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Mount Cook Backpacker Lodge to be officially launched

Monday 8 November 2010, 3:13PM

By Southern Public Relations

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Mount Cook Backpacker Lodge at the foot of the mountains
Mount Cook Backpacker Lodge at the foot of the mountains Credit: Southern Public Relations

CANTERBURY

Mount Cook Backpacker Lodge officially opens on Thursday 11 November as a fully fledged accommodator in the Aoraki Mount Cook region.

The fifty-room backpacker digs, which is beautifully located at the foot of the snowy Southern Alps, has reported a “hugely successful” month since its soft launch opening on October 1, and now invites all travellers, trampers and visitors looking for inexpensive accommodation to come and stay under its roof where there is a modern range of sleeping, cooking and bar facilities available.

Mount Cook Backpacker Lodge Operations Manager Justin Winter said he was delighted with the smooth running of operations so far and that word was beginning to spread among the backpacking travel sector.

“People from all corners of the world are finding us and we’re enjoying becoming a part of their memorable trip and helping them on their way to their next destination,” he said.

“The Lodge has undergone renovations to update and modernise what was formerly the Hermitage’s Glencoe Lodge – most recently used as staff accommodation, and as part of the interior refurbishment has reopened the much-loved Chamois Bar (pronounced Shammie) and Grill, complete with outdoor beer garden – perfect for visitors to unwind onsite with a drink, BBQ and magical view.”

Sleeping options include 20 four-bed dorm rooms, each with ensuite, 23 double/twin rooms with ensuites, and seven one-bedroom units with bathroom and cooking facilities.  Prices start at approximately $33 for a dorm bed. Other facilities include a self-catering communal kitchen, the Global Gossip Internet café, a tour booking desk, guest laundry and grocery store.

Mount Cook Backpacker Lodge is designed to offer a more complete range of accommodation and entertainment choices at one of New Zealand’s most spectacular destinations.

Situated just a stone’s throw from the ‘must-see’ itinerary trail of the South Island,’ the magnificent Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and its local community welcomes thousands of transient backpackers and budget conscious travellers all year round.

“It’s exciting for us to be able to provide a more affordable, casual sleeping option in the region,” said Mr Winter.

“The Chamois bar and grill has also been very well received by both visitors and the local community - it was a favourite local watering hole in the past and everyone’s delighted to see it return.”

Celebrations for the official opening of Mount Cook Backpacker Lodge featuring live music from Sonic Mojo are open to all from 7.30pm on November 11.

To view the website see www.mtcookbackpackers.co.nz. For telephone bookings please call NZ Freephone 0800 100 512, International calls +64 3 435 1653. For email booking please contact bookings@mountcookbackpackers.co.nz.