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
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 →
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Contact
Our Team →
Accommodation →
Our Accommodation →
About
The Region →
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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.
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
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🌟 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.