relaxing in the private fantail spa tub

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.

In the Lap of Luxury

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat Featured Among NZ’s Finest Luxury Properties

We are so pleased to be featured as one of New Zealand’s finest luxury properties on TVNZ’s Lap of Luxury travel programme.

On May 17, 2022, Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat opens its doors to the world and gives Lap of Luxury viewers an exclusive tour of our 66-hectare high country estate, nestled on ancient glacial moraine between the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki and the majestic Ben Ohau ranges.

Watch the programme for a behind-the-scenes tour of our elegant private luxury villas complete with outdoor spa pools, private chef service and on-site recreation, stargazing, relaxation and wellness treatments, all on the doorstep of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

“We have carefully designed the estate to ensure exclusivity and privacy for our guests and to provide a range of passive recreational experiences such as cooking demonstrations, trail walking, tennis or stargazing,” owner Kaye Paardekooper said. “Most passers-by would only glimpse the front gate and not realise the expanse of the Retreat, both the size of the estate and its views over the wide open skies and big landscapes of the Mackenzie.”

“We love showcasing everything on offer at the Retreat, and we’re so pleased Lap of Luxury has given us this opportunity to share our property with their viewers.”

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is featured on Season 2, Episode 7 of Lap of Luxury. It airs on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 8pm on TVNZ One.

The episode will also be available to stream on TVNZ OnDemand at https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/lap-of-luxury

Romantic isolated getaway
Wow wow wow… totally agree with all the other reviews. This place is magical and there are so many thoughtful touches provided such as the complementary bubbles, scotch and gin. You won’t starve as there is plenty of food. Nothing was an issue and we even asked the chef if he could cook us an Asian fusion meal one night. We stayed 3 nights with another couple and we each had a 2 bedroom villa. They locked off one of the bedrooms but it was so lovely having the entire villa to yourself. The villas are huge, as was the bathroom and bedroom … totally decadent. We rotated having dinners at each other’s villa and the chef would also drop off freshly baked bread and croissants at dinner. We also asked for bagels and salmon and poached eggs for breakfast and again this was no issue. There was no TV but plenty of magazines, jigsaw puzzles and games were provided. We absolutely loved our time here and would definitely return. It was the perfect location to do Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo and if you needed anything else, Twizel was only 7 mins drive away and they had a liquor store and mini supermarket. You could walk around the property which we did and there are some magical views of the lake. Personally I loved our villas which were side by side and had views of the mountain. It was so cool sitting in the spa watching the sun set … that was the highlight our stay as well as the open wood fire in the lodge which made it so cozy and warm.
Mic10011001 Auckland New Zealand
Mic10011001

Planning Your Stay

Explore our luxury accommodation and other offerings, learn more about the Aoraki Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Mackenzie region of New Zealand, or contact us with any questions – we’re always happy to help.

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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.