Enjoy an alpine retreat with Mount Cook Village accommodation
Nestled under the highest peak in New Zealand in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Aoraki/Mount Cook Village offers small-town charm surrounded by sparkling glaciers, thick snowfalls and starry skies. You’ll have no shortage of things to do outdoors in Mount Cook, from skiing and snowshoeing to mountaineering and trophy hunting. Mount Cook has fun outdoor activities for young children to explore and get in touch with nature. However you’re looking to spend your time, find out about activities on Aoraki/Mount Cook and discover the best Mount Cook Village accommodation to plan your adventure.
Mount Cook Village accommodation
Mount Cook Village accommodation comes in a wide array of options to suit every traveller. From large lodges with space for the kids and attentive service to quirky alpine cubes that give you privacy and scenic beauty with a modern touch, find out more about Mount Cook Village accommodation.
Family lodges
Lodges in Mount Cook offer historic surroundings with personalised service. Like bed-and-breakfasts, Mount Cook lodges include a cosy room, guest living areas, some meals and activities for the whole family. You can book lodges on large farmsteads or estates to enjoy time in the outdoors with the kids and beautiful scenery for your entire trip. Lodges also give you the benefit of local knowledge and recommendations to help you get the most out of your holiday.
Alpine cubes
Alpine cubes are one of the most unique ways to spend your time in Mount Cook. Located at the base of the mountains, alpine cubes are like cabins but offer an ultramodern architectural design and plenty of space for groups. Though you’ll be treated to modern appliances, fast internet connections and other creature comforts, you’ll also be surrounded by the scenic beauty of the mountains to unplug and recharge. Alpine cubes also offer hot tub options and come with outdoor seating areas that are perfect for stargazing.
Things to do in Mount Cook for families and adventurers
From watching the starry skies to heli-skiing and paddling around glaciers, you’ll find some of the most incredible adventures in the world in Mount Cook. Whether you’re planning a trip with the kids or an adventure on your own or with friends, find out the best things to do in Mount Cook.
Winter adventures
Due to its consistent snowfall, dramatic peaks and remarkable glaciers, Mount Cook is a popular travel destination for winter sports. You’ll find resorts in the area to enjoy winter snow treks, ice climbing, ski touring and snowshoeing. Glacier exploration is another popular activity that takes you on an adventure in the Tasman Glacier terminal lake to see the geological features up close. If you prefer the water, you can take a family glacier kayaking tour to paddle beneath mountains and see the glaciers from the water. You’ll find many ski resorts in the area for fun on the slopes, including the Roundhill Ski Area.
Summer fun
In summer, much of the landscape in Mount Cook still has snow and ice, giving you a diverse environment for experiencing all kinds of outdoor fun. You can trophy hunt, hike on mountain tracks or do a mixed climb on a mountain with ice and rock. Stargazing is another popular activity that’s enjoyable in summer because you’ll have warmer weather to relax and see the starry skies with the kids, free from light pollution. Other activities include 4-wheeler tours, mountain biking, climbing, wildlife safaris and canal fishing.
Family-friendly activities
Whether young or old, kids can get out into nature and enjoy adventures of all types in Mount Cook. The forest is filled with kid-friendly walking tracks that are appropriate for all ages and skill levels, such as the Governors Bush Walk. On the walk, you’re likely to encounter birds like fantails and kea parrots, as well as other native wildlife. Kids will also like touring the glaciers from a boat and spotting whales and other sea life. Another highlight of Mount Cook for families is the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, a fascinating museum created as a tribute to the New Zealander who was the first person to summit Mount Everest. In the museum, you’ll see displays on mountaineering, alpine transport and Sir Edmund Hillary himself, as well as science exhibits and other interactive experiences.