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

From the moment I booked the villa to the time we departed, everything was perfect. Kaye made recommendations for tours and quickly accommodated us when our party grew from 2 to 4. The 2 bedrooms are both the same size, so there is no fighting over who gets the bigger room! Food was abundant and absolutely fresh and delicious throughout the entire stay. We picked out our wine from the wine cellar upon arrival and, the next night, Luke brought up a variety of bottles for us to choose from for dinner that night. We had an absolutely clear sky for stargazing in the observatory, and saw some brilliant stars, along with Saturn. Anna made sure that we had every supplement we needed, including picnic lunch and massages in the private spa. Also, the fireplace was set up to ensure that even fire dummies could get a flame going. We were in absolute heaven, and can honestly say this was the best part of our trip!

Katie S. 
Katie S.

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 ...