14 Best Mt Cook Accommodation Options For All Budgets
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park is a place not even your most imaginative dreams could create. The dramatic landscape of soaring ice-capped peaks, hanging glaciers and braided milky-blue rivers will leave you breathless and never wanting to leave. And luckily, with some of the best Mt Cook accommodation options located right inside the national park, you don’t have to!
There is no shortage of wonderful places to stay near Mt Cook, some of which are located within the village itself while others can be found beside the glacial blue waters of Lake Pukaki or Lake Tekapo. The only problem you’ll have is deciding which Mt Cook accommodation option is right for you!
That’s where we come in. We recently spent over a week exploring Mt Cook National Park and the surrounding towns and have put together the ultimate guide to finding the best place to stay in Mt Cook.
In this guide, you’ll find detailed information on the top locations to stay near Mt Cook, including the pros and cons of each area, and our pick of the 14 best places to stay for any budget so you can plan your trip to Aoraki/Mt Cook with ease.
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Where To Stay In Mt Cook National Park
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park is hands down one of our favourite places in New Zealand’s South Island. Not only is it home to the tallest mountain in New Zealand, but the entire landscape is beyond anything we’ve experienced before.
While it is possible to visit on a day trip from Queenstown or Christchurch, you’ll gain much better experience by staying either within the national park in Mt Cook Village or at one of the quaint country towns nearby.
The best places to stay near Mt Cook are Mt Cook Village, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki or Twizel and which you choose will depend on your preferences and travel style. To help you make the right choice, we’ve included a short summary of each location below.
Mt Cook Village
The most obvious choice is to stay right in the heart of the action. Mt Cook Village provides the closest access to the many hikes in Mt Cook and allows you to easily experience the incredible landscape at the best times of day – sunrise and sunset.
You’ll find a small range of accommodation in Mt Cook Village that will suit most budgets, including a YHA Hostel and a DOC campsite. But it’s important to note that aside from a few restaurants, a cafe and a visitor centre, there are no facilities or retail shops within the village.
Furthermore, it can get super busy in summer and it’s quite common for all the hotels to book out. If you’re planning to visit through this time, we suggest booking well in advance or considering one of the other towns that have a wider range of options.
That said, If you’re searching for a mountain escape where you can either spend your time enjoying the breathtaking views from your cosy hotel room, traipsing along the multitude of walking trails, or fitting in as many activities as possible, then this is the best choice for you.
Lake Tekapo
Our top recommendation after Mt Cook Village is Lake Tekapo. This cute lakeside town has an intoxicating alpine ski village vibe and there are plenty of reasons to visit and things to do in Lake Tekapo that warrant a stay on its own merits.
You’ll find loads of cute cafes and restaurants backed up against the impossibly blue lake, as well as a small supermarket and boutique retail stores. There are over 200 places to stay in Lake Tekapo so you won’t have any issue with finding something that works for you!
Lake Tekapo is the best place to stay near Mt Cook if you’re searching for a vibrant vibe and a wide variety of places to eat and things to do.
Twizel
Twizel is the closest town to Mt Cook, located 50 minutes south of the village, and hosts a widely varying range of accommodation options from affordable holiday parks to ultra-luxury boutique stays just outside of town.
Though the town doesn’t emanate quite the same exciting vibe as Lake Tekapo, Twizel does offer a larger supermarket and fewer crowds. This is the best place to stay near Mt Cook if you’re looking for a quiet getaway with all your basic needs close by.
Lake Pukaki
While Lake Pukaki is not technically a town and only has a very small collection of hotels and resorts along its vast turquoise shores, the few options in Lake Pukaki are well worth considering if you’re searching for utmost luxury and stellar views.
Lake Pukaki is just 40 minutes south of Mt Cook Village and 10 minutes north of Twizel, making it an ideal place to stay for quick access to both the mountains and supplies in town. If you’re looking for the perfect romantic getaway, Lake Pukaki is the choice for you.
Best Accommodation In Mt Cook Village
1. Aoraki Court Motel
Location: 26 Bowen Drive, Mt Cook Village
Capacity: 2 – 3 guests for studios, up to 5 guests for 2-bedroom units
Price: $$$
Pet Friendly: No
Sustainability: Travel Sustainable Level 2
Min No. Nights: 1
The Aoraki Court Motel is a modern and sustainable place to stay in Mt Cook that boasts beautiful views of the mighty Mt Sefton and Mt Wakefield from each spacious unit. The motel lies just south of the tiny village, within a short walking distance to restaurants and the visitor centre, and offers a range of accommodation styles from studios to fully self-contained two-bedroom units.
This middle-range accommodation option is perfect for couples or families wishing to have all the comforts of a hotel without the bustle and noise. You can even choose to add a continental breakfast to your stay which can be enjoyed in your cosy unit.
Best Bits
- Full kitchen in two-bedroom units and full kitchenette in the studios
- Clothes washing and drying facilities on-site
- Beautiful views from each room
- Perfect for families or couples wanting to eat in rather than at the few restaurants
2. YHA Mt Cook
Location: 4 Bowen Drive, Mt Cook Village
Capacity: 2 – 3 guests in private rooms, up to 8 guests in shared dorms
Price: $
Pet Friendly: No
Sustainability: Travel Sustainable Level 2
Min No. Nights: 1
If you’re looking for a social setting where you have the ability to meet like-minded travellers, or you simply want to save money, you should highly consider the YHA Mt Cook. While many hostels get a bad rep for being party-oriented and dirty, the solar-powered YHA Mt Cook is anything but.
Here you can enjoy the cosy log-cabin feel and the advantages of being smack-bang in the middle of Mt Cook Village without paying a fortune. Plus, you even get access to a free sauna! You can choose to either stay in an 8-bed dorm (or a 4-bed female dorm) or in a private room that sleeps up to 3 with shared bathrooms.
Note: The YHA Hostel is closed from the 25th of June 2023 for a couple of months for renovations. Their plan is to be open for summer 2023/2024 but the official re-opening date hasn’t been released.
Best Bits
- Free sauna onsite
- Fully-equipped shared kitchen
- Clothes washing and drying facilities
- Solar-powered and sustainable
3. The Hermitage
Location: 26 Bowen Drive, Mt Cook Village
Capacity: 2 – 3 guests for studios, up to 5 guests for 2-bedroom units
Price: $$ – $$$$
Pet Friendly: No
Sustainability: None
Min No. Nights: 1
For the absolute best views of Mt Cook and the surrounding snow-capped peaks, you can’t beat The Hermitage. This iconic hotel tucks into the foothills of the Sealy Range and is the only high-rise in the village. You can expect all the luxuries and comforts of a high-end hotel at The Hermitage, except for additional facilities such as a swimming pool or gym.
All but one of the limited restaurants and cafes found in Mt Cook Village are located at The Hermitage and provide a wide range of dining options. And if hotel rooms aren’t your style, The Hermitage also owns the Mt Cook Lodge & Motels which is found within the same complex and provides additional room options, including fully self-contained units.
Best Bits
- Incredible views of Mt Cook
- Plenty of dining opinions
- Package options which include breakfast and/or dinner with your stay
- Full kitchen units available at the Mt Cook Motel
- Great deals over the winter
4. Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Lodge
Location: 101 Bowen Drive, Mt Cook Village
Capacity: 2 – 5 guests in a range of studio or one-bedroom configurations
Price: $
Pet Friendly: No
Sustainability: None
Min No. Nights: 1 (2 during summer holidays)
The Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Lodge is the most affordable Mt Cook accommodation option. Located in the heart of the village, you can enjoy stellar views of the majestic Aoraki from the large windows in the communal kitchen and lounge area – which is heated by a cosy wood fire.
There are 16 rooms in the lodge, ranging from studios, one-bedroom apartments and a 4-bed dorm-style room as their cheapest option. While the accommodation is quite basic, you’ll have everything you need at the Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Lodge, including a small grocery store with basic breakfast and dinner items.
Best Bits
- Large bay windows overlooking Mt Cook in the communal kitchen and dining area
- Cosy woodfire in the dining area
- Coin-operated guest laundry
- Large shared outdoor patio
- Onsite shop in the reception for basic groceries
5. Aoraki Alpine Chalet
Location: 7 Generator Lane, Mt Cook Village
Capacity: 8 guests – 3 bedrooms, one with a king bed, one with a queen and a single, and one with two bunks
Price: $$
Pet Friendly: No
Sustainability: None
Min No. Nights: 2
The rustic 3-bedroom Aoraki Alpine Chalet is the only house-style accommodation in Mt Cook and provides a home away from home feel. Hidden in the foothills bordering Mt Cook Village, the Aoraki Alpine Chalet is fervently furnished to resemble a traditional ‘Kiwi Bach’ and is an ideal choice for a small group or two families.
The Aoraki Alpine Chalet can squeeze up to 8 guests into the three bedrooms and provides all the creature comforts you need after a big day exploring Mt Cook National Park. The only downside to choosing this relatively affordable place to stay is that you’ll be sharing just one bathroom between you – luckily the toilet is separate from the shower at least!
Best Bits
- Entire home with a full kitchen
- Washing machine, free of additional charge
- Large windows with a great view of the snow-capped mountains
- An affordable option for a group or large family
Best Places To Stay Near Mt Cook National Park
6. Pukaki Lakeside Getaway
Location: 398 Mount Cook Road, Lake Pukaki
Capacity: Cottage: 6 guests – 3 bedrooms, one with a queen bed and two with two single beds | Villa: 8 guests – 4 bedrooms, three with a queen bed and one with two single beds
Price: $$ – $$$
Pet Friendly: No
Sustainability: Travel Sustainable Level 1
Min No. Nights: 1 (2-night minimum from 20th Dec – 1st Mar)
Moving away from the village, Pukaki Lakeside Getaway is the second closest place to stay near Mt Cook after Glentanner Park Centre. The stunning and stylish accommodation offers either a cottage or villa, both of which are perched in a protected cove overlooking the glacial blue water of Lake Pukaki.
With only a 35-minute drive north to Mt Cook and a 15-minute drive south to Twizel, Pukaki Lakeside Getaway is the perfect place to enjoy some peace and quiet without venturing too far from the action. And if that doesn’t sell you, maybe the views of distant mountains bordering the impossibly blue lake, which can be enjoyed from the outdoor seating or through the large windows, will do the trick.
Best Bits
- Fully self-contained villa or cottage
- A great option for two families to book out both the villa and cottage for extra privacy
- Incredible views of Lake Pukaki and the bordering Southern Alps
- Great central but private location
7. Lakestone Lodge
Location: 4589 Tekapo-Twizel Rd, Lake Pukaki
Capacity: Guestrooms: 2 guests – super king bed | Apartments: 4 guests – 2 bedrooms, one with a super king bed and one with two single beds | Log House: 6 guests – 3 bedrooms
Price: $$$$
Pet Friendly: No
Sustainability: Travel Sustainable Level 3
Min No. Nights: 1 (2-night minimum from 1st Oct – 30th April, 3-night min. for the Log House)
If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury getaway, you must check out the Lakestone Lodge. This breathtaking Mt Cook accommodation is situated at the southern end of Lake Pukaki with uninterrupted views of the Southern Alps and Aoraki/Mt Cook from the floor-to-ceiling windows in each guestroom.
With breakfast included and the option to also include dinner, your stay at Lakestone Lodge will be nothing short of indulgence in one of the most beautiful places in the world. You’ll also have access to a massage therapy room, the Night Sky Experience, complimentary bikes and many other activities.
When we drove by the Lakestone Lodge, we instantly fell in love with the beautiful design and its impeccable location. Along with the 6 guesthouses attached to the lodge, you’ll also find two more affordable self-contained apartments and the magnificent Log House – the quintessential choice for a lavish family or friend getaway.
Best Bits
- Each guestroom has a bath with a view of the lake and the mountains
- Great deals through winter
- Complimentary breakfast
- Package options that include breakfast and dinner daily
- Massage and facial therapy room
- Complimentary bikes
- Private courtyard
If you’re looking for even more luxury in your life, consider the Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat for your holiday to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Each stunning all-inclusive villa is equipped with its own private outdoor hot tub and an open fireplace.
8. Lake Tekapo Cottages
Location: 12 Sealy Street, Lake Tekapo
Capacity: 2 – 7 guests in a range of studio, one, two and three-bedroom configurations
Price: $
Pet Friendly: Yes
Sustainability: Travel Sustainable Level 1
Min No. Nights: 1
Lake Tekapo Cottages are a collection of quirky and quaint cabins that offer a secluded stay among tall shady trees for a very affordable price. Situated within minutes’ walking distance of the lake and the village centre, these cottages are perfect for a quiet getaway without straying too far from the action.
While this Mt Cook accommodation is quite basic, you’ll find all the homely features you need and more. Each separate cosy cottage has its own sundeck, an ensuite and either a kitchenette or full kitchen.
Best Bits
- Very close to the village centre and the lake
- Most cottages have a kitchenette or kitchen
- Quirky and unique cottages at an affordable price
- Each cabin has a private sundeck
- Pet friendly
9. Mantra Lake Tekapo
Location: 1 Beauchamp Place, Lake Tekapo
Capacity: 2 – 6 guests in a range of one, two and three-bedroom configurations
Price: $$ – $$$
Pet Friendly: No
Sustainability: Travel Sustainable Level 2
Min No. Nights: 1
If you’re after all the comforts of a home combined with the luxuries of a hotel, then the Mantra Lake Tekapo is the place for you! The hotel features fully self-contained apartments that allow you to recharge in peace. But the best part is you’ll also have access to a steaming hot tub that overlooks the snowy mountains, a refreshing pool and a BBQ area with a giant outdoor firepit.
Located one street back from the lake and within a few minutes walk of the village centre, the Mantra offers a central location with enough space for kids to roam free. That and the individual apartment-style accommodation makes this the perfect spot for a group of families travelling together.
The only downside is the lack of free wifi, making the Mantra unideal for travellers who may need to add a few hours of work into their holiday.
Best Bits
- Large communal space with a hot tub, pool, fire pit and BBQ area
- Fully self-contained apartments in a hotel setting
- Central location with a bit of peace and quiet
- Each apartment has a private balcony or courtyard
- Individual garage parking for each apartment
10. Silver Fern
Location: 24 Mistake Drive, Lake Tekapo
Capacity: 6 guests – 4 bedrooms, two with queen beds and two with two single beds
Price: $$
Pet Friendly: No
Sustainability: Travel Sustainable Level 1
Min No. Nights: 2
Sitting atop Lochinver Rise overlooking the magnificent Lake Tekapo, Silver Fern is a stunning 4-bedroom holiday home that exudes relaxation and comfort for a group of friends or a family.
The beautifully styled Silver Fern home features a large sun-filled open-plan living that opens onto a thoughtfully designed deck with sweeping vistas of the breathtaking landscape surrounding Lake Tekapo. Although you could happily spend all afternoon soaking up the sun on the deck, if you want to venture into town, a 15-minute walk will land you on the lake’s edge with an extra 10-minute lakeside walk to the town centre.
Best Bits
- Large deck with a BBQ and stunning views of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps
- On-site washing machine and fully equipped kitchen
- Cosy fireplace
- Two separate lounges and two bathrooms are perfect for a group of friends or a large family
11. Ranginui At Lake Tekapo
Location: 10 Rankin Rise, Lake Tekapo
Capacity: 2 guests – king bed
Price: $$$
Pet Friendly: No
Sustainability: Travel Sustainable Level 2
Min No. Nights: 1 (mostly 2-night minimum during summer)
Ranginui at Lake Tekapo is a boutique luxury bed and breakfast perfect for a romantic retreat. Consisting of only three guestrooms, you’ll feel exclusively pampered by the hosts – who love to share their local insight into the best things to do in Mt Cook and have created the most stunning rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony overlooking the vivid blue lake.
An exceptional complimentary gourmet breakfast is included in your stay, which can be enjoyed in the communal lounge and dining area that is equipped with a cosy fireplace and vistas across Lake Tekapo.
Best Bits
- Delicious complimentary gourmet breakfast
- Incredible views from each room and the private balcony
- Additional comforts such as bath robes and cosy throw rugs
- Perfect for a romantic getaway
12. Black Stilt Retreat
Location: 44 Irishman Drive, Twizel
Capacity: 6 guests – 3 bedrooms, two with a queen bed and one with two singles that can be made into a king on request
Price: $$
Pet Friendly: No
Sustainability: Travel Sustainable Level 1
Min No. Nights: 2
Black Stilt Retreat is a private yet conveniently located holiday home that’s within walking distance of town while still allowing a peaceful and secluded stay. The retreat, a newly built three-bedroom home, is equipped with all the luxuries you’ll need for your stay near Mt Cook at a relatively affordable price.
You’ll find that many of the holiday homes within the town of Twizel are quite old and dated, which makes the beautiful and elegant interior design of Black Stilt stand out. Most notable is the spacious kitchen that will allow you to cook up a feast for you and your family or friends.
Best Bits
- Large wrap-around patio with outdoor seating and a BBQ
- On-site laundry facilities
- Walking distance to Twizel town centre
13. SkyScape
Location: 47 Ben Ohau Road, Twizel
Capacity: 2 guests – king bed
Price: $$$$
Pet Friendly: No
Sustainability: Travel Sustainable Level 1
Min No. Nights: 2
Treat yourself to a night you won’t forget at the SkysCape luxury eco-accommodation near Mt Cook. This is truly a magical place to stay, where the entire bedroom is built with windows and a glass roof so you can gaze upon the starry night sky from the comfort of your bed.
Tucked into the hillside of Omahau Hill Station, SkyScape is a 15-minute drive from Twizel and only 50 minutes from Mt Cook. The remote location allows you to enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside by day and the dark sky reserve by night. To top off an already incredible experience, each of the three secluded units also has an outdoor bathtub and complimentary continental breakfast.
Best Bits
- Off-grid eco-accommodation
- Private outdoor patio with luxury cedar outdoor bathtub
- Evening platters available on request and complimentary continental breakfast
- The glass roof and wrap-around windows allow for exceptional views from the comfort of your secluded bed
- Wheelchair accessible
14. Matuka Lodge
Location: 395 Glen Lyon Road, Twizel
Capacity: 2 guests – king bed (can book the entire lodge for 8 guests)
Price: $$$ – $$$$
Pet Friendly: No
Sustainability: Travel Sustainable Level 1
Min No. Nights: 1 (2-night minimum over new years)
Set on the banks of a freshwater pond overlooking the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, Matuka Lodge is a bed and breakfast style accommodation that offers a luxurious stay only a 5-minute drive from the town centre of Twizel.
Each cosy room has its own ensuite and private patio with views across the duck-filled pond to the mountains on the horizon. Guests can also enjoy a communal lounge, library / TV room, and my favourite – a tea room with complimentary baking on offer all day!
Best Bits
- Complimentary full English breakfast
- Quiet location close to town
- You can book out the entire 4-guestroom lodge for up to 8 guests
- Stay 3, pay 2 deals over winter
Final Thoughts
We hope our condensed list of best places to stay near Mt Cook has helped make your decision process easier! We carefully chose the best Mt Cook accommodation options based on guest satisfaction, sustainability, location, comfort and unique experiences.
If you have any questions about where to stay near Mt Cook or you have a suggested accommodation option that we haven’t listed, please feel free to leave a comment below and we’ll do our best to assist you.
Happy Adventuring 🙂
