
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
At Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
Stargazing at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is an unparalleled opportunity to look into the universe and experience in the beauty and wonder of one of the world’s purest skies.
Among the great joys of our location is its place at the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. The Dark Sky Reserve is world-renowned for its lack of light pollution, creating a spectacular and immense night sky brimming with stars.
To celebrate this beauty and share it with our guests, we constructed the purpose-built Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory. We welcome guests to this inviting, intimate and elegant space with a glass of wine or tot of whisky from our carefully curated cellar. Then we step into the adjoining observatory, equipped with a retractable roof and telescope for the perfect exploration of the Southern stars.
Photography enthusiasts should be sure to bring your DSLR camera for some amazing astrophotography opportunities.
We offer private stargazing as an add-on experience for guests staying in our luxury villas, or as a standalone experience for visitors who are not staying in our accommodation. It’s also a magical addition to any special event or celebration.
Me mātau tau ki te whetū, i mua i te kōkiri o te haere.
Before you set forth on a journey, be sure you know the stars.
— Witi Ihimaera
Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is situated at the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, meaning it stands in one of the best locations in the world to view clear, dark skies and brilliant stars.
At the time it was certified in 2012, the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve was the first dark sky reserve in the Southern Hemisphere and the first anywhere to be declared with Gold Tier status. This is the highest dark sky certification that can be accorded, and is a recognition of the pristine skies of the Mackenzie Region, which are essentially completely free of light pollution.
The peaceful and beautiful experience of darkness and starlight is one that is being lost, as light pollution becomes the norm in urban and suburban areas around the world. When you stay at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, we hope you will take the time to step outside, look up, and gaze into one of the world’s purest, clearest night skies.
The Dark Sky Reserve is recognised and certified by the International Dark-Sky Association, based in Arizona, which is the international body giving accreditation for Dark Sky Reserves and Dark Sky Places worldwide.
Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory
Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory
Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory
We created our Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory to share the beauty of the Dark Sky Reserve with our guests through small, private gatherings in a comfortable, intimate setting.
The purpose-built wine cellar and observatory began from the concept of an underground space. Its thick concrete walls maintain the cool temperature needed to cellar our wines, and the sitting area allows us to share drinks and nibbles with guests while we introduce the Southern sky and the spectacular stargazing experience to come.
The observatory itself features a retractable roof and 6-inch refractor telescope. When the roof recedes, the observatory walls frame a breathtaking window to the stars. Our telescope is capable of sighting the rings of Saturn and bands of Jupiter, as well as sparkling star clusters, nebula and planets. The telescope can also be used for astrophotography, for guests with an interest in night sky photography.
Astrophotography
Astrophotography
Astrophotography
The Retreat’s setting in the heart of the Dark Sky Reserve makes it an ideal location for astrophotography.
Set up your camera under some of the clearest, darkest skies in the world, and be mesmerized by stars like many have never seen. On special nights you may also get a glimpse of the Southern Lights, or Aurora Australis.
As part of our guided stargazing experience, we are able to help you learn basic techniques for how to take your own night sky images. Or, if you prefer, simply relax and enjoy stargazing, and we will take a photograph for you. This one-of-a-kind image of your party under the beautiful New Zealand night sky is the perfect keepsake to remember your journey.
We also offer deep space astrophotography using our observatory telescope. From the very first image we shot through the telescope of the Orion Nebula, we were in awe of the beauty of this colourful object sitting quietly in the Orion Constellation 1,344 light years away. Deep space astrophotography is a unique experience, a rare opportunity to venture into the past using a simple DSLR camera. Join us in the observatory and we will show you how to photograph nebula, star clusters and planets.
For guests interested to further hone their skills, we can arrange a private astrophotography session with a professional photographer. The photographer will meet you on site for a personalised workshop to develop your astrophotography knowledge and technique.
Our Wine Cellar
Our Wine Cellar
Our Wine Cellar
We’ve worked with some of New Zealand’s leading wineries to curate a selection of superb wines to populate our wine cellar.
Of course, being in the heart of the Mackenzie Country, with its history of Scottish settlement, it would have been a tragedy if we did not also include fine whiskies in our collection – the beverage of the Scottish Highlands, which some say is the “nectar of the Gods.”
Every dark sky experience in the Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory begins in our wine cellar. Enjoy nibbles and a glass of wine or tot of whisky from our collection whilst being introduced to the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve and the features of the Southern sky.
Events at the Retreat
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.

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →