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Stargazing at 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.

Date

By Arrangement

Time

By Arrangement

Location

Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory

Cost*

$145 per person

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

If you wish to make a booking within 72 hours of your experience, please contact us directly. We may have availability that is not displayed on our website.

EVENT DETAILS

Join us for a unique dark sky experience in the Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory.

Starting in the wine cellar, you will be treated to nibbles and a glass of wine or tot of whisky from our curated collection, whilst being introduced to the Dark Sky Reserve features. Then we move through to the Observatory, which is equipped with a 6-inch refractor telescope, where you can take a closer look at faraway objects such as Saturn, Jupiter and its moons, star clusters, nebula and planets.

Bring your DSLR camera for some amazing astrophotography opportunities.

The Retreat and purpose-built Pukaki Observatory is perfectly located to explore one of the darkest, clearest skies in the world. This is a stellar experience and is a unique opportunity to stargaze in the world-famous Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

Includes: A glass of wine or tot of whisky. Shared group sessions.  $145 per person with a minimum charge of 4 guests to operate this experience.

Note: Private group bookings are also available, please contact reservations@mtcookretreat.nz to book.

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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Mothers Day High Tea at Moraine Lodge

Mothers Day High Tea at Moraine Lodge

Event Date - Sunday 14 May 2023

Give your Mum the gift of time with family with a high tea at Moraine Lodge. Our chefs have whipped up a tasty high tea menu brimming with morsels that will delight your taste buds with traditional scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and freshly baked sweet and savoury treats innovatively crafted using flair and fresh locally sourced ingredients.

Matariki Dawn Celebration and Breakfast

Matariki Dawn Celebration and Breakfast

Event Date - Friday 14 July 2023

Celebrate Matariki rising with friends and family at the Retreat. Join us at 6am to welcome the dawn on the Retreat's lawn followed by breakfast at Moraine Lodge.

Matariki 9 Course Degustation Dinner

Matariki 9 Course Degustation Dinner

Event Date - 15 July 2023

Celebrate Matariki in the company of friends, colleagues or family over delicious kai presented as a 9 course degustation menu prepared the Retreat chefs.   Each course on the menu relates to a star within the Matariki Constellation.

Billion Star Dining

Billion Star Dining

Event Date - By Arrangement

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 3 course meal at Moraine Lodge followed by a stargazing experience at Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory for groups of 4 – 12 guests.

Tastes of Nature Cooking Demonstration and Lunch

Tastes of Nature Cooking Demonstration and Lunch

Event Date - 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, prepare and present a seasonal menu with lots of versatility to add your own elements.

Trust the Chef Dinner Reservation

Trust the Chef Dinner Reservation

Event Date - By Arrangement

We extend a warm welcome to day guests wishing to join us for a 3-course Trust the Chef culinary experience at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat.

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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My husband and I recently had two incredible days here. The accommodation is beautifully decorated and well kept. The views of the lake and Mt Cook stunning. The location is glorious. It is the service of the staff that makes this accommodation so perfect. Nothing is a problem for the staff. They are extremely attentive and so friendly. Our privacy was at the forefront of their minds and they made sure we did not want for anything. Every little detail was considered. The owner of the accommodation greeted us upon arrival and showed us around and the general manager was in touch with us before and after our visit. I cannot recommend this destination enough, if you want luxury, privacy, a beautiful and romantic setting and service that is five star this is the place to visit in the South Island.

Anick992 Christchurch, New Zealand
Anick992