Seasonal Photography
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.

Date

By Arrangement

Time

By Arrangement

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.

EVENT DETAILS

Meet with your experienced photographer guide at the Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory to discuss and learn about camera settings and locations of where you will be shooting. Depending on the season the guide will take you to the retreats 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.

Seasonal themes for photography | Capturing Summer Light – Dec to Feb | Autumn Colours – March to May | Winter Moods (hoar frosts, moody mists, snow on tussock etc.) June to August | Capturing Vibrant Spring – Sep to November.

Please bring your own camera, DSLR is preferable. Wear walking shoes.

Contact us to book on 027 4370 820 or email on reservations@mtcookretreat.nz

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.

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  →

Having traveled the North and South Islands, staying at several accommodations, none compared to our stay at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat! The cottage was elegant in every way! The cuisine superb! The view…breathtaking! The experience…PERFECT! I couldn’t consider a better place for a wedding than on the lawn with that turquoise lake and Mt Cook in the background. Thank you for the personal tour of the southern sky in your observatory/wine cellar! WOW!!! Thank you for making our wedding so amazing.

Patrick Missouri
Patrick