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.

Our Location

Travel to Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is located rurally on State Highway 80 (SH80), also known as Mount Cook Road. State Highway 80 is the road that travels to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

The entrance to the Retreat is just 860 metres from the SH80 and State Highway 8 intersection (refer to the Google map below). If you travel more than one kilometre up SH80 from the intersection, you have gone too far!

Our GPS coordinates are: -44.182591, 170.117216

(Please do not rely on your navigation system, as this may take you to the wrong location.)

Our closest towns are Twizel (10 minutes drive), Lake Tekapo (30 minutes drive) and Mt Cook Village (30 minutes drive).

 

Directions to the Retreat

Directions to the Retreat

TRAVELING BY CAR

From the South:

Queenstown International Airport is just 2.5 hours’ drive south of Lake Pukaki. From Queenstown, head to Cromwell and then toward Aoraki Mount Cook. Shortly after passing the town of Twizel, turn left off State Highway 8 onto State Highway 80 (Mount Cook Road) and we are 860 meters from this turnoff.

From the North:

Christchurch International Airport is an easy 3.5-hour drive via the northern inland route through magnificent mountain country. From State Highway 1 turn off towards Aoraki Mount Cook and follow the signs to Aoraki Mount Cook. Approximately 50 kilometers after passing the town of Lake Tekapo, turn right off State Highway 8 onto State Highway 80 (Mount Cook Road). We are 860 meters from this turnoff.

TRAVELING BY AIR

The Retreat property features several helipads, and direct helicopter flights can be arranged for your journey. By helicopter we are approximately 1 ¼ hours from Queenstown Airport and 1 ½ hours from Christchurch Airport.

Pukaki Airport, near the town of Twizel, is a regional airport just 10 minutes’ drive from the Retreat. Small charter flights may land here.

View

Our Accommodation  →

About

The Region  →

Contact

Our Team  →

View

Our Accommodation  →

About

The Region  →

Contact

Our Team  →

Utterly Memorable
Treat yourself to two nights in this fabulous retreat overlooking the beautiful azure waters of Lake Pukaki. We stayed in the Moraine Villas overlooking the tawny landscape of the Mackenzie country and beyond to the Ben Ohau Range. We were met by lodge manager Anna and shown to our villa to unwind and relax. It was so spacious with a stunning one way window from the shower looking out to the countryside. And even better, there’s a delicious spa pool filled with artesian water, and just the most relaxing place to dip into, maybe with a glass of bubbles which, by the way, is complimentary. So much is included from the nibbles platter, the bubbly, a 2 course dinner and breakfast provisions. A decanter of scotch and gin. …..everything is here. You can trek over the property to the tennis court and view beautiful Lake Pukaki and beyond to Aoraki Mt Cook. If you want this view next time you stay then choose the Ashley Mackenzie Villa. We plan to go back soo to relax and rejuvenate as the Ashley Mackenzie Villa comes with its own private sauna, massage room, small gym and a fabulous wooden hot tub overlooking the lake. And then there is the star gazing. This retreat has its own private observatory – we booked for a stargazing experience and were wowed at the stunning galaxies. You’re right in the heart of the Aoraki International Dark Skies reserve here. No light pollution
Susan R Wellington, New Zealand
Susan R