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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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An exceptional experience. My husband and I have been lucky enough to stay in some really beautiful places on our travels but nothing quite matches this. We honestly could not fault one aspect of it. From the incredibly lovely apartment, to the majestic view, to the incredible bathroom, to the view through the french doors from the bed, to the outdoor sitting area – enjoying all the lovely drinks and welcome fruit and cake that were on offer – watching their ducks and sheep as the sun set over the mountains. The meals were something else. All delivered to your private apartment and straight onto your (already set) table. The food was first class. Every mouthful amazing. The fridge was full of lovely drink options and there was even complementary gin and whiskey (and mixers) and a bottle of bubbly. My husband and I even used the hot tub which, on a cold night, was an incredible experience. We also went for a lovely long walk through their extensive grounds. They did have a fire a few years ago but there is much to see and you are surrounded by nature. Everyone should have something so lovely to enjoy, even if its for one night. Truly exceptional.

Lucinda-A