relaxing in the private fantail spa tub

We have a podcast! Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is pleased to present our four-part podcast. It’s the story of where we began, and how our Retreat has grown and evolved. Available on all major podcast listening apps, or stream it directly from our website.

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.

Our stay at the Retreat was memorable and the highlight of our 5-week trip to Australia, New Zealand and Japan. The views from our villa were breathtaking of the surrounding mountains and on the walks in the grounds there were beautiful vistas of Lake Pukaki and Mt Cook. The Retreat has everything, luxurious accommodation, beautifully designed and furnished interiors and your private hot tub for gazing at the stars. Kaye, Luke and all their staff were a delight, nothing was too much trouble. You can dine in the luxury of your own accommodation or enjoy dinner hosted and entertained with other guests in a baronial dining room. A choice of home grown food was available for breakfast and dinner – from the garden, with meat and fish sourced locally and cooked exquisitely by their chef. A hidden treat was the observatory Luke has built in the grounds with the opportunity to gaze at the the night sky totally unpolluted by electric light.

Kelvin and Susan London
Kelvin and Susan

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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Our Accommodation  →

About

The Region  →

Contact

Our Team  →

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.

Dusk to Dark Stargazing

Dusk to Dark Stargazing

Join us for an awe-inspiring Dusk to Dark experience. Admire the surrounding vistas in twilight followed by stargazing ... More →

Royal High Tea

Royal High Tea

Indulge in timeless elegance at Moraine Lodge. Immerse yourself in a world of exquisite pastries and delicious tea, ... More →

Chef’s Tasting Menu

Chef’s Tasting Menu

We extend a warm welcome to day guests wishing to join us for a 6-course Fine Dining culinary experience at Mt Cook ... More →

Dark Sky Stargazing

Dark Sky Stargazing

Join us for a unique dark sky experience in the Pukaki Observatory. This is a fun, informative and unique experience ... More →

Landscape Photography Session

Landscape Photography Session

An experienced photography guide will take you to the Retreat's most iconic spots and let you capture all of its ... More →

Billion Star Dining

Billion Star Dining

Indulge in a fine dining experience at Moraine Lodge, and then explore the stars from our private Pukaki Observatory. More →

Astrophotography

Astrophotography

Join us for a unique dark sky experience in our Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory. Not only will you witness and ... More →

Gift Voucher

Gift Voucher

Celebrate any occasion with a gift voucher, whether you'd like to treat someone to stay in one of our luxury villas, ... More →