News and Inspiration

Updates, Media Coverage and More

Here’s where we share our latest news and inspiration with you, the friends of Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat. Don’t forget to keep in touch with us on Facebook and Instagram, or check back here regularly for updates from Kaye, Luke and the team.

 COVID19 UPDATE: Our team is now fully vaccinated and will be following the Government mandates regarding vaccination to ensure that you have a safe stay at the Retreat.   Once the Government COVID19 Protection Framework comes into operation in late November this means that, to protect the health and safety of our guests and staff, all guests of the Retreat will need to be fully vaccinated or have an approved vaccine waiver.

Featured Posts

Relax Under the Stars at The Retreat

We’ve been featured in Luxury Travel Magazine as one of the five best authentic experiences in New Zealand.

In the Lap of Luxury

We are pleased to have Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat featured as one of New Zealand’s finest luxury properties on TVNZ’s Lap of Luxury travel programme.

A Time for Renewal

After a devastating forest fire, we rededicated ourselves to our vision for Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat: A place of rest, wellness and renewal for all who set foot here.

To the Lake House

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is “a luxurious and secluded place where travellers can relax and rejuvenate,” according to MiNDFOOD magazine.

Browse All Posts

Updates, media coverage and more from Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat. If you’d like to share your own Retreat content, use the hashtag #mtcookretreat on social media.

Seduced By the South Island

Seduced By the South Island

Writer Elisabeth Easther goes on a Kiwi southern odyssey of fine food, luxury accommodation, world-class scenery and adventure galore.

Press Pause

Press Pause

Cuisine Magazine says: There’s a lot more than mountain views to nourish you, at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat.

Relax Under the Stars at The Retreat

Relax Under the Stars at The Retreat

We’ve been featured in Luxury Travel Magazine as one of the five best authentic experiences in New Zealand.

In the Lap of Luxury

In the Lap of Luxury

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is featured among New Zealand's finest luxury properties on TVNZ's Lap of Luxury travel programme.

Stargazing and Fine Dining at The Retreat

Stargazing and Fine Dining at The Retreat

Celebrate Matariki, Māori New Year, with special dining and stargazing events at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat.

Saving the Night Sky: A Dark Sky Nation

Saving the Night Sky: A Dark Sky Nation

The Retreat is proud to be part of New Zealand's bid to become the world's first dark sky nation.

Magnificent Stays in the Mackenzie Country

Magnificent Stays in the Mackenzie Country

NewstalkZB’s Mike Yardley praises Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat as "the pinnacle of indulgence.”

Stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie Region

Stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie Region

New Zealand Herald writer Jacqui Gibson visits the Retreat and explores stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie region.

Wellness with Wow Factor at The Retreat

Wellness with Wow Factor at The Retreat

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat has been featured as one of New Zealand’s most luxurious spa retreats.

Winter in the Mackenzie Region

Winter in the Mackenzie Region

Experience the best of winter in the legendary Mackenzie, when you stay at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat.

A Time for Renewal

A Time for Renewal

After a devastating forest fire, we rededicate ourselves to our vision for Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat: A place of rest, wellness and renewal.

A Solo Escape

A Solo Escape

Our Retreat is the perfect escape, whether for a romantic couple’s getaway or a self-care solo vacation, as one NZ Herald writer discovered.

Down in the Scenic South

Down in the Scenic South

OK! Magazine enjoys a getaway from urban life and finds luxury in the pristine wilderness at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat.

Filming A Wrinkle in Time

Filming A Wrinkle in Time

We were privileged to welcome Storm Reid, Oprah and Director Ava DuVernay during filming of A Wrinkle in Time.

To the Lake House

To the Lake House

The Retreat is "a luxurious and secluded place where travellers can relax and rejuvenate," according to MiNDFOOD magazine.

Congratulations Adi and Ratna!

Congratulations Adi and Ratna!

We are proud and honoured to be a part of such a special wedding day at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat.

Lake Pukaki Among World’s Clearest Waters

Lake Pukaki Among World’s Clearest Waters

Our very own Lake Pukaki has been named among the world’s clearest waters by Condé Nast Traveler.

View

Our Accommodation  →

About

The Region  →

Contact

Our Team  →

View

Our Accommodation  →

About

The Region  →

Contact

Our Team  →

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