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

A wonderful mind and soul retreat with the best view NZ possibly can offer. Best view of all places we stayed in NZ this trip and best meal cooked by Chef Tom. The hosts, Luke and Kaye, are very lovely and attentive to every detail. We did a private stargazing tour and it was marvelous! Luke gave us a tour of the universe. There are lots of activities you can choose from, including tennis, spa, hot tub, sauna, croquet, etc. Best experience of all traveling time.

Ohkas Bangkok, Thailand
Ohkas

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  →

Contact

Our Team  →

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Our Accommodation  →

About

The Region  →

Contact

Our Team  →

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.

Stargazing at Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory

Stargazing at Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory

Date: By Arrangement

Time: By Arrangement

Mothers Day High Tea at Moraine Lodge

Mothers Day High Tea at Moraine Lodge

Date: Sunday 14 May 2023

Time: 11am - 1pm

Trust the Chef Dinner Reservation

Trust the Chef Dinner Reservation

Date: By Arrangement

Time: By Arrangement

Matariki Dawn Celebration and Breakfast

Matariki Dawn Celebration and Breakfast

Date: Friday 14 July 2023

Time: 6am - 8.30am

Tastes of Nature Cooking Demonstration and Lunch

Tastes of Nature Cooking Demonstration and Lunch

Date: By Arrangement

Time: By Arrangement

Billion Star Dining

Billion Star Dining

Date: By Arrangement

Time: By Arrangement

Matariki 9 Course Degustation Dinner

Matariki 9 Course Degustation Dinner

Date: 15 July 2023

Time: 6.30pm - 10pm

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.

Seduced By the South Island

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

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

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.

In the Lap of Luxury

In the Lap of Luxury

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is featured among New Zealand's finest luxury properties on TVNZ's Lap of Luxury travel programme.