Events and Activities

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat

Events and Activities

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat

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What's On

Experiences that offer you time together with family and friends in the company of leading figures in food, wellness and stargazing.

Tasting menu entreee

Kiwi Christmas Lunch

Celebrate with us at The Moraine on 25 December with a refined Christmas lunch by the Retreat’s awarded chef team.

Ashley Mackenzie Luxury Villa

Dark Sky Stargazing

A stunning night tour of the world-famous Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

Tasting menu entreee

Dusk to Dark Stargazing

Watch the sunset over Aoraki Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki, then watch the stars light up the sky.

relaxing in the moraine villas

Billion Star Dining

Treat yourself to the Chef’s Tasting Menu followed by a stargazing experience at Pukaki Observatory.

Tasting menu entreee

Chefs Tasting Menu

6-course fine dining using local produce and flavours to showcase our region.

Ashley Mackenzie Luxury Villa

Cooking Demo:  Forage, Cook, Dine

Forage fresh ingredients, enjoy a guided cooking demo, and savor a three-course lunch with stunning views.

astrophotography workshop at mt cook lakeside retreat

Astrophotography

Learn how to use your DSLR or Mirrorless camera to take incredible nightscapes in a ‘gold tier’ Dark Sky Reserve.

Special Occasions and Meetings

The Moraine provides the perfect, elegant setting for any special occasion, gathering or event.

Weddings and Elopements

Make your wedding the experience you’ve always dreamed of.

 We invite guests of the Retreat and visitors
to the region to take time to simply be together within the beautiful surroundings of the Retreat!

Each experience is built on our ethos of wellness, connection with nature, rest and rejuvenation. Fine food and wine, a spirit of fun and a sense of well-being are the focus. We are continually innovating to bring you fresh opportunities to engage with the best the Mackenzie region has to offer.

Most experiences require advanced ticket purchase or registration and are perfect as a surprise gift for a friend, colleague or loved one.

From the moment I booked the villa to the time we departed, everything was perfect. Kaye made recommendations for tours and quickly accommodated us when our party grew from 2 to 4. The 2 bedrooms are both the same size, so there is no fighting over who gets the bigger room! Food was abundant and absolutely fresh and delicious throughout the entire stay. We picked out our wine from the wine cellar upon arrival and, the next night, Luke brought up a variety of bottles for us to choose from for dinner that night. We had an absolutely clear sky for stargazing in the observatory, and saw some brilliant stars, along with Saturn. Anna made sure that we had every supplement we needed, including picnic lunch and massages in the private spa. Also, the fireplace was set up to ensure that even fire dummies could get a flame going. We were in absolute heaven, and can honestly say this was the best part of our trip!

Katie S. 
Katie S.