Astrophotography

Astrophotography

Join us for a unique dark sky experience in our Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory. Not only will you witness and experience the Aoraki International Dark Sky Reserve, you will also be able to capture it with astrophotography. Enjoy several hours with an experienced astrophotograher who will help you take amazing photos of the dark sky.

Date

By Arrangement

Time

8pm in Winter | 9pm in Summer

Location

Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory, 86 Mt Cook Road, Lake Pukaki

Cost*

$290 per person

*All prices are shown in New Zealand dollars and include GST.

Learn how to use your DSLR or Mirrorless camera to take incredible nightscapes in a ‘gold tier’ Dark Sky Reserve. Starting at the Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory you will meet with our experienced astrophotographer who will talk you through some of the best settings and discuss various techniques before venturing out with you to assist you in capturing unbelievable Milky Way and night scape vistas. The evening will finish with a brief post processing tutorial to show you how to get the best images from your equipment.

This activity is open to all skill levels whether you are a beginner photographer or an expert, we would love to introduce you to one of the darkest, clearest skies in the world. This stellar opportunity to capture the world-famous Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve with an expert astrophotographer guiding you will be an unforgettable experience.

Includes: A hot beverage. An experienced astrophotographer guided session for approx. 3 hours, with a maximum of 4 guests per session. Please note you may be placed in a group with other guests.

Please note: It is advisable to avoid bright moon phases to maximise the dark skies for astrophotography. This activity is only available for up to 4 people and may be a shared group session, please contact us for larger group bookings reservations@mtcookretreat.nz

Recommended Equipment

DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
Lens wider than 50mm
Tripod
Head Torch with Red Light
Remote Trigger (not essential)

More Upcoming Events

Our upcoming events are featured below. Purchase your tickets to reserve your place, and feel free to contact us with any questions. And check back for more new events to be released throughout the year.

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Gift Voucher

Date:By Arrangement

Time:By Arrangement

Location:Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, 86 Mt Cook Road, Lake Pukaki

Celebrate any occasion with a gift voucher, whether you'd like to treat someone to stay in one of our luxury villas, fine dine in our Moraine Lodge, or spend a night under the stars in our Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory it's up to you.

Kiwi Christmas Dinner

Date:Monday 25 December

Time:4:00pm - 6:00pm

Location:Moraine Lodge

Celebrate Christmas Day with us and enjoy good food and company. Join us in our luxury Moraine Lodge and indulge in a 4-course Christmas dinner and complimentary glass of bubbles.

Seasonal Photography

Date:By Arrangement

Time:By Arrangement

Location:Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory, 86 Mt Cook Road, Lake Pukaki

An experienced photography guide will take you to the Retreat's most iconic spots and let you capture all of its beauty. Whether you have experience or are new to photography we would love to show you or teach you how to capture the beauty of the ever-changing Mackenzie landscape.

Billion Star Dining

Date:By Arrangement

Time:7:30pm - 10:30pm

Location:Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory

We created the Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory to share the beauty of the Dark Sky Reserve with our guests through small, private gatherings in a comfortable, intimate setting. Billion Star Dining starts with a seasonal 4 course tasting menu at Moraine Lodge followed by a stargazing experience at Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory for groups of 4 – 12 guests.

Date:By Arrangement

Time:8pm in Winter | 9pm in Summer

Location:Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory, 86 Mt Cook Road, Lake Pukaki

Join us for a unique dark sky experience in our Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory. Not only will you witness and experience the Aoraki International Dark Sky Reserve, you will also be able to capture it with astrophotography. Enjoy several hours with an experienced astrophotograher who will help you take amazing photos of the dark sky.

Fine Dining at Moraine Lodge

Date:Bookings Essential

Time:7:30pm

Location:Moraine Lodge, 86 Mt Cook Road, Ben Ohau

We extend a warm welcome to day guests wishing to join us for a 4-course Fine Dining culinary experience at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat. This is a culinary journey inspired by the breath-taking beauty of the Mackenzie Region, Te Manahuna. Our multi-course, seasonal tasting menu is designed to showcase local produce and delicious flavours.

Tastes of Nature Cooking Demonstration and Lunch

Date:By Arrangement

Time:By Arrangement

Location:Moraine Lodge

To dine at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is to savour the tastes of nature. Let our private chefs show you how to select, prepare and present a seasonal menu with lots of versatility to add your own elements.

Stargazing at Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory

Date:Multiple

Time:Summer 9.30pm | Winter 8.30pm

Location:Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory

Join us for a unique dark sky experience in the Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory. This is a fun, informative and unique experience where you will explore the universe in a small group setting with opportunities to take incredible photos of deep space objects.

Plan Your Celebration

If you’re searching for the perfect setting for your own celebration or special event, Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat will exceed your expectations in every way. To make your experience even more special, stay at the Retreat in our private luxury villas.

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Weddings at the Retreat

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What a great spot to pop the question!

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!

Sunshine43427613851 New Zealand

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