki/Mt Cook is your base camp, nestled in the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Soak in the breathtaking views of its mountainous surroundings and enjoy the convenience of the communal areas including a fully-equipped kitchen, dining and living room, as well as cosy backyard and sauna. In the shared rooms, enjoy facilities that include bedside USB C & A charging, individual lighting, lockable storage, privacy curtains, and complimentary bed linen. Meanwhile, the private rooms provide additional comforts like a wardrobe, bar fridge, kettle, hair dryer, TV, and USB A...

Charlie Hobbs

Written by Jason on October 3, 2022.

Possibly the most awe-inspiring wedding locations on Earth! As a registered wedding celebrant, Charlie Hobbs offers different wedding locations for many occasions. He can also just do the ceremony if this is what you are looking for. Have your ceremony at a handy location near the Aoraki/Mount Cook village or another DOC-permitted location in the Southern Alps. Price on application and conditions may apply to certain areas. Stunning wedding locations An unbeatable backdrop Great venues Photographer available Breathtaking views

Harris Mountains Heli-Ski

Written by Jason on October 2, 2022.

New Zealand’s most experienced heli-ski and heli-board company, Harris Mountains Heli-ski (HMH) has an extensive variety of terrain to ski or board in Aoraki/Mount Cook. From first-time heli-skiers to those wanting to ski maximum vertical, HMH’s qualified and experienced guides will take you to terrain to suit your ability. Daily options include five and seven-run days and private heli-ski charters. The HMH team lives for the mountains. Chasing the winter around the globe, spending Southern Hemisphere summers skiing and guiding in adventure destinations from Alaska to Russia to India. Some are...

Old Mountaineers Café, Bar & Restaurant

Written by Jason on September 29, 2022.

Relax at this iconic café, bar, and restaurant with an extensive historic photographic gallery full of character and spirit. This is the only business within the Aoraki/Mount Cook Village officially opened by Sir Edmund Hillary and is steeped in history. Relax with great organic coffee, excellent food options, a cold beer or wine – and all with stunning views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Recommended by Lonely Planet as “their pick” and also recommended by Rough Guide. Bookings for parties, weddings and groups are welcome – the owner Charlie Hobbs is also a registered marriage celebrant.

Mt Cook Safaris

Written by Jason on August 19, 2022.

Professional safari outfitters and guides specialising in personalised luxury hunting, fishing and touring adventures of New Zealand. Those are the services that Mt Cook Safaris are proud to offer. Owner Neville Cunningham has been involved in hunting most of his life and this is a major passion of his. He has also been heavily involved with research and genetics, the results of some of these endeavours can be measured by the amount of world record trophies that have been taken from Mt Cook Safari Park and other parks in NZ. Hunt for trophy elk, red deer, Wapiti, fallow deer, Himalayan tahr,...

Tasman Delta Café

Written by Jason on August 15, 2022.

Enjoy delicious coffee, breakfast or lunch at the Tasman Delta Café, while gazing at stunning views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps. The Tasman Delta Café, located at Glentanner Park Centre, is open year-round for breakfast and lunch. The tempting menu offers everything from hot dishes and fresh sandwiches to delectable cabinet food. To satisfy your sweet tooth, check out the speciality cakes, slices and ice creams for hot summer days. Of course, don’t forget about the great coffee! Tasman Delta Café offers free Wi-Fi, and best of all, a spectacular view of New Zealand’s tallest mountain,...

Aoraki/Mount Cook Visitor Centre

Written by Ania on August 10, 2022.

The spectacular Aoraki/Mount Cook visitor centre introduces visitors from all over the world to the wonders of the national park. The visitor centre building is an attraction in itself, featuring a large picture window looking out to the mountain Aoraki. You can easily spend half a day exploring the artwork collection, interpretation exhibits and watching DVDs about the area. Visitor centre services include: Information on the walks, attractions and activities in the park and local environs. An intentions system provided for climbers and trampers to sign in when they enter and leave Aoraki/Mount...

Hermitage Hotel

Written by Jason on August 8, 2022.

There are several options for dining in the iconic Hermitage Hotel. Enjoy sumptuous food with outstanding views! Alpine Restaurant The Alpine Restaurant offers sumptuous buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner accompanied by spectacular views of Aoraki/Mount Cook from every seat. Christmas day lunch and evening menus are available, along with a special New Years Eve menu. Snowline Lounge Take the opportunity to relax and unwind after an adventurous day in the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Curl up by the open log fire, or sit back and take in the majestic view of the Southern Alps. The Snowline...

Alpine Recreation

Written by Ania on August 8, 2022.

Alpine Recreation was the first mountain guiding operation established in Lake Tekapo and has over 40 years of experience (since 1981) guiding in the Tekapo backcountry, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and Mackenzie region. Alpine Recreation are family-owned and operated and offer unique year-round alpine adventures with exclusive access to the most stunning backcountry locations in the Southern Alps. Explore far from the beaten track to remote mountain locations, avoid the crowds and rest assured that you’re in good hands, as Alpine Recreation is safety audit certified by AdventureMark. Small...

Southern Alps Guiding

Written by Jason on August 8, 2022.

Southern Alps Guiding hold the highest international certification for mountain & ski guiding; UIAGM/IFMGA, and they are safety audit certified. There are a wide range of activities to choose from including rock climbing, mountaineering, snowshoeing and more. Please visit their website for a full range. Tasman Glacier Skiing You don’t have to be an expert to ski the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier – the skiing terrain is ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers. Enjoy New Zealand’s longest ski runs with panoramic scenery of the biggest mountains and glaciers in the country. Skiing the Tasman Glacier...

Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

Written by Ania on August 8, 2022.

A tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary, humanitarian, ambassador and one of the world’s greatest explorers, the centre showcases the Aoraki/Mount Cook region, its people and its place in the universe. The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre’s 126-seat custom-designed theatre is the world’s only theatre with 2D, 3D and a Digital Dome Planetarium, contained within the same space. Cutting edge technology allows the 2D screen to raise up for storage while the 3D screen is in use and the Digital Dome Planetarium to lower into place when required. Mount Cook Magic is an inspiring 3D cinematic experience unlike...

Mt Cook Glacier Guiding

Written by Jason on August 4, 2022.

Nature at its most awesome! Mt Cook Glacier Guiding welcomes you to New Zealand’s big mountain country. Enjoy spectacular views from the air, feel the ice crunch underfoot as you walk on the glacier, hear the groan and grind of this massive, frozen river. Heli-hiking, snowshoeing or ice climbing, it’s their pleasure to guide you on your alpine adventure. The Adventurer: Tasman Glacier Heli-hike Combine the excitement of walking on New Zealand’s biggest glacier with the thrill of breathtaking scenic helicopter fly-bys of New Zealand’s largest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook. You fly in to your drop-off...

Southern Lakes Helicopters

Written by Jason on August 4, 2022.

Join Southern Lakes Helicopters on the trip of a lifetime – a spectacular helicopter flight through towering, snow-capped mountains, to your landing site on a vast glacier high in the Southern Alps. Based at Mount Cook Airport, just five minutes from Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, Southern Lakes Helicopters offers breathtaking scenic flights throughout Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Southern Lakes Helicopters is privileged to be able to land at a number of locations on the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s largest river of ice. All Southern Lakes Helicopters flights are designed to provide the best...

Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters

Written by Ania on August 1, 2022.

Aoraki/Mount Cook is without a doubt an iconic New Zealand destination. Explore the spectacular landscape from the air and feel the snow-covered glacier beneath your feet. This unique experience is on offer in a helicopter, fixed-wing ski plane or both. With a world-exclusive helicopter/ski plane combo flight now flying daily there is no better way to see the beautiful Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters are a New Zealand icon and industry leader in alpine scenic flights, including glacier snow landings. They operate a modern fleet of fixed-wing ski planes...

New Zealand Alpine Lavender

Written by Ania on August 1, 2022.

New Zealand Alpine Lavender is a beautiful certified organic lavender farm, found only five minutes’ drive from the State Highway 8 turnoff on the scenic road to Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. Nestled under the majestic Ben Ohau mountain range, the largest certified organic lavender farm in the Southern Hemisphere is a true labour of love. Allan Tibby and Blake Foster, the visionary founders, maintain that the 600 meter altitude is the main reason their award-winning lavender oil is some of the purest and most potent in New Zealand. A lovingly cultivated farm in a natural,...

Helicopter Line

Written by Ania on July 28, 2022.

Scenic Flights Take a breathtaking scenic helicopter flight with the Helicopter Line and experience magnificent views of the pristine alpine environment of Aoraki/Mount Cook World Heritage Park. Fly past vast snowfields, glaciers and New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook. Enjoy close up views that would otherwise be restricted to the most adventurous mountain climber. Land high above the glaciers and step out onto a carpet of snow to snap that special photograph. This is an experience not to be missed! The Helicopter Line operates from its Glentanner base close to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village...

Glentanner High Country Heli-Hike

Written by Ania on July 28, 2022.

The tour begins with an exhilarating helicopter flight to a high point on Glentanner Station. Take in dramatic views of Lake Pukaki, the Tasman River Valley and Aoraki/Mount Cook towering over the landscape in the distance. After leaving the helicopter the tour continues on foot with an easy walk down a picturesque farm track. The track descends gradually along alpine tarns and beneath towering peaks. Your guide will share stories of the station’s history, geological features, flora, fauna and present-day operations. The walk also includes a break at a historic private hut with morning or afternoon...

Glacier Explorers

Written by Ania on July 27, 2022.

Introducing New Zealand’s only glacial boat tour – Glacier Explorers. Explore the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier Lake in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and soak up the ever-changing glacial landscape. The impressive Haupapa/Tasman Glacier is the longest in New Zealand at more than 23km in length and 600m deep – it’s a pretty phenomenal sight to witness! Boats will journey across the Tasman Lake where you can view the glacier’s ice face from a safe distance, whilst weaving in and out of icebergs of all sizes. Have you ever touched an iceberg? Now’s the time. Please note Glacier Explorers operate from...

Big Sky Stargazing

Written by Ania on July 26, 2022.

The darkness of the night sky around Aoraki/Mount Cook is unbeatable – it’s official! Let the team at Big Sky Stargazing introduce you to the wonders above. The 4367sq km Gold Status Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is the largest in the world and for this tour, you will be the centre of it all. Their experienced guides will introduce you to the beautiful southern night sky with a full hour tour using the naked eye, astro-binoculars and state of the art 14″ and 11″ astronomy telescopes. Unleash your imagination as you discover our neighbourhood in the universe including the Southern...

Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

Written by Ania on July 26, 2022.

The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is truly one of New Zealand’s great rides! Suitable for all ages, the trail is an easy grade and offers a pleasing mix of on and off-road trails which link the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. The 315km trail begins in the Southern Alps beneath the peaks of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, descends 780m through the Mackenzie Basin to Lake Ohau, then down the Waitaki Valley before finishing at Oamaru and the Pacific Ocean. The trail has multiple access points to cater for both multi and single day riders of all fitness levels and is well serviced by established...

Glentanner Park Centre

Written by Jason on July 25, 2022.

Glentanner Park Centre is a holiday park, scenic flight and activity centre for the Aoraki/Mount Cook region. Located near the shores of Lake Pūkaki, Glentanner offers panoramic views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding Southern Alps and is only 15 minutes from Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Glentanner Park Centre features affordable accommodation including 60 powered campervan sites, unlimited tent sites, 5 self-contained motel units, 9 basic/standard units and a 10-bed backpackers dormitory. Fantastic food is available from the on-site café, open for breakfast and lunch, and Glentanner...

Aoraki/Mount Cook Alpine Lodge

Written by Ania on July 6, 2022.

Aoraki/Mount Cook Alpine Lodge truly offers guests quality, uncrowded, self-catering accommodation right in the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook Village. All rooms have ensuite facilities and most have spectacular views of Mount Cook and surrounding peaks and glaciers. The rooms are set up to cater for all budgets including family rooms, twin, queen and triple rooms and two fully self-contained rooms. The guest lounge is the best place in Mount Cook to put your feet up and enjoy the mountains and glaciers. The views from this room are unbeatable and it has a cosy fire and lots of comfortable couches...

Aoraki Court Motel

Written by Jason on June 30, 2022.

Aoraki Court Motel provides luxury accommodation within Aoraki/Mount Cook Village. Choose from a mix of studio and two-bedroom units with sensational views of the surrounding mountains all directly facing the stunning Mt Sefton and The Footstool. Internally the motel units are large, practical and modern, all containing quality furnishings and fittings. Continental breakfasts are available upon request so you can relax and enjoy waking up surrounded by snow-capped mountains and fresh mountain air. Aoraki Court Motel is an ideal base for all Aoraki/Mount Cook activities, walks and restaurants.

Hermitage Hotel

Written by Jason on May 27, 2022.

Nestled in the beautiful Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, The Hermitage Hotel is the perfect base for your next adventure. Recognised as part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area, the National Park is a breathtaking environment of glaciers, terminal lakes, turbulent rivers and Australasia’s tallest peak the mighty Aoraki/Mount Cook soaring above at 3,724 metres. The iconic Hermitage Hotel is home to a selection of restaurants and bars as well as a range of activities to allow you to explore the wonder of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Their comfortable rooms offer all modern conveniences including...

Air Safaris

Written by Jason on May 26, 2022.

Explore New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine scenery, from snowy mountain ranges and turquoise lakes, to epic glaciers and amazing ice fields flowing through West Coast rainforests to the Tasman Sea! The Grand Traverse is New Zealand’s premier scenic flight, so you can go further and see more. Highlights include Aoraki/Mount Cook; Lake Tekapo; the Southern Alps mountain range; Tasman, Franz and Fox glaciers; unique braided rivers; golden tussocklands and beautiful glacial lakes. Why fly with Air Safaris? Flights from Lake Tekapo, Glentanner Park, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and Franz Josef. Fixed-wing...

Alpine Guides

Written by Design on May 16, 2022.

Alpine Guides is New Zealand’s longest-established mountain guiding company (since 1966), with a year-round base in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, giving unparalleled access to this incredible area. They offer everything from easily accessible, short, mountain based adventures, to full mountaineering expeditions and ski guiding. Their trips include the Tasman Glacier Heli Hike, Tasman Glacier Ice Trek and overnight stays in a remote mountain hut with spectacular views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. You don’t need to be a mountaineer to appreciate their extraordinary alpine playground! Tasman Glacier...

Destination Location: Aoraki/Mount Cook

Mt Cook Lodge & Motels

Hermitage Hotel

Haka House Aoraki/Mt Cook

Charlie Hobbs

Harris Mountains Heli-Ski

Old Mountaineers Café, Bar & Restaurant

Mt Cook Safaris

Tasman Delta Café

Aoraki/Mount Cook Visitor Centre

Hermitage Hotel

Alpine Recreation

Southern Alps Guiding

Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

Mt Cook Glacier Guiding

Southern Lakes Helicopters

Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters

New Zealand Alpine Lavender

Helicopter Line

Glentanner High Country Heli-Hike

Glacier Explorers

Big Sky Stargazing

Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

Glentanner Park Centre

Aoraki/Mount Cook Alpine Lodge

Aoraki Court Motel

Hermitage Hotel

Air Safaris

Alpine Guides

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