At The Retreat
As our guest, you do not need to travel far to experience the Retreat. More than five kilometres of walking tracks weave through the 150-acre estate, connecting forest, gardens, tarns, open lawns and viewpoints across Lake Pukaki towards Aoraki/Mount Cook. Some experiences are yours to discover slowly; others offer a more personal connection with the people, landscape, flavours and natural rhythms of the Retreat.
Explore the Estate
Set out with a walking map and discover the estate at your own pace. Paths cross ancient glacial moraine, pass through forest and gardens and lead towards quiet places to sit, watch the landscape and simply enjoy being outside. Along the way, look for native birds and lizards, explore remnants of the landscape's glacial past and discover some of the conservation and regeneration work taking place across the property.
Guided Estate Walk & Picnic
Walk with one of our guides and discover more of the natural and human story of the estate. Learn about the immense forces that shaped the Mackenzie Basin, the plants and wildlife that live here and the evolution of Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat. Your walk finishes somewhere secluded, with a private picnic prepared by our chefs and time to linger before making your own way back to your villa.
Shinrin-yoku | Forest Bathing
Enter the forest slowly. Our Shinrin-yoku track is inspired by the Japanese practice of forest bathing — spending quiet, unhurried time among trees and engaging the senses with the natural world. Walk gently. Listen. Notice the scent of the forest, the movement of birds and the changing light beneath the trees. The track also passes a glacial moulin, a reminder of the ice that once shaped this land.
Tennis
Play beneath wide Mackenzie skies on our private tennis court overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. Recognised as one of the world’s best tennis courts for its spectacular setting, it is a memorable place for a game, whether you play seriously or simply for the pleasure of being outdoors. Racquets and balls are provided, and the court is exclusively available for Retreat guests to enjoy throughout their stay. Summer evenings are particularly beautiful, when the light softens and the long southern sunset settles across the landscape.
Yoga and Massage
Create some space for yourself. Book a restorative yoga session or enjoy a relaxation massage in the privacy of your villa. For a longer experience, combine yoga with a quiet walk through the forest and a light lunch, an opportunity to move, breathe and slow the pace of the day.
Forage, Cook & Dine
Follow an ingredient from garden to plate. Begin among the Retreat's gardens, gathering seasonal produce before joining our culinary team to prepare a selection of dishes. Then sit down together to enjoy what you have created, accompanied by a glass of local wine and views towards the Ben Ohau Range.
Estate Life
Animals are part of the fabric of the estate and of everyday life at the Retreat. As you wander the grounds, you may come across our goats, cattle, ducks and fallow deer, while our dogs are usually somewhere nearby. They bring warmth, movement and character to the landscape and are part of what brings the estate to life.
Pétanque
In summer, slow the pace with a relaxed game of pétanque. Gather with family or friends, enjoy the long evening light and make the most of the warmer days outdoors. It is an easy, unhurried way to spend time together on the estate.
Winter Curling
When winter settles over the Mackenzie, curling becomes part of life at the Retreat. Wrap up warmly and take to the ice for a friendly game at The Bothy surrounded by the crisp alpine landscape. It is a distinctly seasonal experience, sociable, informal and all the more memorable for only being possible when conditions are right.
Dining and Stargazing
Some of our most memorable experiences begin around the table. Join the Chef's Tasting Experience at The Moraine, combine dinner with an evening beneath the stars through Billion Star Dining, or spend time exploring the universe with our resident astro guides at Pukaki Observatory.
A Journey Through Time
Follow the Waitaki from the high country towards the sea on a private journey of discovery through landscapes shaped over millions of years. Along the way, explore ancient geology, Māori stories and pathways, early settler history, wine country and the enduring influence of the river itself. With time to pause, taste, listen and explore, this is a deeper encounter with the people, places and stories that have shaped the Mackenzie and Waitaki.
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Book Your Experience
Ready to immerse into something special? Make your stay even more memorable with an experience shaped by the landscape, people and spirit of the Retreat. Reserve your place during your stay.