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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
"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
Writer Elisabeth Easther goes on a Kiwi southern odyssey of fine food, luxury accommodation, world-class scenery and adventure galore.
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
We’ve been featured in Luxury Travel Magazine as one of the five best authentic experiences in New Zealand.