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

My partner surprised me with a trip to the Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat over New Years. We arrived and the staff we welcoming and helpful. I was blown away when we were shown to the Ashley MacKenzie Lodge. It was absolutely beautiful! We could see Lake Pukaki and Mt Cook from our front window and even better from the garden. We had three course meals delivered every day and they were so delicious. They were all in on a big secret when we went to “go see the lavender fields” and ended up on a helicopter ride and we got engaged! When we got back there were bubbles galore and snacks and they had snuck our closest friends in as a surprise. Couldn’t have asked for better hospitality. The bed was ridiculously comfortable and the bathroom and shower were amazing. Had a bunch of saunas and spas while staying. It was so private and lush. Thanks so much to the team for making our engagement so memorable. We will never forget our stay!
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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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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 ...