.Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is set in a forest wilderness overlooking the turquoise blue waters of Lake Pukaki, New Zealand. It is on the doorstep of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park which is located in the beautiful and unique Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. The Retreat is accredited as a New Zealand Luxury Lodge. In a class of their own, Luxury Lodges are extremely accommodating and cater to the most discerning visitor. Have your every need taken care of; dine on fine gourmet cuisine and enjoy the highest standard of hosting and facilities. A New Zealand Luxury Lodge is utterly luxurious and offers an exclusive, unforgettable holiday experience.

From your room you can enjoy uninterrupted views up Lake Pukaki to the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. And the night sky is spectacular as we are located within the gold level Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

Private and secluded, your stay in the luxurious Ashley Mackenzie Villa will be unforgettable. The Villa accommodates up to 4 people. Larger groups of up to 8 will also be accommodated in Pukaki Homestead Guest Wing which is just 350 metres away. You will be our only guest with exclusive use of the Villa and facilities during your stay.

Fantail Spa is located next to the Villa. Filled with light and open to the lake and mountain views, the design of Fantail Spa reflects the natural beauty of its surroundings. You will have private use of the spa facilities. Inviting, warm and welcoming, the spa includes a sauna, hot tub (outside bath), workout room, massage room, tennis and petanque courts.

Above you is the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, a superb stargazing experience. In the company of your hosts, relax over the best wine New Zealand has to offer while you take time to explore the incredible dark sky in a unique stargazing experience in the onsite observatory wine cellar.

Breakfast provisions and dinner are included in your stay. Step into an uncomplicated world where food is real, water is pure and you are free to walk or run the forest tracks that meander around our property. From Garden to Plate, your meals are fresh and seasonal.

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is also the perfect destination for your wedding. Private, exclusive and set in one of New Zealand’s most serenely beautiful landscapes. Your wedding will be based at the Ashley Mackenzie Retreat in the luxury villa designed to accommodate small boutique weddings.

The Retreat is set in the Mackenzie Basin, a unique and beautiful part of New Zealand. Experience this amazing area and landscape from your base at the Villa. We have an onsite helicopter pad where you can be whisked away to heli adventures (hiking, skiing, touring, or a glacier wedding). Day trips to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park or to Lake Tekapo are popular with guests. Explore the glaciers, cycle Lake Pukaki or Lake Ohau, take a Lord of the Rings Tour, experience a Gliding adventure or take a few hours out to go fly fishing for trout and salmon. Or simply take time to relax and enjoy the pure mountain air at the Retreat.

Local

Eat and Drink

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See and Do

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• The Wrinkly Rams Omarama (22.2 miles) - Come and enjoy the big screen experience and watch a high country sheep muster where the sheep are b...

Shopping

• The Wrinkly Rams - Omarama (22.2 miles) - Come and enjoy the big screen experience and watch a high country sheep muster where the sheep are b...