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 

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 landscape 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

An exceptional experience. My husband and I have been lucky enough to stay in some really beautiful places on our travels but nothing quite matches this. We honestly could not fault one aspect of it. From the incredibly lovely apartment, to the majestic view, to the incredible bathroom, to the view through the french doors from the bed, to the outdoor sitting area – enjoying all the lovely drinks and welcome fruit and cake that were on offer – watching their ducks and sheep as the sun set over the mountains. The meals were something else. All delivered to your private apartment and straight onto your (already set) table. The food was first class. Every mouthful amazing. The fridge was full of lovely drink options and there was even complementary gin and whiskey (and mixers) and a bottle of bubbly. My husband and I even used the hot tub which, on a cold night, was an incredible experience. We also went for a lovely long walk through their extensive grounds. They did have a fire a few years ago but there is much to see and you are surrounded by nature. Everyone should have something so lovely to enjoy, even if its for one night. Truly exceptional.

Lucinda-A

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 Team  →

Accommodation  →

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.

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat Joins Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat Joins Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, a secluded luxury lodge overlooking Lake Pukaki in New Zealand’s central South Island with uninterrupted ...

LXRY-LIST-2025

LXRY-LIST-2025

We’re excited to be featured in the LXRY LIST 2025 Magazine! "THE location to experience the starry splendor is Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat"

Pukaki Cellar Observatory Experience

Pukaki Cellar Observatory Experience

Discover the Wonders of the Night Sky - Pukaki Observatory Stargazing Experience. Join us for an unforgettable night under the stars at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

🌟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 ...