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Tastes of Nature Cooking Demonstration and Lunch
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.

Date

By Arrangement

Time

By Arrangement

Location

Moraine Lodge

Cost*

$220 Per Person

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

EVENT DETAILS

Join our chef in the Moraine Lodge kitchen for a unique cooking class focused on the creation of a ‘Tastes of Nature’ two-course meal based on seasonal herbs and plants. Afterward, linger over a truly fresh, nutritious and delicious lunch.

Our chefs say:

“During the cooking demonstration we want to show people how simple it can be to make a showstopping centerpiece for any dinner party with a few tricks and chef hacks. After this masterclass you will confidently be able to put together an amazing feast for your friends and whanau without the stress. We will be giving you our very own methods for selecting, cooking and presenting the seasonal menu, teaching you how to cook it perfectly without fail. We look forward to seeing you there to enjoy a long lunch together over a couple of drinks at Moraine Lodge.”

During the experience, wine pairing suggestions (wine not included) from our carefully curated wine cellar are presented to you. After lunch or between courses, stroll around the Moraine Lodge environs or try your hand at a friendly game of croquet on the lawn. Moraine Lodge overlooks the Ben Ohau mountain range and tawny Mackenzie Country landscape.

Venue: Moraine Lodge, Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat | 1 ½ – 2 hours | Minimum charge of 2 people

The cooking demonstration and delicious lunch is included in the tariff. Please request the date you wish to book your demonstration and lunch at purchase.

Free parking onsite.

A cash / EFTPOS bar is available.

Moraine Lodge is located at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, 86 Mount Cook Road (SH80), Lake Pukaki 7999. We are just 860 metres from the SH8 and SH80 intersection.

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.

View All Events
Gift Voucher

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

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

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

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.

Astrophotography

Astrophotography

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

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

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

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.

Your Event at the Retreat

Weddings at the Retreat

Stay in our Villas

Your Event

At the Retreat  →

Weddings

At The Retreat  →

Stay

In Our Villas  →

From the moment we arrived we felt so welcome, and knew we were in for a special experience. We weren’t disappointed. The accommodation is so comfortable and beautiful, the setting and views are superb, even on an overcast day, and then there was the most amazing food delivered to our villa each day. Every one of the staff were so friendly and accommodating. It was all so good we booked an additional night! We really enjoyed the outdoor hot tub on the cold nights, gazing up at an incredible starry sky, and also loved taking the owners’ two Springer Spaniels for a walk on the numerous tracks. All in all, just perfect really, we couldn’t fault it, and will be back for sure! This place is a credit to the NZ travel industry.

Neil 
Neil