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.

Seduced By the South Island

Mindfood Magazine Visits Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat

We’re excited to be featured in the LXRY LIST 2025 Magazine!

The original text is in Dutch so, with the help of Google Translate, here is what they said:

Star Grazing

Looking for a Great Option for Clients Traveling Through the Mackenzie in Early May?

The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is among the best places worldwide for stargazing and THE location to experience the starry splendor is Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat. Located on a high mountain plateau on New Zealand’s South Island, this luxurious lodge on the edge of Lake Pukaki serves a menu to die for (that will make you want to lick your fingers!), including Manuka honey glazed salmon and finely marbled beef, served alongside raspberry puree and pink petals. When night falls, head to a nearby wine cellar adjacent to the only one the region’s observatory, where amateur astronomer Luke Paardekooper uses his advanced equipment
used to share with you Saturn’s rings, star clusters and distant nebulae in detail. Who knows, you may catch a glimpse of the elusive southern lights. A glass of whiskey or wine, to sip while you contemplating the universe is guaranteed.

 

Romantic isolated getaway
Wow wow wow… totally agree with all the other reviews. This place is magical and there are so many thoughtful touches provided such as the complementary bubbles, scotch and gin. You won’t starve as there is plenty of food. Nothing was an issue and we even asked the chef if he could cook us an Asian fusion meal one night. We stayed 3 nights with another couple and we each had a 2 bedroom villa. They locked off one of the bedrooms but it was so lovely having the entire villa to yourself. The villas are huge, as was the bathroom and bedroom … totally decadent. We rotated having dinners at each other’s villa and the chef would also drop off freshly baked bread and croissants at dinner. We also asked for bagels and salmon and poached eggs for breakfast and again this was no issue. There was no TV but plenty of magazines, jigsaw puzzles and games were provided. We absolutely loved our time here and would definitely return. It was the perfect location to do Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo and if you needed anything else, Twizel was only 7 mins drive away and they had a liquor store and mini supermarket. You could walk around the property which we did and there are some magical views of the lake. Personally I loved our villas which were side by side and had views of the mountain. It was so cool sitting in the spa watching the sun set … that was the highlight our stay as well as the open wood fire in the lodge which made it so cozy and warm.
Mic10011001 Auckland New Zealand
Mic10011001
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.