relaxing in the private fantail spa tub

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.

In the Lap of Luxury

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat Featured Among NZ’s Finest Luxury Properties

We are so pleased to be featured as one of New Zealand’s finest luxury properties on TVNZ’s Lap of Luxury travel programme.

On May 17, 2022, Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat opens its doors to the world and gives Lap of Luxury viewers an exclusive tour of our 66-hectare high country estate, nestled on ancient glacial moraine between the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki and the majestic Ben Ohau ranges.

Watch the programme for a behind-the-scenes tour of our elegant private luxury villas complete with outdoor spa pools, private chef service and on-site recreation, stargazing, relaxation and wellness treatments, all on the doorstep of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

“We have carefully designed the estate to ensure exclusivity and privacy for our guests and to provide a range of passive recreational experiences such as cooking demonstrations, trail walking, tennis or stargazing,” owner Kaye Paardekooper said. “Most passers-by would only glimpse the front gate and not realise the expanse of the Retreat, both the size of the estate and its views over the wide open skies and big landscapes of the Mackenzie.”

“We love showcasing everything on offer at the Retreat, and we’re so pleased Lap of Luxury has given us this opportunity to share our property with their viewers.”

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is featured on Season 2, Episode 7 of Lap of Luxury. It airs on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 8pm on TVNZ One.

The episode will also be available to stream on TVNZ OnDemand at https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/lap-of-luxury

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

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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The Region  →

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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.

Billion Star Dining

Billion Star Dining

Date: By Arrangement

Time: 7:30pm - 10:30pm

We created the Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory to share the beauty of the Dark Sky Reserve with our guests through ... More →

Astrophotography

Astrophotography

Date: By Arrangement

Time: 8pm in Winter | 9pm in Summer

Join us for a unique dark sky experience in our Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory. Not only will you witness and ... More →

Stargazing at Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory

Stargazing at Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory

Date: Multiple

Time: Summer 9.30pm | Winter 8.30pm

Join us for a unique dark sky experience in the Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory. This is a fun, informative and ... More →

Tastes of Nature Cooking Demonstration and Lunch

Tastes of Nature Cooking Demonstration and Lunch

Date: By Arrangement

Time: 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, ... More →

Kiwi Christmas Dinner

Kiwi Christmas Dinner

Date: Monday 25 December

Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Celebrate Christmas Day with us and enjoy good food and company. Join us in our luxury Moraine Lodge and indulge in a ... More →

Fine Dining at Moraine Lodge

Fine Dining at Moraine Lodge

Date: Bookings Essential

Time: 7:30pm

We extend a warm welcome to day guests wishing to join us for a 4-course Fine Dining culinary experience at Mt Cook ... More →

Gift Voucher

Gift Voucher

Date: By Arrangement

Time: By Arrangement

Celebrate any occasion with a gift voucher, whether you'd like to treat someone to stay in one of our luxury villas, ... More →

Seasonal Photography

Seasonal Photography

Date: By Arrangement

Time: By Arrangement

An experienced photography guide will take you to the Retreat's most iconic spots and let you capture all of its ... More →