Events and Activities

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat

Events and Activities

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat

Stay Inspired with Our Latest News!  Check out our latest updates, media coverage, and more. Don’t forget to share your own retreat moments with us by using the hashtag #mtcookretreat on social media.

What's On

Experiences that offer you time together with family and friends in the company of leading figures in food, wellness and stargazing.

Festive Kiwi Christmas Lunch at The Moraine

Celebrate the magic of Christmas at The Moraine with an exciting, festive communal dining experience on Christmas Day. Meet us at 1:00 PM for pre-drinks before coming together at 2:00 PM for a spectacular holiday feast. There are no private tables for this event. Instead, everyone gathers around one grand table to share in the holiday spirit, with incredible food served family-style to pass around and enjoy. As you share dishes and connect with neighbours, enjoy the breathtaking views of the Ben Ohau Range and the Mackenzie Basin. Our culinary team is crafting a beautiful seasonal menu that honours the finest local New Zealand flavours. Whether you join us with friends or come on your own, this is the ultimate celebration of warmth and companionship.

Ashley Mackenzie Luxury Villa

Dark Sky Stargazing at Pukaki Observatory

Experience a stargazing night tour beneath the world-renowned Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best stargazing destinations on Earth.

Tasting menu entreee

Dusk to Dark Stargazing

From sunset over Aoraki / Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki to a sky filled with stars, a journey from dusk to dark in one of New Zealand’s premier stargazing locations.

relaxing in the moraine villas

Billion Star Dining

Experience Billion Star Dining, awarded by TIME, where a refined Chef’s Tasting Experience at The Moraine flows seamlessly into an extraordinary night of stargazing at the Pukaki Observatory.

Tasting menu entreee

Chefs Tasting Experience at The Moraine

Seasonal Chef’s Tasting menu of refined plates, showcasing estate-grown produce and premium ingredients from local New Zealand producers.

Ashley Mackenzie Luxury Villa

Destination Weddings

Specialising in luxury destination weddings and elopements in New Zealand, bringing together international guests for unforgettable multi-day celebrations.

astrophotography workshop at mt cook lakeside retreat

Private Gatherings & Retreats

The Moraine is an exclusive venue for corporate retreats, leadership meetings, and private family gatherings, offering a secluded setting in New Zealand’s iconic alpine landscape.

 We invite guests of the Retreat and visitors
to the region to take time to simply be together within the beautiful surroundings of the Retreat!

Each experience is thoughtfully designed around exceptional cuisine, world-class stargazing, and meaningful connection with people and place. Fine food and wine, unforgettable night skies, and a spirit of relaxed enjoyment define every moment, inspired by the unique beauty of the Mackenzie region. We are continually evolving our offerings to create new ways for you to experience the very best of this remarkable landscape.

Many experiences require advance booking or registration and are ideal as a thoughtful gift for a friend, colleague, or loved one.

An exceptional experience. My husband and I have been lucky enough to stay in some really beautiful places on our travels but nothing quite matches this. We honestly could not fault one aspect of it. From the incredibly lovely apartment, to the majestic view, to the incredible bathroom, to the view through the french doors from the bed, to the outdoor sitting area – enjoying all the lovely drinks and welcome fruit and cake that were on offer – watching their ducks and sheep as the sun set over the mountains. The meals were something else. All delivered to your private apartment and straight onto your (already set) table. The food was first class. Every mouthful amazing. The fridge was full of lovely drink options and there was even complementary gin and whiskey (and mixers) and a bottle of bubbly. My husband and I even used the hot tub which, on a cold night, was an incredible experience. We also went for a lovely long walk through their extensive grounds. They did have a fire a few years ago but there is much to see and you are surrounded by nature. Everyone should have something so lovely to enjoy, even if its for one night. Truly exceptional.

Lucinda-A