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Enjoy Our Podcast Series

The Story of The Retreat, Now On Your Favourite Audio Platform

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is pleased to debut our new podcast series!

This four-episode series shares the story of Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat from its beginnings as a wild, undeveloped property, through its transformation into an elegant estate offering luxury accommodation, fine cuisine, health and wellness, and more.

Your hosts, Kaye and Luke Paardekooper, share their personal journey to the Retreat, as well as the experiences of guests they’ve hosted over the years. Enjoy stories of the amazing history, natural features, activities, and people that have made Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat the truly remarkable place it is today.

Listen Now

Stream our podcast in your favourite listening app by searching “Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat” or use the links below.

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Episode 1: Journeys

This episode is the story of a journey.

It’s the journey of the natural forces that shaped an extraordinary landscape within New Zealand. It’s the journey of the couple whose vision and drive built a place of luxury in the wilderness near Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. It’s also the journey of the travellers that come to this place to rest, reconnect, explore the region, or indulge in the quiet and choose to simply be.

Haere mai – welcome – on the journey to Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat.

Episode 2: Exploration

In this episode, discover some of the amazing experiences available at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, New Zealand.

We begin with stargazing in a private observatory in the world-famous Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

We also explore glaciers, hiking trails, helicopter flights, kayaking, boating, fishing, cycling and more. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, Lake Tekapo, the Mackenzie Region and the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail are on the Retreat’s doorstep.

Episode 3: Nourishment

This episode is about nourishment. Nourishment of the body, through pure water, and good food. But also, nourishment of the mind, and spirit.

Join us as we explore the nourishment offered to guests of Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat through fine cuisine and wellness therapies, all inspired by the pristine natural environment surrounding the estate.

Episode 4: Gatherings

This episode is the story of Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat as a gathering place.

We share how the owners’ vision has evolved, and expanded, over the years, and the many ways they welcome people to come together and enjoy time in this beautiful part of New Zealand – from weddings and celebrations to peaceful, private escapes.

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Our Accommodation  →

About

The Region  →

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Our Team  →

This retreat is luxury at its finest. The villa was absolutely breath taking, glorious, luxurious, well appointed, comfortable, amazing. The table was set for a three course dinner, which was bought to us in stages over the evening, and it was delicious and luscious. The wine was divine. A welcome cake greeted us, as did a lovely fruit bowl, welcome tots of gin and whiskey, provisions in the fridge for snacking. The bed was very comfortable, the bedding luxurious. The bathroom with full length window overlooking Mount Cook was perfect. Each villa has their own spa overlooking the grounds (Peking ducks, goats, deer roaming around) and the gorgeous Mount Cook and surrounds. Perfect for a midnight dip. Staff were welcoming and lovely. Our stay is one we will remember forever and we wish we were able to stay longer.
Sarelle Y