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
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 →
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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.
Landscape Photography Session
An experienced photography guide will take you to the Retreat's most iconic spots and let you capture all of its ... More →
Dark Sky Stargazing
Join us for a unique dark sky experience in the Pukaki Observatory. This is a fun, informative and unique experience ... More →
Astrophotography
Join us for a unique dark sky experience in our Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory. Not only will you witness and ... More →
Gift Voucher
Celebrate any occasion with a gift voucher, whether you'd like to treat someone to stay in one of our luxury villas, ... More →
Chef’s Tasting Menu
We extend a warm welcome to day guests wishing to join us for a 6-course Fine Dining culinary experience at Mt Cook ... More →
Royal High Tea
Indulge in timeless elegance at Moraine Lodge. Immerse yourself in a world of exquisite pastries and delicious tea, ... More →
Billion Star Dining
Indulge in a fine dining experience at Moraine Lodge, and then explore the stars from our private Pukaki Observatory. More →
Dusk to Dark Stargazing
Join us for an awe-inspiring Dusk to Dark experience. Admire the surrounding vistas in twilight followed by stargazing ... More →
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.
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🌟 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
Australian News Reporter, Jack Evans, visits the Mackenzie Region's Dark Sky Reserve.
ROOM FOR TWO: Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, New Zealand
Matt Brace stayed in Villa Puaka and raved about the 'cosy' feeling, the 'delicious food' and more.