A Beginner’s Guide to the Southern Alps (for the Non-Outdoorsy Types)

It’s hard to get more up close and personal than this. The Hermitage is located right in the heart of the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park and offers sweeping views of the snow capped mountains in a luxury setting. The hotel, chalets and motels feature over 130 years of history and have a restaurant on-site. If you want to be as close as possible to all the short walks Aoraki offers, there isn’t a better place than The Hermitage. 

Located in-between Christchurch and Queenstown and a 15 minute drive from Twizel, the High Country Cabin is a spectacular place to enjoy the Southern Alps with all the comforts of home. With a beautifully updated cabin outfit, the space features a cosy log burning fire, wooden accents and floor to ceiling windows to take in the mountain views. Step outside, and you may just encounter some high country sheep!

The Sherwood is heralded for its sustainable efforts, and those efforts shine through in every aspect of this gorgeous hotel located just outside of Queenstown. Situated on three hectares overlooking Lake Wakatipu, you’ll relish the mountain views from their locally-sourced restaurant, their cosy, modern rooms, or perhaps from their outdoor spaces that feature bonfires for roasting marshmallows. 

Experience the all-new Ōpuke pools in the heart of Methven. For adults, discover the Tranquility pools heated to 38.5-degrees and provide a relaxing experience while staring out at the mountains. For families, the Discovery Pools provide a crazy river and ‘leap of faith’ plunge pool, among other warming, fun pools. Ōpuke also offers a swim-up bar and eatery. 

For a more private experience, book a wooden hot tub for up to eight people overlooking the mountains in Omarama. These private tubs are secluded and filled with mountain water, making them a chemical-free relaxing treat. You can also order a platter to enjoy while you soak.

For a truly unique experience, head to Onsen Hot Pools Cedar-lined hot pools overlooking the Shotover River. With luxury in mind, the team at Onsen have created a range of experiences in private hot pools, alongside spa treatments, refreshments and more. The tranquil experience is enough to let you feel like you’re floating right out of there. 

Blue Lakes and Tasman Glaciers - Aoraki Mount Cook: 

Enjoying the beauty of Aoraki Mount Cook is best done on the trails. Try your hand at the Blue Lakes and Tasman Glaciers trail, a one-hour return walk to New Zealand’s longest glacier. You’ll walk along bright blue lakes with ice chunks floating inside, as well as incredible views of the mountains above. 

Roaring Billy Falls Track - Mt Aspiring: 

This 25 minute return walk ambles through tree fern, miro, mataī and silver beech to the Haast River, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of Roaring Billy Falls cascading over boulders from above.

Blue Pools Track - Mt Aspiring: 

This flat, one-hour return walk meanders through mature beech and podocarp before taking a swing bridge over the Makarora River. You’ll discover bright blue pools of glacial-fed water, along with beautiful views up the river gorge.