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

Our stay at the Retreat was memorable and the highlight of our 5-week trip to Australia, New Zealand and Japan. The views from our villa were breathtaking of the surrounding mountains and on the walks in the grounds there were beautiful vistas of Lake Pukaki and Mt Cook. The Retreat has everything, luxurious accommodation, beautifully designed and furnished interiors and your private hot tub for gazing at the stars. Kaye, Luke and all their staff were a delight, nothing was too much trouble. You can dine in the luxury of your own accommodation or enjoy dinner hosted and entertained with other guests in a baronial dining room. A choice of home grown food was available for breakfast and dinner – from the garden, with meat and fish sourced locally and cooked exquisitely by their chef. A hidden treat was the observatory Luke has built in the grounds with the opportunity to gaze at the the night sky totally unpolluted by electric light.

Kelvin and Susan London
Kelvin and Susan

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  →

About

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.

Billion Star Dining

Billion Star Dining

Indulge in a fine dining experience at Moraine Lodge, and then explore the stars from our private Pukaki Observatory. More →

Gift Voucher

Gift Voucher

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

Royal High Tea

Royal High Tea

Indulge in timeless elegance at Moraine Lodge. Immerse yourself in a world of exquisite pastries and delicious tea, ... More →

Dark Sky Stargazing

Dark Sky Stargazing

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

Astrophotography

Astrophotography

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

Chef’s Tasting Menu

Chef’s Tasting Menu

We extend a warm welcome to day guests wishing to join us for a 6-course Fine Dining culinary experience at Mt Cook ... More →

Dusk to Dark Stargazing

Dusk to Dark Stargazing

Join us for an awe-inspiring Dusk to Dark experience. Admire the surrounding vistas in twilight followed by stargazing ... More →

Landscape Photography Session

Landscape Photography Session

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