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.

Ashley Mackenzie Luxury Villa

Dark Sky Stargazing at Pukaki Observatory

Experience a stargazing night tour beneath the world-renowned Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best stargazing destinations on Earth.

Tasting menu entreee

Dusk to Dark Stargazing

From sunset over Aoraki / Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki to a sky filled with stars, a journey from dusk to dark in one of New Zealand’s premier stargazing locations.

relaxing in the moraine villas

Billion Star Dining

Experience Billion Star Dining, awarded by TIME, where a refined Chef’s Tasting Experience at The Moraine flows seamlessly into an extraordinary night of stargazing at the Pukaki Observatory.

Tasting menu entreee

Chefs Tasting Experience at The Moraine

Seasonal Chef’s Tasting menu of refined plates, showcasing estate-grown produce and premium ingredients from local New Zealand producers.

Ashley Mackenzie Luxury Villa

Destination Weddings

Specialising in luxury destination weddings and elopements in New Zealand, bringing together international guests for unforgettable multi-day celebrations.

astrophotography workshop at mt cook lakeside retreat

Private Gatherings & Retreats

The Moraine is an exclusive venue for corporate retreats, leadership meetings, and private family gatherings, offering a secluded setting in New Zealand’s iconic alpine landscape.

 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 thoughtfully designed around exceptional cuisine, world-class stargazing, and meaningful connection with people and place. Fine food and wine, unforgettable night skies, and a spirit of relaxed enjoyment define every moment, inspired by the unique beauty of the Mackenzie region. We are continually evolving our offerings to create new ways for you to experience the very best of this remarkable landscape.

Many experiences require advance booking or registration and are ideal as a thoughtful 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.