relaxing in the private fantail spa tub

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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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.

Tastes of Nature Cooking Demonstration and Lunch

Tastes of Nature Cooking Demonstration and Lunch

Date: By Arrangement

Time: By Arrangement

Mothers Day High Tea at Moraine Lodge

Mothers Day High Tea at Moraine Lodge

Date: Sunday 14 May 2023

Time: 11am - 1pm

Trust the Chef Dinner Reservation

Trust the Chef Dinner Reservation

Date: By Arrangement

Time: By Arrangement

Billion Star Dining

Billion Star Dining

Date: By Arrangement

Time: By Arrangement

Stargazing at Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory

Stargazing at Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory

Date: By Arrangement

Time: By Arrangement

Matariki 9 Course Degustation Dinner

Matariki 9 Course Degustation Dinner

Date: 15 July 2023

Time: 6.30pm - 10pm

Matariki Dawn Celebration and Breakfast

Matariki Dawn Celebration and Breakfast

Date: Friday 14 July 2023

Time: 6am - 8.30am