Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
from the barbecue area will have you arguing for the privilege of grilling the sausages for
dinner.
Aoraki Court Motel
( 03-435 1111;
www.aorakicourt.co.nz
;
26 Bowen Dr; d $205-295)
While it wouldn't command these
prices elsewhere, this clump of new motel units is very good indeed. Feature wallpaper
sharpens up the decor, and the tiled bathrooms have designery touches. Some units have
spa baths but all have kitchenettes and gee-golly mountain views.
MOTEL
$$$
Hermitage
( 03-435 1809;
www.hermitage.co.nz
;
Terrace Rd; r $239-599; )
Completely dominating Mt
Cook Village, this famous hotel offers fantastic mountain views. While the corridors in
some of the older wings can seem a little hospital-like, all of the rooms have been renov-
ated to a high standard. As well as the hotel, the Hermitage offers motel rooms and well-
equipped A-frame chalets.
HOTEL
$$$
Eating & Drinking
Old Mountaineers
(
www.mtcook.com
;
Bowen Dr; breakfast $10-15, lunch $15-26, dinner $18-35;
CAFE, BAR
$$
10am-9pm daily Nov-Apr, Tue-Sun
May & Jul-Oct; )
A good-value alternative to the eateries at the Hermitage, this large
eatery provides mountain views through picture windows or from outside tables in sum-
mer. As well as cooked breakfasts, it delivers top-notch burgers, pizza, pasta and salad.
Linger to study the old black-and-white pics and mountaineering memorabilia.
Panorama
( 0800 686 800, 03-435 1809;
www.hermitage.co.nz
;
Terrace Rd; mains $34-40; 6-10pm)
The Hermit-
age's signature restaurant is by far the best of the hotel's dining options, which include a
buffet restaurant and a lacklustre cafe. The sophisticated fare is well matched to wonder-
ful views and interesting mid-20th-century architecture.
MODERN NZ
$$$
PUB
Chamois Bar & Grill
(
www.mountcookbackpackers.co.nz
;
Bowen Dr; 4pm-late)
Upstairs in Mt Cook Backpacker Lodge,
in the heart of the village, this large bar offers pub grub, a pool table, a big-screen TV and
the occasional live gig.
