Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is a luxurious, privately hosted estate nestled between the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki and the majestic Ben Ohau Range in New Zealand’s South Island. Located near Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and within the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area, the retreat offers an exclusive escape with breathtaking alpine scenery, fine dining, and world-class stargazing.

The retreat features four distinct villas, each offering privacy, comfort, and panoramic views:

Ashley Mackenzie Villa (Lakeside)
This luxurious villa accommodates up to four guests and includes two ensuite bedrooms, a central drawing room with an open fireplace, and a private outdoor hot tub. Guests enjoy exclusive access to the Fantail Spa, which includes a sauna, massage room, and exercise facilities. The villa boasts uninterrupted vistas of Lake Pukaki and Aoraki/Mount Cook, making it ideal for honeymooners and couples seeking a romantic, secluded retreat.

Villa Puaka (Lakeside)
Villa Puaka also accommodates up to four guests and features two ensuite bedrooms, an elegant drawing room with an open fireplace, and a private outdoor hot tub. The villa offers stunning lake and mountain panoramas, combining luxury with spectacular natural beauty.

Moraine Villa Matariki (Mountain View)
This villa sleeps up to four guests and includes two ensuite bedrooms, a central drawing room with an open fireplace, and a private in-ground hot tub. Designed in a European farmhouse style, it features thick walls, high wood ceilings, and Italian sandstone flooring. It overlooks the tawny farmscape of the Mackenzie Basin and the dramatic Ben Ohau Range.

Moraine Villa Tautoru (Mountain View)
Perfect for couples, this villa is designed for two guests and features one ensuite bedroom, a central drawing room with an open fireplace, and a private in-ground hot tub. Like its sister villa, it reflects a European farmhouse aesthetic with high-end finishes and captivating views of the Mackenzie Basin and the Ben Ohau Range.

Inclusions

The on-site restaurant, The Moraine, showcases the flavours of the region through a garden-to-plate philosophy. Guests can enjoy a 6-course chef’s tasting menu from Thursday to Monday and a 4-course “Trust the Chef” dinner on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

• Complimentary bottle of New Zealand wine on arrival

• Seasonal fruit platter, replenished daily

• Use of recreational facilities

• Daily servicing of your villa

Additional Activities

Fantail Spa (Exclusive to Ashley Mackenzie Villa)

This private spa includes a sauna, outdoor hot tub, massage room, and exercise facilities, all with views of Lake Pukaki and Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Recreational Facilities

Guests have access to an AstroTurf tennis court, petanque court, croquet lawn, and, in winter, a curling rink.

Helicopter Transfers

The retreat features four on-site helipads, offering direct helicopter access to the villas from Queenstown or Christchurch.

Guided Walks and Nature Trails

Explore the 70-hectare estate with guided walks through pine forests, offering insights into the area’s geological and cultural history, and culminating in a private picnic lunch.