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.

About the Retreat

High Country Estate and Luxury Villa Collection

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is the dream of one ambitious couple, Luke and Kaye Paardekooper. With the help of family, friends and their dedicated team, Luke and Kaye shaped a raw landcape of rugged terrain and wild pine forests into a pure alpine paradise.

Nestled between the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki and majestic Ben Ohau mountain ranges, on the doorstep of Aoraki Mount Cook, the Retreat offers luxury accommodation in your choice of three private villas, fine cuisine, elegant event venues, exceptional stargazing and astrophotography opportunities, and much more. An ethos of wellness, connection with nature, rest and rejuvenation guides everything we do.

Read on to learn more of our story. We hope our journey to Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat will inspire you to make your own.

Our Journey

Our Journey

Our Location

Our Location

Total comfort in a postcard-perfect setting. Kudos to owners Luke and Kaye for designing this marvelous lodge, which is located on a grassy lawn in the wilderness, perched above the incredibly-blue waters of Lake Pukaki. Mt Cook appears in the middle of the expansive view, at the far end of the lake, and can be seen even while lying in bed. The rooms are large and very comfortable, and there’s a nice fireplace in the living room. Everything from tennis rackets, exercise room, sauna, and hot tub are available for use. And don’t forget the charming boutique wine cellar (stocked with quality local wines) and adjacent observatory (with 6-inch refracting telescope). The lodge is in the Dark Sky Reserve, meaning one can see more stars and galaxies than from almost anywhere else on earth. And if that’s not enough – the lodge has an amazing chef (and we’re not easy to please) who brings a superb dinner to you every evening.

dpRAD New York
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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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Our Accommodation  →

About

The Region  →

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Our Team  →

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Our Accommodation  →

About

The Region  →

Contact

Our Team  →

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.

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.

Christmas Lunch

Christmas Lunch

Experience an unforgettable Christmas Day Lunch at The Moraine Lodge, where the holiday spirit meets fine dining in the heart of the ...

Pukaki Cellar Observatory Experience

Pukaki Cellar Observatory Experience

Join us for an unforgettable night under the stars at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.Watch this video to get a ...

🌟TIME to celebrate🌟

🌟TIME to celebrate🌟

🌟TIME to celebrate🌟 We are very proud to share that the Retreat has made TIME's influential 2024 'World's Greatest Places' list!We are ...

World Class Stargazing

World Class Stargazing

Australian News Reporter, Jack Evans, visits the Mackenzie Region's Dark Sky Reserve.