The Moraine

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Cuisine

The Moraine is a stunning dining destination welcoming both guests and visitors. The beautifully designed restaurant is set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Ben Ohau Range.

 

 

 

CHEFS TASTING MENU

Multicourse estate to plate dining showcasing produce from the kitchen gardens and Mackenzie region.

 

 

BILLION STAR DINING

The Chef’s Tasting Experience followed by a stargazing experience at Pukaki Observatory.

 

 

GOURMET ACTIVITIES

Forage fresh ingredients, enjoy a guided cooking demo, and savor a three-course lunch with stunning views.

We extend a warm welcome to guests who would like to join us for a culinary experience at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat.

Whether you are staying at the Retreat or not, we would love for you to experience one of our dining experiences in the grand setting of the Moraine. Enjoy exquisite food as well as engaging conversation with fellow guests and world travellers.

The Retreat is excited to share its vision with you. By using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and infusing them with innovative techniques and creative ideas, we strive to create a culinary experience that tells a story.

Bookings are essential. Online reservations are only available until 3pm of the day you wish to book. If you want to book a table after this time, please contact our team.

Transport.  Free transport may be available from Twizel to the Retreat and return and is based on availability.  Transport bookings must be made 4 hours in advance of your session.  Please contact: stars@mtcookretreat.nz to book.

Garden to Plate

At the Retreat, we love the garden and the pleasure we get from providing fresh organic ingredients for you. The garden is packed with berries, herbs, and vegetables of all kinds, all with a forgotten taste that evokes the freedom of childhood.

What’s important to us is the authenticity and pureness of the food we serve, and we use local suppliers for anything we cannot produce here, such as free-range eggs, manuka honey, juices, apricots and cherries.

The Moraine

The Moraine, our signature event space, was created to host elegant gatherings. It offers a modern take on classical European architecture, with high ceilings, delicate chandelier and large open fireplace to create a warm and luxurious atmosphere. Large doors open onto a picturesque veranda, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow and amplifying the spaciousness of the venue.

The Moraine features include:

· Fine dining

· Wheelchair accessible

· Child friendly

· Modern take on classical European architecture

· Travertine marble floors

· Hand-crafted tiles and furniture

· Antique lighting

· NZ Douglas fir sarked ceilings

· Classical fireplace

Utterly Memorable
Treat yourself to two nights in this fabulous retreat overlooking the beautiful azure waters of Lake Pukaki. We stayed in the Moraine Villas overlooking the tawny landscape of the Mackenzie country and beyond to the Ben Ohau Range. We were met by lodge manager Anna and shown to our villa to unwind and relax. It was so spacious with a stunning one way window from the shower looking out to the countryside. And even better, there’s a delicious spa pool filled with artesian water, and just the most relaxing place to dip into, maybe with a glass of bubbles which, by the way, is complimentary. So much is included from the nibbles platter, the bubbly, a 2 course dinner and breakfast provisions. A decanter of scotch and gin. …..everything is here. You can trek over the property to the tennis court and view beautiful Lake Pukaki and beyond to Aoraki Mt Cook. If you want this view next time you stay then choose the Ashley Mackenzie Villa. We plan to go back soo to relax and rejuvenate as the Ashley Mackenzie Villa comes with its own private sauna, massage room, small gym and a fabulous wooden hot tub overlooking the lake. And then there is the star gazing. This retreat has its own private observatory – we booked for a stargazing experience and were wowed at the stunning galaxies. You’re right in the heart of the Aoraki International Dark Skies reserve here. No light pollution
Susan R Wellington, New Zealand
Susan R