
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.
View
Our Accommodation →
About
The Region →
Contact
Our Team →
View
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.
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
Writer Elisabeth Easther goes on a Kiwi southern odyssey of fine food, luxury accommodation, world-class scenery and adventure galore.

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
We’ve been featured in Luxury Travel Magazine as one of the five best authentic experiences in New Zealand.

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.