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.

Rain or shine, it’s stunning. You can’t go wrong with this place. Luke and Kaye have spent a lot of time putting it together with love, care, and complete respect of their environment. You can feel their attention to every detail as soon as you walk through the door. The place is gorgeous, the energy serene, even the dogs are good company! We enjoyed the proximity to Mt Cook, the walks in the area, the delicious food, the majestic beauty of the place, the night skies, and above all the silence and privacy. I spent several hours just watching the colours of the sky and nature at different times of the day…and “stargazing 101” through Luke’s telescope was a wonderful experience too, on a very clear night. Thanks again to both of you for one of the most relaxing stays we’ve ever had.

Valerie F. Singapore
Valerie F.

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.