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.

My partner surprised me with a trip to the Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat over New Years. We arrived and the staff we welcoming and helpful. I was blown away when we were shown to the Ashley MacKenzie Lodge. It was absolutely beautiful! We could see Lake Pukaki and Mt Cook from our front window and even better from the garden. We had three course meals delivered every day and they were so delicious. They were all in on a big secret when we went to “go see the lavender fields” and ended up on a helicopter ride and we got engaged! When we got back there were bubbles galore and snacks and they had snuck our closest friends in as a surprise. Couldn’t have asked for better hospitality. The bed was ridiculously comfortable and the bathroom and shower were amazing. Had a bunch of saunas and spas while staying. It was so private and lush. Thanks so much to the team for making our engagement so memorable. We will never forget our stay!
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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  →

About

The Region  →

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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.

Seasonal Photography

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 →

Fine Dining at Moraine Lodge

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 →

Astrophotography

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

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

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 →

Gift Voucher

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

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 →

Billion Star Dining

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 →