Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, Aoraki / Mount Cook Village

5.0 (2 reviews) · Luxury
Luxury retreat featuring private villas, an exclusive spa, a wine cellar observatory for stargazing, and fresh local cuisine

Overview

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is a luxury property set against the backdrop of Aoraki / Mount Cook. The Retreat's location immerses you in an ancient landscape crafted over millennia by the movement of glaciers. This sense of awe and reverence has been carefully woven into every aspect of your stay, from the elegance of the private luxury villas to the nourishing cuisine prepared with fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. The Retreat's location allows you to explore the Aoraki / Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo region at your own pace or sit back and soak in the tranquility.

The Ashley Mackenzie Villa, named after the owners' granddaughters, is a private and romantic haven perched on a clifftop, offering views of Lake Pukaki and Aoraki / Mount Cook. The villa's two large bedrooms are designed in the style of a European farmhouse, complete with high wood ceilings, Italian sandstone flooring, and double-glazed leadlight windows. Decorated in soft Tuscan white, the bedrooms are light-filled and elegant, offering views of one of New Zealand's most iconic landscapes. The Villa also provides exclusive access to the Fantail Spa, a peaceful sanctuary featuring a sauna, outdoor hot tub, workout room, and massage room. The Moraine Villas, Villa Matariki, and Villa Tautoru offer mountain views over the Ben Ohau ranges and the tawny landscape of the Mackenzie Country. Each bedroom in the villas has its en suite bathroom, designed in an Edwardian style with tiled walls and floors. The villas also feature outdoor hot tubs, perfect for stargazing under the clear, starry skies of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

The Retreat also offers several amenities to enhance your stay further. While you can enjoy the surrounding landscape from the comfort of your room, you can also enjoy the dark sky experience in the Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory. For dining, the Retreat serves seasonal dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients, offering a culinary journey from 'earth to' sky.' When it comes to relaxation or physical activity, you can enjoy yoga, forest bathing, a massage, or a game of tennis with all the necessities provided by the property.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 5-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +64 274370820
Hotel address icon 86 Mt Cook Road (State Highway 80)

Traveler Reviews

2 total ratings, 2 with reviews
5.0
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
5.0
Location
5.0
Staff
5.0
Cleanliness & Comfort
5.0
Shelly
Shelly N.
Italy | Reviewed on Mar 05, 2025
Do not hesitate! Book one of the Lakeview villas and you will never want to leave. We felt so blessed to stay at this beautiful spot. Our villa was just amazing with incredible views of the lake and Mt Cook and a sky full of stars. The staff were amazing. All of them. They brought breakfast and dinner to our villa one day but they also serve it in the dining room to at the lodge which was also a lovely experience. It's your preference. The food was EXCELLENT. Everything fresh, local and made... Read more

Do not hesitate! Book one of the Lakeview villas and you will never want to leave. We felt so blessed to stay at this beautiful spot. Our villa was just amazing with incredible views of the lake and Mt Cook and a sky full of stars. The staff were amazing. All of them. They brought breakfast and dinner to our villa one day but they also serve it in the dining room to at the lodge which was also a lovely experience. It's your preference. The food was EXCELLENT. Everything fresh, local and made from scratch. It's located within a dark sky sanctuary and the southern sky was so beautiful. I'm not even going to mention the private swedish style hot tub, and separate little sauna, massage and exercise cabins/rooms. Trust me, just go!

Authenticity & Character
The home whole completely renovated kept much of it's original character with style and hardware etc.
Location
Lake view, Mt. Cook view, night sky observation
Staff
So friendly, accommodating, helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
The beds were awesome, villa was large and so many amenities.
Stayed in February 2025
Jodi Lynn
Jodi Lynn G.
Saint Michael, MN | Reviewed on Apr 02, 2024
Amazing view on lake Pukuki. The accommodations were luxurious and spacious. Very comfortable Read more

Amazing view on lake Pukuki. The accommodations were luxurious and spacious. Very comfortable

Authenticity & Character
The inside of the home was warm, inviting and very comfortable. We loved the wood fireplace every night. The bedrooms and bathrooms were huge. Each room had a magnificent view.
Location
We were kind of all by ourselves. Very private. We had our own outdoor sauna and wood hot tub overlooking the mountains and glacial lake.
Staff
We had a private chef made meal every morning and night brought to our cozy accommodation. Everyone was friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was immaculate. All new and we’ll take. Care of.
Stayed in March 2024

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 5-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +64 274370820
Hotel address icon 86 Mt Cook Road (State Highway 80)