New Zealand may not have the castles, palaces and centuries old hotels found elsewhere in the world but that doesn't mean we're short on stories. In this series, Poppy Billington, PDNZ Product Co-ordinator, uncovers accommodation with a story to tell…properties that offer travellers more than just a bed for the night!
Few places in New Zealand capture the spirit of exploration quite like The Hermitage Hotel. Standing beneath the towering peaks of Aoraki/Mount Cook for well over a century, The Hermitage has welcomed generations of adventurers, mountaineers and nature lovers drawn to the country's highest mountain. More than simply a place to stay, it has become part of New Zealand's alpine story, where the nation's mountaineering heritage continues to inspire visitors from around the world.
The story of The Hermitage began in 1884, when the first modest accommodation was built to cater for Mountaineers and adventurous tourists exploring the Southern Alps. Once visitors arrived at the coastal port of Timaru, it was a long 3-day horse-drawn journey into Mount Cook Village. As interest in the region grew, so did the hotel. Fires, avalanches and the harsh alpine environment meant The Hermitage has been rebuilt several times throughout its history, with each new chapter reflecting their determination to share this remarkable landscape with visitors. Today's hotel combines modern comfort with one of the most spectacular natural settings in the country, where floor to ceiling windows frame uninterrupted views of Aoraki/Mount Cook.
No story of The Hermitage would be complete without Sir Edmund Hillary. Long before becoming the first person to stand atop Mount Everest alongside Tenzing Norgay in 1953, Hillary honed his climbing skills on the glaciers and peaks surrounding Aoraki/Mount Cook. The Hermitage became a familiar base during his early mountaineering years, placing him at the heart of New Zealand's alpine climbing community. His legacy lives on today through the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, located within the hotel, where interactive exhibits, memorabilia and New Zealand's first full-dome digital planetarium celebrate both his extraordinary achievements and the rich history of the region.
Today, guests can experience far more than breathtaking scenery. Whether setting off on glacier adventures, exploring the Hooker Valley Track or experiencing the expert led Big Sky Stargazing tour, The Hermitage offers an unforgettable connection to one of New Zealand's most iconic landscapes. Staying here is an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of pioneering explorers while experiencing the warmth and hospitality that has welcomed visitors for generations.
Why we think The Hermitage Hotel is a great option for your clients:
