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 →
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.
Stargazing at Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory
Date: Multiple
Time: Summer 9.30pm | Winter 8.30pm
Join us for a unique dark sky experience in the Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory. This is a fun, informative and ... More →
Billion Star Dining
Date: By Arrangement
Time: 7:30pm - 10:30pm
We created the Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory to share the beauty of the Dark Sky Reserve with our guests through ... More →
Astrophotography
Date: By Arrangement
Time: 8pm in Winter | 9pm in Summer
Join us for a unique dark sky experience in our Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory. Not only will you witness and ... More →
Seasonal Photography
Date: By Arrangement
Time: By Arrangement
An experienced photography guide will take you to the Retreat's most iconic spots and let you capture all of its ... More →
Tastes of Nature Cooking Demonstration and Lunch
Date: By Arrangement
Time: By Arrangement
To dine at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is to savour the tastes of nature. Let our private chefs show you how to select, ... More →
Fine Dining at Moraine Lodge
Date: Bookings Essential
Time: 7:30pm
We extend a warm welcome to day guests wishing to join us for a 4-course Fine Dining culinary experience at Mt Cook ... More →
Gift Voucher
Date: By Arrangement
Time: By Arrangement
Celebrate any occasion with a gift voucher, whether you'd like to treat someone to stay in one of our luxury villas, ... More →
Kiwi Christmas Dinner
Date: Monday 25 December
Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Celebrate Christmas Day with us and enjoy good food and company. Join us in our luxury Moraine Lodge and indulge in a ... 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.
New Zealand’s Best Hot Tub Holiday
"I'm taking you to the best hot tub in the country." Travel journalist Brook Sabin explores Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat.
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.