FAQ's About Experience

We recommend booking guided and hosted experiences before your arrival, particularly during busy periods. 

Some activities, including walking the estate, the Shinrin-yoku track and tennis, can be enjoyed by Retreat guests without a booking. 

Many of our experiences are created exclusively for staying guests. 

Selected experiences at The Moraine and Pukaki Observatory are also available to visitors who are not staying at the Retreat. Availability varies, so please check individual experience details when booking. 

Yes. Our team can help you create an itinerary based on your interests, the season, the length of your stay and how active — or relaxed — you would like your days to be. 

We also recommend leaving some time unscheduled. The landscape has a way of changing plans. 

Some are. 

Helicopter flights, glacier experiences, stargazing and other outdoor activities depend on suitable weather and operating conditions. 

Where possible, our team will help adjust plans if conditions change. 

For walking and outdoor activities, we recommend comfortable closed footwear and clothing suited to changing alpine conditions. 

A sunhat, sunscreen and water are useful during warmer months, while additional warm layers are important in cooler weather and after dark. 

Specific requirements will be provided for specialist activities such as glacier experiences. 

Some experiences are private by design, while others can be arranged privately on request. 

Please speak with our team if you would like us to create something specifically for you. 

Absolutely. 

The estate has more than five kilometres of walking tracks connecting forest, gardens, lawns, tarns and viewpoints. A walking map is available in your villa. 

There is no need for every hour of your stay to be planned. 

Sometimes one of the best experiences is simply setting out and seeing where the path takes you. 

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat offers a variety of experiences both on the estate and throughout the surrounding Mackenzie region. Explore the estate’s walking tracks and forest, enjoy tennis or seasonal outdoor activities, take part in a culinary experience, or venture further afield for glacier excursions, scenic helicopter flights, guided fly fishing, cycling and stargazing.

The 150-acre estate offers more than five kilometres of walking tracks through forest, gardens, open lawns and glacial landscapes, with views across Lake Pukaki towards Aoraki/Mount Cook. Guests can also enjoy forest bathing, tennis, summer pétanque, seasonal winter curling and opportunities to encounter the animals that call the estate home. Stargazing, guided walks, private picnics, yoga, massage and culinary experiences can also be arranged.

Yes. Guests are welcome to explore the estate at their own pace with a walking map. The network of tracks passes through woodland, gardens and open landscapes, offering opportunities to enjoy the scenery, observe wildlife and discover the property's unique glacial features.

The surrounding region is home to some of New Zealand’s most remarkable alpine scenery and outdoor adventures. Depending on the season and conditions, experiences include exploring the Tasman Glacier by helicopter, cruising on Tasman Lake, private helicopter picnics, guided fly fishing, cycling a section of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail and skydiving above Lake Pukaki.

Many experiences can be arranged to suit your preferences, available time and desired pace. Whether you are looking for a peaceful forest walk, a private picnic, a hands-on cooking experience or an adventurous day in the mountains, our team can help you explore suitable options.

Yes. Many activities can be enjoyed throughout the year, while others are seasonal or dependent on weather and operating conditions. Summer is ideal for outdoor pursuits such as pétanque and cycling, while winter may offer opportunities for curling when conditions permit. Glacier activities, helicopter flights and other outdoor excursions are subject to suitable conditions.

Guests can arrange restorative yoga and relaxation massage in the privacy of their villa. The Shinrin-yoku forest bathing track also offers a quiet opportunity to slow down, engage the senses and spend unhurried time in nature.

Yes. The Mackenzie region is renowned for its exceptional dark skies. Guests can explore the night sky through experiences such as Billion Star Dining or guided sessions at Pukaki Observatory with resident astronomy guides. Availability depends on the experience selected and prevailing conditions.

Advance booking is recommended for guided excursions, private helicopter experiences, glacier activities, wellness treatments, culinary experiences and other activities requiring specific arrangements. Availability varies, so contacting our team before arrival gives you the best opportunity to plan your preferred experiences.

Inclusions and prices vary depending on the experience. Some activities may be available to guests as part of their stay, while others require an additional booking fee. Please contact our team for current details on pricing, availability and booking requirements.

Some activities, including helicopter flights, glacier excursions, boating and seasonal outdoor pursuits, depend on weather and safety conditions. If conditions prevent an experience from proceeding, the relevant operator will advise on the available options. Where possible, we recommend keeping some flexibility in your itinerary.

Absolutely. Our team can help you choose experiences based on your interests, the time you have available, the season and the type of stay you are looking for. We can also advise on advance reservations and help coordinate experiences both on the estate and throughout the wider region.

Yes. We welcome non-resident guests to enjoy a selection of our signature experiences, including Billion Star Dining, the Chef’s Tasting Experience at The Moraine, and Stargazing at Pukaki Observatory.   All other experiences and facilities are reserved exclusively for guests staying at The Retreat, ensuring a private and tranquil environment.