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.

Special Occasions

Your Event at the Retreat

The Retreat has a beautiful selection of venue options, both indoor and outdoor, for your special occasion. From an intimate gathering to a large celebration, let us help you create a perfect memory with family and friends.

We have wonderful facilities for unforgettable birthday and anniversary celebrations, reunions, and friends and family dinners. We can also welcome travel groups and coach tours for private, bespoke lunches and dinners.

All events can include outdoor games, declicous food and celebratory cakes created by our expert culinary team, an exclusive stargazing experience in our on-site observatory, and more.

Moraine Lodge

Moraine Lodge, our signature event space, was created to host elegant gatherings. Its high ceilings, delicate chandelier and large open fireplace create a warm and luxurious atmosphere. Large doors open onto a picturesque veranda, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow and amplifying the spaciousness of the Lodge. Its facilities include a commercial kitchen for our expert culinary team to cater events with exquisite cuisine. The Lodge is perfect for grand banquets for up to 100 seated guests, or more informal settings for larger groups.

Outdoor Locations

The Retreat features two large, grassy wedding lawns, one above our tennis court (the Lavender Lawn) and one overlooking Lake Pukaki below our Memorial Garden (the Lakeside Lawn). Both lawns have views over Lake Pukaki towards Aoraki Mount Cook, and are lovely green spaces for an outdoor function.

We are able to set up tents and marquees at various locations on the estate for your outdoor celebration.

Surprised Excellence!!  We didn’t know a thing about Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat. We were just looking for a place to stay in the area on our way from Christchurch to Queenstown and luckly found that they had a few nights available that met our travel dates. Arrived to find a privately situated lodge with a wonderful bottle of wine and snack on the kitchen table in the homiest of living rooms. The living room overlooked the deck (and Jacuzzi) onto open fields with sheep and dear meandering about. In the backdrop was a beautiful mountain range. The bedroom and bathroom were to die for. Floor to ceiling windows in the bathroom to a private view of mountains and fields. The bedroom was expansive with windows and light galore. The food was gourmet and individually prepared to meet our dietary needs by the property’s own chef. We opted to have dinner brought to our lodge. Breakfast was placed in the refrigerator the night before for us to eat at our leisure in the morning. Spectacular farm to table fare with incredible plating and presentation. The staff were warm and gracious and made every effort to inquire about our stay to make sure all our needs were met. We would HIGHLY recommend a stay and will be back if we return to New Zealand. You would be missing something really special if you are in the area and don’t drop in for a night or two or three. No hesitation to recommend this to anyone.
Andrew B

Upcoming Events at the Retreat

what’s on

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.

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 →

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 →

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 →

Astrophotography

Astrophotography

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

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 →

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 →

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 →