Location: Lake Pukaki - Mt Cook
Region: South Canterbury Mt Cook
Tel No: 64 27 4 370 820
Email: luke@paardekooper.co.nz
Website: www.mtcookretreat.nz
Total Guests: Twelve
Rate (NZ$): DBB $1295 - $2295
Rate Sheet A: 2020-21
Rate Sheet B:
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Access: Queenstown international Airport is a 2.5 hour drive north to Lake Pukaki. Christchurch International Airport is a 3.5 hour drive via the norhern inland route. Helicopter transfers directly to the retreat from Queenstown or Christchurch can be arranged.
HIGH COUNTRY ESTATE & LUXURY VILLA COLLECTION
This luxury retreat is set in a pristine environment overlooking the turquoise blue waters of Lake Pukaki. Located on the edge of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park in the beautiful and unique Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area, the retreat offers spectacular views up Lake Pukaki to the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mt Cook. This is a retreat for all seasons.
The Retreat accommodates up to 4 guests in the Ashley Mackenzie Villa, and an additional 8 guests in the Moraine Villas overlooking the Ben Ohau Range. Just one group is accepted at any one time.
The luxurious Ashley Mackenzie Villa is private and romantic, with two ensuite bedrooms and an elegant Drawing Room. French doors open to patios and beyond to lawns with stunning views to Lake Pukaki and Aoraki-Mt Cook. For the cooler evenings, a large open fire tempts guests to relax with a glass of wine.
Moraine Villas, designed in the style of a European farmhouse with thick 600mm walls, high wood ceilings, and Italian sandstone flooring, offer two ensuite bedrooms, and a central drawing room with open fire. French doors open to patios with a hot tub filled with pure artesian water. These two luxury villas overlooking the tawny farmscape of the Mackenzie Basin and up towards the Ben Ohau ranges.
Located in the gold level Aoraki International Dark Sky Reserve, Pukaki Observatory provides guests with the opportunity to explore the dark sky (absolutely no light pollution). Join your hosts for a unique dark sky experience. Join your hosts in the wine cellar, enjoy a glass of wine and hear more about this amazing region. Explore the Milky Way Galaxy, the stars and planets through the massive telescope in the adjoining observatory.
Exclusive to the Ashley Mackenzie Villa, the Fantail Spa is open to lake and mountain views and features a sauna, hot tub, workout room, and massage room, with a selection of unique massage experiences. Or soak in the wooden hot tub with stunning views to the lake.
Feeling energetic? An AstroTurf Tennis Court is onsite, a Petanque Court, or Croquet on the lawn. Or in the winter, a Curling Rink. Cycle trails surround the retreat and bicycles are available for guests. Explore local glaciers in the Aoraki Mt Cook World Heritage Park, just a ½ hour drive from your accommodation, or visit fly to stunning glaciers – there’s a helipad on site.
This luxury retreat is perfect for all seasons.
Recent Trip Advisor reviews
Absolutely perfect – From the moment I booked the villa to the time we departed, everything was perfect. Kaye made recommendations for tours and quickly accommodated us when our party grew from 2 to 4. The 2 bedrooms are both the same size, so there is no fighting over who gets the bigger room! Food was abundant and absolutely fresh and delicious throughout the entire stay. We picked out our wine from the wine cellar upon arrival and, the next night, Luke brought up a variety of bottles for us to choose from for dinner that night. We had an absolutely clear sky for stargazing in the observatory, and saw some brilliant stars, along with Saturn. Anna made sure that we had every supplement we needed, including picnic lunch and massages in the private spa. Also, the fireplace was set up to ensure that even fire dummies could get a flame going. We were in absolute heaven, and can honestly say this was the best part of our trip!
WOW – Our amazing stay in the Ashley Mackenzie villa was magical! The view of the glacier lake, the mountains, and Mount Cook was spectacular. Kaye and Luke were gracious hosts and Anna was a dream to work with. The villa was first class and very well appointed. We lacked for nothing! The chef prepared 5-star dinners that were delicious and delivered every evening. Highly recommend this property for a relaxing and pampered stay.
