5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Mt Cook

Where to Stay in Mt Cook on a Budget

With ski planes, scenic flights, stunning hikes, kayaking and boating on glacial lakes, no wonder you want to save money on accommodation by staying in one of the backpacker hostels in Mt Cook. Good job we have you covered in this list of awesome backpacker accommodation in Aoraki Mt Cook!

However, if you have done any research into Mt Cook you will realise there are only two hostels in Mt Cook Village and some backpacker accommodation in Glentanner on the way to Mt Cook… That’s it! Nevertheless, we have added some backpacker accommodation alternatives like campgrounds and hostels in surrounding towns that provide a great alternative if the hostels in Mt Cook are not quite what you’re looking for.

1. Mt Cook Lodge & Motel

Backpacker dorms, motels rooms, communal facilities… Mt Cook Lodge & Motels has something for every kind of budget traveller including backpackers. This hotel refurbished as a backpacker lodge and motels are kitted out with en-suite bathrooms. What’s more, there’s a bar on-site with epic views of Aoraki Mt Cook.

Check Mt Cook Lodge & Motel out:

2. YHA Mt Cook

This log-cabin style backpacker hostel promotes eco-friendly backpacking using solar power. Guests enjoy 2GB free. Plus, YHA members benefit from a discount. After a cold day in the alpine environments, warm up in the free sauna and enjoy the central heating. Otherwise, in summer, lounge in the BBQ and picnic areas.

Check YHA Mt Cook out:

3. Glentanner Park Centre

Another budget accommodation option for backpackers in Glentanner Park Centre, about 20 minutes drive from Mt Cook Village. Glentanner Park Centre provides a variety of budget accommodation from holiday park cabins to backpacker dorms to tent sites for campers.

Check Glentanner Park Centre out:

4. White Horse Hill Campground

Backpackers travelling with a tent or campervan have the scenic accommodation option of White Horse Hill Campground. Run by the Department of Conservation (DOC), has 60 tent/non-powered sites with a cooking shelter, flush toilets and tap water. Bookings are not required as it is first come first served.

5. High Country Lodge (Twizel)

In the busy summer season, Mt Cook accommodation can get pretty limited so an alternative is to pick a backpacker hostel in a nearby town. High Country Lodge in Twizel is about a 45-minute drive from Mt Cook Village and provides backpacker dorm and motel accommodation. For more accommodation in surrounding towns, check out 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Twizel and 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Lake Tekapo.