Guided Nature Walk and Picnic - Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat

Guided Nature Walk and Picnic

Join our experienced guide for a gentle walk around our 70-hectare estate. Meander through towering pine forests and soak up stunning views of Lake Pukaki. Learn more about the area’s rich geological and cultural history, while also exploring some of the local flora and fauna. Your walk will culminate with a private picnic lunch created by our award-winning chef team.

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Your walk will start at the front of Moraine Lodge, where you will meet your private guide and gain a better understanding of both the area you are staying in, and how Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat developed into what you see today. We will then head into the cool pine forest, where you might be lucky enough to spot a beautiful Fantail (or Piwakawaka) hawking for insects, the striking NZ Falcon (Kārearea) or one of the 78 species of skink found in New Zealand, with new species still being discovered. Gain insight into the immense natural forces that have shaped our landscape and revel in the beauty of The Mackenzie Basin region. While there are a couple of inclines on the property, this is just a light stroll or “gentle tramping” as it might be called here in New Zealand.

To end your walk, you will be guided to secluded spot where you can take your time enjoying a private picnic lunch while embracing the peace and tranquillity of nature. When you are finished you can make your own way back to your villa whenever you feel ready, taking time to appreciate the newly discovered sights and sounds along the way.

The walk will be approximately 60-90mins. Please bring water and wear closed shoes, appropriate clothing, sunscreen and hats on warm days. A pair of binoculars would be highly beneficial.

Please note this is a guest exclusive experience. To book or add on to your stay email us at reservations@mtcookretreat.nz

What’s On

Our upcoming events are featured below. Purchase your tickets to reserve your place, and feel free to contact us with any questions. And check back for more new events to be released throughout the year.

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Dusk to Dark Stargazing

Join us for an awe-inspiring Dusk to Dark experience. Admire the surrounding vistas in twilight followed by stargazing in the Pukaki Observatory.

Royal High Tea

Indulge in timeless elegance at Moraine Lodge. Immerse yourself in a world of exquisite pastries and delicious tea, served in a luxury setting with beautiful views. This experience includes a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.

Gift Voucher

Celebrate any occasion with a gift voucher, whether you'd like to treat someone to stay in one of our luxury villas, fine dine in our Moraine Lodge, or spend a night under the stars in our Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory it's up to you.

Landscape Photography Session

An experienced photography guide will take you to the Retreat's most iconic spots and let you capture all of its beauty. Whether you have experience or are new to photography we would love to show you or teach you how to capture the beauty of the ever-changing Mackenzie landscape.

Billion Star Dining

Indulge in a fine dining experience at Moraine Lodge, and then explore the stars from our private Pukaki Observatory.

Astrophotography

Join us for a unique dark sky experience in our Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory. Not only will you witness and experience the Aoraki International Dark Sky Reserve, you will also be able to capture it with astrophotography. Enjoy several hours with an experienced astrophotographer who will help you take amazing photos of the dark sky.

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 Lakeside Retreat. This is a culinary journey inspired by the breath-taking beauty of the Mackenzie Region, Te Manahuna. Our multi-course, seasonal tasting menu is designed to showcase local produce and delicious flavours.

Dark Sky Stargazing

Join us for a unique dark sky experience in the Pukaki Observatory. This is a fun, informative and unique experience where you will explore the universe in a small group setting.

Plan Your Celebration

If you’re searching for the perfect setting for your own celebration or special event, Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat will exceed your expectations in every way. To make your experience even more special, stay at the Retreat in our private luxury villas.

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Surprised Excellence!! We didn’t know a thing about Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat. We were just looking for a place to stay in the area on our way from Christchurch to Queenstown and luckly found that they had a few nights available that met our travel dates. Arrived to find a privately situated lodge with a wonderful bottle of wine and snack on the kitchen table in the homiest of living rooms. The living room overlooked the deck (and Jacuzzi) onto open fields with sheep and dear meandering about. In the backdrop was a beautiful mountain range. The bedroom and bathroom were to die for. Floor to ceiling windows in the bathroom to a private view of mountains and fields. The bedroom was expansive with windows and light galore. The food was gourmet and individually prepared to meet our dietary needs by the property’s own chef. We opted to have dinner brought to our lodge. Breakfast was placed in the refrigerator the night before for us to eat at our leisure in the morning. Spectacular farm to table fare with incredible plating and presentation. The staff were warm and gracious and made every effort to inquire about our stay to make sure all our needs were met. We would HIGHLY recommend a stay and will be back if we return to New Zealand. You would be missing something really special if you are in the area and don’t drop in for a night or two or three. No hesitation to recommend this to anyone.

Andrew B Pacific Palisades, United States

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