Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is Qualmark COVID Clean accredited.

We have updated our COVID-19 safety policy for staff and guests in accordance with the latest travel guidance. Learn more. →

We have a podcast! Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is pleased to present our four-part podcast. It’s the story of where we began, and how our Retreat has grown and evolved. Available on all major podcast listening apps, or stream it directly from our website.

This is Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat.

Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand

Even in New Zealand, with its natural marvels and legendary beauty, Aoraki Mount Cook stands apart. The mountain and its region hold deep spiritual meaning for all New Zealanders. There is simply no other place like it.

To journey here is to step into a vast and ancient landscape. The earth beneath your feet began its transformation around 20,000 BC, sculpted and shaped through millennia by the gliding and scraping of immense glaciers.

We felt the special wonder of the place from the moment we selected the site for our Retreat, and it’s infused every experience we share with our guests. The warm, comfortable elegance of our private luxury villas, with their inspiring views and plush finishings. The restorative relaxation of our wellness treatments, and the nourishing cuisine prepared by our chef with fresh, local and seasonal ingredients.

Here, you can rest and reconnect. Look into the universe with a private stargazing experience in our wine cellar observatory, or find peace on a walk in the purity of nature.

Here, your time is your own. Explore the Aoraki Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo region and try a new adventure, or indulge in the quiet and choose to simply be.

Haere mai – we extend a warm welcome, and look forward to your stay.

Ashley Mackenzie Villa

Ashley Mackenzie Villa

Moraine Villas

Moraine Villas

From the moment I booked the villa to the time we departed, everything was perfect. Kaye made recommendations for tours and quickly accommodated us when our party grew from 2 to 4. The 2 bedrooms are both the same size, so there is no fighting over who gets the bigger room! Food was abundant and absolutely fresh and delicious throughout the entire stay. We picked out our wine from the wine cellar upon arrival and, the next night, Luke brought up a variety of bottles for us to choose from for dinner that night. We had an absolutely clear sky for stargazing in the observatory, and saw some brilliant stars, along with Saturn. Anna made sure that we had every supplement we needed, including picnic lunch and massages in the private spa. Also, the fireplace was set up to ensure that even fire dummies could get a flame going. We were in absolute heaven, and can honestly say this was the best part of our trip!

Katie S. 
Katie S.

Weddings

Make your wedding the experience you’ve always dreamed of.

The Retreat is a private hideaway that offers discreet wedding experiences and is the perfect luxury destination for your special day. We offer a beautiful selection of private venue options for your ceremony and celebration, from an intimate elopement for two, to a ceremony and reception for 200 guests.

Weddings at The Retreat

Weddings at The Retreat

Experience

At Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, your time is your own. We invite you to revive your body and spirit with our wellness offerings, enjoy our world-class fine cuisine, explore the region and try a new adventure, and connect with the universe through a stargazing experience in our private observatory. Or, choose to simply relax, and enjoy the peace and beauty of your surroundings.

Revive

Dine

Explore

Stargaze

Revive

Dine

Explore

Stargaze

Celebrate

Elevate your wedding, special occasion or business event by celebrating at the Retreat. Our breathtaking setting, elegant venues, luxury accommodation and gourmet cuisine allow you to create an unforgettable event with ease.

Weddings

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat offers the perfect setting for your wedding, with stunning vistas and beautiful indoor spaces to accommodate an intimate elopement or a large gathering.

Special Occasions

Host your celebration or special event at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat. Our venues can accommodate groups small or large, with gourmet catering provided by our chef and culinary team.

Corporate Events

The Retreat is the ideal destination for your business event, with a range of options to host meetings, incentive travel, conferencing, and exhibitions.

Upcoming Events at the Retreat

Upcoming Events at the Retreat

We are continually innovating to bring you fresh, exciting experiences with our special events at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat. Purchase your tickets or reserve your spot on our website, and feel free to contact us with any questions.

Fine Dining at Moraine Lodge

Fine Dining at Moraine Lodge

Date: Bookings Essential

Time: 7:30pm

We extend a warm welcome to day guests wishing to join us for a 4-course Fine Dining culinary experience at Mt Cook ... More →

Billion Star Dining

Billion Star Dining

Date: By Arrangement

Time: 7:30pm - 10:30pm

We created the Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory to share the beauty of the Dark Sky Reserve with our guests through ... More →

Tastes of Nature Cooking Demonstration and Lunch

Tastes of Nature Cooking Demonstration and Lunch

Date: By Arrangement

Time: By Arrangement

To dine at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is to savour the tastes of nature. Let our private chefs show you how to select, ... More →

Astrophotography

Astrophotography

Date: By Arrangement

Time: 8pm in Winter | 9pm in Summer

Join us for a unique dark sky experience in our Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory. Not only will you witness and ... More →

Seasonal Photography

Seasonal Photography

Date: By Arrangement

Time: By Arrangement

An experienced photography guide will take you to the Retreat's most iconic spots and let you capture all of its ... More →

Gift Voucher

Gift Voucher

Date: By Arrangement

Time: By Arrangement

Celebrate any occasion with a gift voucher, whether you'd like to treat someone to stay in one of our luxury villas, ... More →

Stargazing at Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory

Stargazing at Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory

Date: Multiple

Time: Summer 9.30pm | Winter 8.30pm

Join us for a unique dark sky experience in the Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory. This is a fun, informative and ... More →

Kiwi Christmas Dinner

Kiwi Christmas Dinner

Date: Monday 25 December

Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Celebrate Christmas Day with us and enjoy good food and company. Join us in our luxury Moraine Lodge and indulge in a ... More →

News and Inspiration

Updates, media coverage and more from Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat. If you’d like to share your own Retreat content, use the hashtag #mtcookretreat on social media.

New Zealand’s Best Hot Tub Holiday

New Zealand’s Best Hot Tub Holiday

"I'm taking you to the best hot tub in the country." Travel journalist Brook Sabin explores Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat.

Seduced By the South Island

Seduced By the South Island

Writer Elisabeth Easther goes on a Kiwi southern odyssey of fine food, luxury accommodation, world-class scenery and adventure galore.

Press Pause

Press Pause

Cuisine Magazine says: There’s a lot more than mountain views to nourish you, at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat.

Relax Under the Stars at The Retreat

Relax Under the Stars at The Retreat

We’ve been featured in Luxury Travel Magazine as one of the five best authentic experiences in New Zealand.