YHA Mount Cook

YHA Mt Cook backpacker hostel, located in the centre of the South Island on the road between Queenstown and Christchurch, offers relaxed and homely accommodation with warm and inviting living areas with videos, games and a couple of guitars. Not only is there central heating throughout the backpacker hostel but also a cosy fire, extra heaters and a free sauna! In summer make use of the BBQ and picnic area outside and breathe in the pure New Zealand mountain air.

All local tour bookings can be arranged at the YHA Mt Cook hostel and the knowledgeable staff are happy to advise you on the best activities around Aoraki Mount Cook and the central South Island region.

The accommodation rates at YHA Mt Cook include $1 per night community levy to assist with Aoraki Mount Cook village development. The Mt Cook hostel staff work with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to help them preserve the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park for future generations.

"YHA Mt Cook: Excellent 74-bed hostel in a wooden building with modern, well-kept facilities. Free videos are shown in the evenings, there are free evening saunas and a well-stocked shop. It's nearly always full so book well in advance." - The Rough Guide to New Zealand

Special features at YHA Mt Cook that backpackers love:

• Absolutely stunning location in the heart of Aoraki Mount Cook village.
• Can’t go past the free sauna to keep frostbite at bay!
• Central heating throughout the Mt Cook hostel and a cosy fire too.
• Great entertainment on offer: free videos, free games, Sky TV and guitars to sing along to in a cosy and warm lounge.
• YHA Mt Cook works with DOC to protect the natural environment of the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
• WiFi access throughout as well as card and coin internet access.

About Mt Cook

The YHA Mt Cook hostel is situated in the backyard of Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain. There are a number of glaciers around Aoraki Mount Cook, including the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier. Experience the glacier boat trips on the terminal lakes where you will touch and taste the only icebergs in Australasia or explore some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand on a unique glacier kayaking adventure, one of the best sub-alpine experiences to try when in the Aoraki Mount Cook area.

The Aoraki Mount Cook village is surrounded by beautiful nature walks for all abilities - some of the most beautiful on Earth we might add! For a bird’s eye view take a scenic flight over the majestic Southern Alps to the wild West Coast and some planes will even land you on top of the Tasman Glacier.

The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre is located near the Mt Cook hostel and has a fascinating planetarium and 3D movie. There are climbing courses and stargazing tours which can be booked from the YHA Mt Cook hostel. The Aoraki Mount Cook village also has some great restaurants: tasty casual fare at the Old Mountaineers Café Bar and Restaurant and fine dining at the celebrated Hermitage Hotel.

Situated right in the centre of the Southern Alps of the South Island, Aoraki Mount Cook is near the popular tourist spots of Lake Tekapo, Omarama, Twizel and is a 3 or 4 hour drive from Queenstown and Christchurch.

Whatever your plans around the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park all activities can be booked from the YHA Mt Cook backpacker hostel. And don’t forget to pause a little and gaze upwards for incredible views of Aoraki Mount Cook right from the village.

Top activities to do while backpacking in Mt Cook

• Nature walks for all abilities, some of the most beautiful in New Zealand and the world.
• Get scenic: take a boat ride to visit the Tasman glacier or a scenic flight over the Southern Alps and the West Coast with a glacier landing.
• Glacier kayaking – a totally unique adventure to be had at Aoraki Mount Cook, no where else in New Zealand.
• Heli-skiing is an iconic winter activity but why not try heli-biking in summer!
• Visit the Sir Edmond Hillary Alpine Centre for entertaining family-friendly fun with its Planetarium, 3D movie and museum.

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