Seasonal Offers from the Retreat

Experience autumn, winter and spring at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, a private luxury alpine retreat overlooking Lake Pukaki in New Zealand’s South Island. Located within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the Retreat offers refined estate-to-plate dining, exceptional stargazing, and immersive seasonal escapes surrounded by vast alpine landscapes.

For a limited time, enjoy Stay 3, Pay 2, three nights of luxury accommodation for the price of two when travelling during the beautiful shoulder seasons of autumn and spring, or Stay 2, Pay 1, two nights for the price of one during the winter season, when the Mackenzie is at its most serene.

Autumn in the Mackenzie Basin (April–May)

Autumn is one of the most visually striking seasons in the Mackenzie Basin. Through April and May, colours deepen across the landscape as golden poplars and rich reds contrast against turquoise glacial lakes and snow-dusted peaks. Soft alpine light and crisp days make this a photographer’s paradise.

As evenings cool, retreat indoors to roaring fires or step outside to experience world-class stargazing, with longer nights revealing extraordinary clarity beneath the southern skies.

Winter in the Mackenzie Basin (July – August)

Winter in the Mackenzie is crisp, calm, and quietly spectacular. Snow settles on the surrounding peaks, the air turns clear and luminous, and days are defined by alpine light and vast open skies. Evenings invite slow moments by roaring fires, indulgent dining, and long, unhurried nights beneath some of the world’s darkest skies. On the estate, guests can enjoy the rare pleasure of a private curling sheet, alongside stargazing at the Pukaki Observatory, warming soaks in the outdoor hot tub, and the simple luxury of retreating indoors as the landscape turns silver and still.

Spring at Lake Pukaki (September)

Spring brings renewal to the estate as fresh growth emerges, gardens awaken, and the landscape softens into vibrant greens. Sparkling light, longer days, and gentle temperatures create ideal conditions for walking trails, wildlife encounters, and unhurried exploration.

Spring is a time of quiet energy — perfect for guests seeking space, calm, and connection with nature.

Dining, Stargazing & Alpine Experiences

Your stay includes a daily gourmet breakfast and a three-course estate-to-plate dinner, showcasing seasonal produce and local flavours. During your stay, enjoy: your own outdoor hot tub with views overlooking the mountains (Moraine Villas) or  Lake Pukaki (Lakeside Villas), roaring fires and the option for private villa dining, 5 kms of walking trails and tennis court.

Stargazing in the onsite Pukaki Observatory is an optional extra and in winter, the retreat’s private curling sheet offers a uniquely alpine experience.

Explore Aoraki / Mount Cook & the Southern Alps

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is ideally positioned near Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and within easy reach of nearby snowfields. Scenic helicopter flights depart directly from the retreat’s helipad, offering access to ancient glaciers, heli-skiing experiences, and breathtaking alpine landings. Families are warmly welcomed.

Seasonal Offers

Guests travelling during autumn, spring, or winter may enjoy seasonal value, including extended stays at preferred rates, applied automatically at time of booking.

Autumn & Spring Stay 3, Pay 2 Offer

• Valid: 1 May 2025 – 30 September 2026

• Offer: Stay 3 nights, pay for only 2

• Conditions: Available for new, direct bookings only

Winter Offer

• Valid: 29 June – 31 August 2026

• Offer: Stay 2 nights, pay for only 1

• Conditions: Available for new, direct bookings only