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Dani and James
Retreat Wedding Stories
We were honoured to host Dani and James with 60 guests for their wedding at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat on February 12, 2022.
The couple, who live in Ashburton, enjoy the outdoors and love spending time in the Mackenzie Basin. They chose Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat for a destination wedding where their families and friends could take time out from busy lives and get away together for a weekend, Dani said.
“When you get to the venue [at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat], it’s total serenity. You can’t help but be relaxed,” she said.
Part of what made the experience so special was the opportunity to spend the night before the ceremony in a beautiful luxury villa with her bridal party. Her husband, James, shared a separate luxury villa with his groomsmen. It allowed them both to relax and enjoy quality time with loved ones and friends in the lead up to their big day.
On their wedding day, they celebrated with a formal outdoor ceremony on the Retreat’s Wedding Lawn.
“The venue allows for that because it’s so beautiful,” Dani said. “You could have quite a formal dress code and still be outdoors, or you could go the other way and have a ceremony that’s more casual and relaxed.”
Dani also paid some lovely compliments to our team at the Retreat, which we appreciate!
“The food is amazing, Chef Tom is amazing,” she said. “Anna [Reservations and Events Manager] is also a huge asset. She was so incredible. You did not have to stress about anything because whatever was needed, she’d sort it.”
Congratulations Dani and James! Thank you for choosing Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat as the venue for your beautiful wedding.
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Events at the Retreat
Events at the Retreat
We regularly hold special events to showcase our facilities and offerings. Come to the Retreat and see all we can provide to create your perfect day.

Billion Star Dining
Date: By Arrangement
Time: 7:30pm - 10:30pm
We created the Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory to share the beauty of the Dark Sky Reserve with our guests through ... More →

Astrophotography
Date: By Arrangement
Time: 8pm in Winter | 9pm in Summer
Join us for a unique dark sky experience in our Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory. Not only will you witness and ... More →

Kiwi Christmas Dinner
Date: Monday 25 December
Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Celebrate Christmas Day with us and enjoy good food and company. Join us in our luxury Moraine Lodge and indulge in a ... More →

Stargazing at Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory
Date: Multiple
Time: Summer 9.30pm | Winter 8.30pm
Join us for a unique dark sky experience in the Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory. This is a fun, informative and ... More →

Fine Dining at Moraine Lodge
Date: Bookings Essential
Time: 7:30pm
We extend a warm welcome to day guests wishing to join us for a 4-course Fine Dining culinary experience at Mt Cook ... More →

Gift Voucher
Date: By Arrangement
Time: By Arrangement
Celebrate any occasion with a gift voucher, whether you'd like to treat someone to stay in one of our luxury villas, ... More →

Tastes of Nature Cooking Demonstration and Lunch
Date: By Arrangement
Time: By Arrangement
To dine at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is to savour the tastes of nature. Let our private chefs show you how to select, ... More →

Seasonal Photography
Date: By Arrangement
Time: By Arrangement
An experienced photography guide will take you to the Retreat's most iconic spots and let you capture all of its ... More →