In 1914, the Hermitage (NZ's most famous hotel) was reconstructed in the middle of what is now known as Mt Cook Village. A flash flood destroyed the original site of the hotel in 1913, but it was soon rebuilt. You can see the foundations of the original hotel in Hooker Valley, (2km away).
The village is within the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, so national park restrictions apply. Cats and dogs are forbidden (except registered Guide Dogs), and the 120 residents must either work in the village, or reside with those who do.
As the headquarters of the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, the village is popular with tour groups which stop to admire the impressive Mt Cook and the historic Hermitage; but those who stay a little longer will find there is a lot more to this little village, built around a hotel and mountain.
Post a tip