mt cook lakeside retreat view of aoraki mount cook

We have a podcast! Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is pleased to present our four-part podcast. It’s the story of where we began, and how our Retreat has grown and evolved. Available on all major podcast listening apps, or stream it directly from our website.

Lake Pukaki Among World’s Clearest Waters

According to Condé Nast Traveler

Our very own Lake Pukaki has been named among the world’s clearest waters by Condé Nast Traveler:

Lake Pukaki, an alpine lake in the South Island, was named the third clearest by Condé Nast Traveler, coming in behind the rivers in Bonito, Brazil, and the Italian seawaters around the island of Lampedusa in Italy.

 

The lake “is such an unearthly shade of blue that it looks like a scene out of a movie,” wrote Condé Nast, adding that it did in fact feature as the backdrop in the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit trilogies.

 

“That frosty, Gatorade-level blue is no special effect: the lake derives its hue from glacial flour – a fine silt of pulverised rock suspended in the water that reflects blue light and give the lake its luminous appearance.”

Read the full article here.

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!
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Planning Your Stay

Explore our luxury accommodation and other offerings, learn more about the Aoraki Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Mackenzie region of New Zealand, or contact us with any questions – we’re always happy to help.

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Our Accommodation  →

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The Region  →

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Our Team  →

Upcoming Events at the Retreat

Upcoming Events at the Retreat

We are continually innovating to bring you fresh, exciting experiences with our special events at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat. Purchase your tickets or reserve your spot on our website, and feel free to contact us with any questions.