Mount Cook Village began life when the Hermitage was relocated to its present site in 1914, and today is now also home to the Department of Conservation (D.O.C) and activity operators such as Alpine Guides and Ski-Planes. As the village is within the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, certain National Park restrictions apply. Cats and dogs are forbidden (except registered Guide Dogs), and as no land can be privately owned, residents must either work in the village, or reside with those who do. The village has approximately 120 permanent residents, and during the busy season (November to March) the population can rise to 300.
Mt Cook School averages 7 to 12 children every year, aged between 5 and 13 years, and the Village has an Industrial Fire Brigade run by village residents. The Village’s Seido Karate Club has both the highest per capita membership of any in New Zealand, plus the highest per capita ratio of Black Belts.
The Village is a popular base to engage in a number of outdoor activities, including walking, mountain biking, rock-climbing, mountaineering and skiing. The village has two tennis courts and a volleyball court that are free to use (tennis racquets and balls are available for hire from the Hermitage Activities Desk).
