relaxing in the private fantail spa tub

Stargazing and Fine Dining

Matariki: Celebrating Māori New Year at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat

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

Get a crystalline view of Matariki as you dig into a decadent breakfast in an International Dark Sky Reserve, or indulge in a degustation menu inspired by the seven stars in the celebrated constellation.

With views stretching across the surreally coloured Lake Pukaki to sacred Aoraki/Mt Cook, Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is a looker by day and positively dazzling by night. Set within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, it’s one of the best places in the country to observe the waka made of stardust that sails through the sky at this time of year, Matariki marking its bow and Tautoru its stern.

Read the full article here.

Absolutely spectacular – would recommend to anyone! What a spectacular experience I had here. I booked a couple of nights R&R just for myself to chill out…..and Ooooh!……what a chill-out I had! I was looked after beautifully by all the wonderful lovely staff, while also enjoying the beautiful privacy and tranquility of the luxury villa (Villa Matariki). I had the most incredibly delicious and nutritious (and plenty of it!) food delivered to my door by the chefs themselves (the lamb was exquisite!). Tom and Rafa are both exceptional chefs and also provide lovely service. They catered for my dairy-free diet better than anywhere I have been before including to-die-for chocolatey treats which I arrived back to after a cycle through part of the stunning Alps 2 Ocean trail. And they bake bread daily for the morning too!

EM2020

Planning Your Stay

Explore our luxury accommodation and other offerings, learn more about the Aoraki Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Mackenzie region of New Zealand, or contact us with any questions – we’re always happy to help.

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Our Accommodation  →

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The Region  →

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Upcoming Events at the Retreat

Upcoming Events at the Retreat

We are continually innovating to bring you fresh, exciting experiences with our special events at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat. Purchase your tickets or reserve your spot on our website, and feel free to contact us with any questions.

Trust the Chef Dinner Reservation

Trust the Chef Dinner Reservation

Date: By Arrangement

Time: By Arrangement

Mothers Day High Tea at Moraine Lodge

Mothers Day High Tea at Moraine Lodge

Date: Sunday 14 May 2023

Time: 11am - 1pm

Tastes of Nature Cooking Demonstration and Lunch

Tastes of Nature Cooking Demonstration and Lunch

Date: By Arrangement

Time: By Arrangement

Matariki Dawn Celebration and Breakfast

Matariki Dawn Celebration and Breakfast

Date: Friday 14 July 2023

Time: 6am - 8.30am

Matariki 9 Course Degustation Dinner

Matariki 9 Course Degustation Dinner

Date: 15 July 2023

Time: 6.30pm - 10pm

Billion Star Dining

Billion Star Dining

Date: By Arrangement

Time: By Arrangement

Stargazing at Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory

Stargazing at Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory

Date: By Arrangement

Time: By Arrangement