a time for renewal mt cook lakeside retreat

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A Time for Renewal

Rejuvenation After a Fire

When we began our journey at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, we embraced a beautiful but rugged landscape. Our vision then and now: To shape that landscape into a peaceful retreat, dedicated to relaxation, wellness and rejuvenation.

On August 30, 2020, we faced our greatest and most terrifying test. The acres of wilding pines surrounding the property were engulfed in a forest fire. We feared the worst – that our years of effort and love poured into the Retreat would be gone in an instant.

However, thanks to the incredible efforts of firefighters and emergency services, as well as our own team, our property suffered minimal damage. Our luxury villas, Moraine Lodge event space and Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory were untouched.

The main impact of the fire was on our trees and landscaping. Within a week of the event, and with the support of our team and many friends and family, we’d begun the task of cutting burned timber, mulching and replanting. The scars of the fire will no doubt be visible on the land for some time, but we are looking ahead.

This kind of event inspires reflection, and we have chosen to accept the fire’s destruction as an opportunity. We are rededicating ourselves to our vision for Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat as a place of rest, wellness and renewal for all who set foot here. Now the regenerating land itself will be a living symbol of that vision.

As spring arrives in the High Country, each new green leaf and blade of grass at the Retreat shows the power of nature to heal and rejuvenate. And, across the stunning blue waters of Lake Pukaki, Aoraki/Mount Cook towers over all, a monument of resilience and endurance through millenia.

In the wake of COVID-19, which was devastating to so many businesses, we were overwhelmed by the wonderful support we received. Now we look to you, our treasured friends and guests, to continue your support as we move forward from another difficult challenge.

We hope you will join us on this journey of healing and renewal, and let the rejuvenation of Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat be an inspiration for your own life. We look forward to sharing this special piece of pure paradise with you.

Ngā manaakitanga (best wishes),

Kaye and Luke Paardekooper

Absolutely spectacular – would recommend to anyone! What a spectacular experience I had here. I booked a couple of nights R&R just for myself to chill out…..and Ooooh!……what a chill-out I had! I was looked after beautifully by all the wonderful lovely staff, while also enjoying the beautiful privacy and tranquility of the luxury villa (Villa Matariki). I had the most incredibly delicious and nutritious (and plenty of it!) food delivered to my door by the chefs themselves (the lamb was exquisite!). Tom and Rafa are both exceptional chefs and also provide lovely service. They catered for my dairy-free diet better than anywhere I have been before including to-die-for chocolatey treats which I arrived back to after a cycle through part of the stunning Alps 2 Ocean trail. And they bake bread daily for the morning too!

EM2020

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.

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →