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.

About the Retreat

High Country Estate and Luxury Villa Collection

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is the dream of one ambitious couple, Luke and Kaye Paardekooper. With the help of family, friends and their dedicated team, Luke and Kaye shaped a raw landcape of rugged terrain and wild pine forests into a pure alpine paradise.

Nestled between the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki and majestic Ben Ohau mountain ranges, on the doorstep of Aoraki Mount Cook, the Retreat offers luxury accommodation in your choice of three private villas, fine cuisine, elegant event venues, exceptional stargazing and astrophotography opportunities, and much more. An ethos of wellness, connection with nature, rest and rejuvenation guides everything we do.

Read on to learn more of our story. We hope our journey to Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat will inspire you to make your own.

Our Journey

Our Journey

Our Location

Our Location

Romantic isolated getaway
Wow wow wow… totally agree with all the other reviews. This place is magical and there are so many thoughtful touches provided such as the complementary bubbles, scotch and gin. You won’t starve as there is plenty of food. Nothing was an issue and we even asked the chef if he could cook us an Asian fusion meal one night. We stayed 3 nights with another couple and we each had a 2 bedroom villa. They locked off one of the bedrooms but it was so lovely having the entire villa to yourself. The villas are huge, as was the bathroom and bedroom … totally decadent. We rotated having dinners at each other’s villa and the chef would also drop off freshly baked bread and croissants at dinner. We also asked for bagels and salmon and poached eggs for breakfast and again this was no issue. There was no TV but plenty of magazines, jigsaw puzzles and games were provided. We absolutely loved our time here and would definitely return. It was the perfect location to do Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo and if you needed anything else, Twizel was only 7 mins drive away and they had a liquor store and mini supermarket. You could walk around the property which we did and there are some magical views of the lake. Personally I loved our villas which were side by side and had views of the mountain. It was so cool sitting in the spa watching the sun set … that was the highlight our stay as well as the open wood fire in the lodge which made it so cozy and warm.
Mic10011001 Auckland New Zealand
Mic10011001

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  →

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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.

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

Astrophotography

Astrophotography

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

News and Inspiration

Updates, media coverage and more from Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat. If you’d like to share your own Retreat content, use the hashtag #mtcookretreat on social media.

World Class Stargazing

World Class Stargazing

Australian News Reporter, Jack Evans, visits the Mackenzie Region's Dark Sky Reserve.

ROOM FOR TWO: Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, New Zealand

ROOM FOR TWO: Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, New Zealand

Matt Brace stayed in Villa Puaka and raved about the 'cosy' feeling, the 'delicious food' and more.

New Zealand’s Best Hot Tub Holiday

New Zealand’s Best Hot Tub Holiday

"I'm taking you to the best hot tub in the country." Travel journalist Brook Sabin explores Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat.

Seduced By the South Island

Seduced By the South Island

Writer Elisabeth Easther goes on a Kiwi southern odyssey of fine food, luxury accommodation, world-class scenery and adventure galore.