We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat

Save
Share
86 Mount Cook Rd Lake Pukaki, Pukaki 7944 New Zealand
Lock in the lowest price from these sites
Expedia.com
Hotels.com
Booking.com
View all 11 deals
Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
avatar-imageavatar-imageavatar-image
Traveller (154)
Room & Suite (65)
Dining (16)
Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.

About

#1 of 1 lodge in Pukaki
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
We provide four luxury villa accommodation options: Each villa is 165 sq m with 2 bedrooms, a central drawing room, and private hot tub. The Villas are private and romantic and set in one of the world's most picturesque locations. A garden to plate 3 course meal prepared by our chefs is included each night and fresh breakfast provisions each day. Stargazing in our onsite wine cellar observatory is available and we offer massage, yoga, and cooking demonstrations with chef. The Retreat is spread over 66ha of rural land next to Lake Pukaki, and overlooking Aoraki Mt Cook, NZ's highest mountain. Experience the best in warm kiwi hospitality.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Hot bath
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Free breakfast
Bicycle rental
Hiking
Car hire
Electric vehicle charging station
Secured parking
Yoga classes
Sauna
Breakfast available
Breakfast in the room
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Outdoor dining area
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Ski rentals
Skiing
Tennis court
Bicycle tours
Fishing
Patio
Board games / puzzles
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Foot massage
Full body massage
Hand massage
Head massage
Light therapy
Massage
Neck massage
Open-air bath
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Butler service
First aid kit
Private check-in / check-out
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
Show more
Room features
Soundproof rooms
Bathrobes
Dining area
Fireplace
Coffee / tea maker
iPod docking station
Electric blanket
Walk-in shower
Housekeeping
Seating area
Sofa
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Iron
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
Minibar
Electric kettle
Kitchenware
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Show more
Room types
Mountain view
Landmark view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Languages Spoken
English
244Reviews0Q+A53Room tips

Reviews
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.

Traveller rating
  • 237
  • 2
  • 0
  • 1
  • 4
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
  • More
Selected filters
  • Filter
  • English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Most Recent
avatar-image
Lucinda A wrote a review Oct 2023
Campsie, Australia34 contributions30 helpful votes
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.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Jared Kwiat wrote a review Sept 2023
Auckland Central, New Zealand7 contributions1 helpful vote
Never again, went there for dinner it was good food but a bit overpriced. The access definetly needs some attention as it could be compared to a forestry track in some places. Showed up 5 mins early to find the front door locked. Place had a bit off an over awkward vibe.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Brent wrote a review Jan 2023
Wellington, New Zealand
Luke and Kaye let you stay in a piece of paradise. The Tautoru villa was stunning. The cuisine was outstanding. The service was second to none. We were all in, yoga, massage and stargazing. We couldn’t Imagine a better place to enjoy our 25th wedding anniversary in NZ. Thanks for a wonderful time. Brent & Annie
Read more
Date of stay: December 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Sunshine43427613851 wrote a review Jan 2023
My partner surprised me with a trip to the Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat over New Years. We arrived and the staff we welcoming and helpful. I was blown away when we were shown to the Ashley MacKenzie Lodge. It was absolutely beautiful! We could see Lake Pukaki and Mt Cook from our front window and even better from the garden. We had three course meals delivered every day and they were so delicious. They were all in on a big secret when we went to "go see the lavender fields" and ended up on a helicopter ride and we got engaged! When we got back there were bubbles galore and snacks and they had snuck our closest friends in as a surprise. Couldn't have asked for better hospitality. The bed was ridiculously comfortable and the bathroom and shower were amazing. Had a bunch of saunas and spas while staying. It was so private and lush. Thanks so much to the team for making our engagement so memorable. We will never forget our stay!
Read more
Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Kaye and Luke Paardekooper, Owner at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
Responded 12 Jan 2023
Congratulations on your engagement. We loved putting together all those special touches for this very special occasion and being part of this. We hope you will come back to visit. Thank you Kaye, Luke and the team
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
Andrew B wrote a review Dec 2022
Pacific Palisades, United States2 contributions
+1
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.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: they only have five rooms to choose from. Any would do. We had a mountain view and were thrilled...
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Kaye and Luke Paardekooper, Owner at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
Responded 12 Jan 2023
This is a superb review, thank you! You have described the experience of staying at the Retreat so well. We aim to create a destination luxury experience that is more than a room. The team loved meeting you and hope to see you again on your next visit to NZ. Nga mihi, thank you Kaye, Luke and the team.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
upscaletraveler_10 wrote a review Nov 2022
Chapel Hill, NC5 contributions6 helpful votes
What a truly unique and special stay we had at the Mt. Cook Lakeside Retreat! We had our own little house, complete with outdoor hot tub overlooking the farm, wet room bath, comfortable living area, cozy bedroom and dining area. Each evening a delicious, piping hot dinner was delivered to us in courses and plated at table. At night we cuddled under a blanket outside and enjoyed the starry night under the blood moon lunar eclipse. It was a perfect end to a long day of hiking.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Kaye and Luke Paardekooper, Owner at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
Responded 12 Jan 2023
Wow, thank you for your review. We are pleased you were able to experience the blood moon, the skies here are perfect for stargazing and feeling small under a huge sky. We hope you will be able to visit again, thakns for staying. Nga Mihi Kaye, Luke and the team
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
Sarelle Y wrote a review Nov 2022
Sydney, Australia1 contribution
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.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: All rooms would be equally as wonderful - fantastic attention to detail.
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Kaye and Luke Paardekooper, Owner at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
Responded 12 Jan 2023
What a fabulous review, thank you. We are so pleased that you loved the experience of warm hospitality extended by our team and the delicious cuisine prepared by our chefs. We loved having you to stay. Nga Mihi Kaye, Luke and The team.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
NDN Traveller wrote a review Oct 2022
What a great all round experience. The room was fantastic and homely, the heated tiles made sure the lodge was warm. The staff were very friendly and engaging. The food was very enjoyable and varied (we are vegetarian). Definitely recommend!
Read more
Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Kaye and Luke Paardekooper, Owner at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
Responded 12 Jan 2023
Thank you, we have focused on creating nourishing and fresh cuisine for all dietary requirements. A lot of our produce comes from our onsite vegetable and berry gardens which helps to create fresh and varied tastes in our cusine. We are so pleased you had a super experience. Nga Mihi Kaye, Luke and the team
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
A and B wrote a review Oct 2022
1 contribution
We were welcome and catered for by very genuine people. Amazing food delivered right into your own living room, both breakfast and dinner. incredible views to the mountains from own front deck with a hot tub just for you. Board game, and many other small entertainment options are placed in the houses to keep you excited and detect new things. even marshmallows would be provided for if you want to cook them over the wood fireplace. after a great dinner we never had space for that, but you see this is just one small attentive element the y thought of to make your stay pleasant and memorable. Do absolutely take advantage of seeing the starts through the on-site telescope by attending a stargazing session.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Kaye and Luke Paardekooper, Owner at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
Responded 12 Jan 2023
Thank you, Manaakitanga (warm authentic hospitality) is very important to us and we are so pleased you experienced this from our team. We loved having your to dstay and hope you will return again one day. Nga Mihi, thank you Kaye and Luke and the team.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
Eaa1947 wrote a review Jul 2022
Gold Coast, Australia630 contributions277 helpful votes
I am not sure how exclusive this place is but for us it was fantastic. Beware, it is not readily found using normal GPS. We had a fantastic room overlooking the lake and mountains. Fantastic sunrises. Very spacious Villa with personal Gym, Sauna, and Spa. Nice fireplace and the staff are very attentive. Very personalised service. Excellent meals and catering for all tastes catered for. Although you need to make your own breakfast, all the ingredients are provided and replenished each day. There is even an observatory with a powerful telescope for star gazing. Overall fantastic experience and will go again if opportunities arise.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Mackenzie Villa is where we stayed.
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Previous
123456
PRICE RANGE
US$774 - US$1,671 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, High Country Estate and Luxury Villa Collection
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandCanterbury RegionMackenzie DistrictPukaki
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Listing

MT COOK LAKESIDE RETREAT - Lodge Reviews & Price Comparison (Pukaki) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
Which popular attractions are close to Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat?
Nearby attractions include Mt. Cook Alpine Salmon Shop (2.0 km), New Zealand Alpine Lavender Farm (5.2 km), and New Zealand Alpine Lavender (4.7 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a fitness centre.
Which room amenities are available at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat?
Top room amenities include a minibar, a dining area, and a fireplace.
What food & drink options are available at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, complimentary tea, and a free welcome drink during their stay.
Is parking available at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat?
Yes, guests have access to a fitness centre, a sauna, and yoga classes during their stay.
Are any cleaning services offered at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to a banquet room and conference facilities during their stay.
Does Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.
Is Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.