FAQ's About Stay

Our standard check-in time is 3:00 PM. If you arrive earlier, please let us know your expected arrival time in advance. We will always do our best to have your villa ready earlier, subject to availability. 

Check-out is at 11:00 AM. Late check-out may be available subject to availability and is charged at $150 per hour. 

Yes, helicopter arrivals can be arranged, subject to weather and operator approval. There is no helicopter landing fee at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat. Please provide your expected landing time and guest details in advance and ask your helicopter operator to contact us approximately 20 minutes before landing so our team can be ready to welcome you. 

Yes. Private transport to and from Aoraki / Mt Cook can be arranged in advance, subject to availability. Please contact us with your preferred itinerary and timings so we can provide a quote. 

Yes. We provide transport within the property for breakfast and dinner, including between the villas and The Moraine. We also try to assist with other transport around the property where possible, subject to staff availability. Please let us know in advance whenever possible. 

Yes. The Chef’s Tasting Dinner at The Moraine is included for in-house guests as part of their accommodation package, unless otherwise stated in their booking terms. 

Yes. Non-in-house guests are welcome to book the Chef’s Tasting Dinner at The Moraine, subject to availability and advance reservation. 

Billion Stars Dining is a separate dining and stargazing experience primarily designed for non-in-house guests. 

For guests staying at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, the Chef’s Tasting Dinner is already included in your accommodation package, so there is generally no need to book Billion Stars Dining. 

No. The Moraine offers a multi-course Chef’s Tasting Dinner rather than an à la carte menu. The Chef Choice menu showcases seasonal ingredients form our garden and is designed as a complete dining experience. 

Yes. Instead of dining at The Moraine, guests can request a 3-course family-style sharing meal delivered to their villa. Please arrange this with our team in advance and let us know your preferred dining time. 

Yes. Please provide your dietary requirements and food preferences when making your reservation or as early as possible before arrival. This allows our kitchen team to prepare appropriately for your stay. 

Yes. We offer guided stargazing experiences with an astronomy guide at pour Pukaki Observatory, subject to availability and weather conditions. 

During summer, we offer two stargazing sessions, allowing guests more flexibility around the later sunset and evening light. 

Stargazing is weather dependent. Conditions are assessed close to the experience, as cloud and visibility can change quickly. Your astronomy guide will provide an update and confirm the best available evening based on the conditions. 

We offer dark sky stargazing to adult and child above 12+ year. 

Our product dusk to dark which Is available during month April – September which is suitable for children. 

If you have a family who wish to do stargazing, we suggest booking private stargazing. Please let us know the ages of your children when booking so we can advise on the most suitable session. 

Depending on the season, weather and availability, we can assist with arranging experiences such as stargazing, fishing, guided walk in the property, massage and yoga. We can also provide recommendations for exploring the Aoraki / Mt Cook region independently. 

We strongly recommend booking activities and wellness experiences in advance, particularly during peak season. Availability for massages, yoga, guides, fishing and other experiences can be limited, and last-minute bookings may not always be possible. 

Yes. Massage and yoga experiences can be arranged subject to availability. We recommend booking in advance, particularly during peak periods. 

Yes. Guided hiking can be arranged subject to guide availability. Popular hiking options include Sealy Tarns and the Hooker Valley Track, depending on current weather and track conditions. Experienced hikers may also explore independently. 

Our cancellation policy applies according to the terms of your individual booking. As Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is a small lodge, last-minute cancellations can have a significant impact, so we apply our cancellation terms consistently. 

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before your journey, including cover for cancellation, travel disruption, weather-related delays and unforeseen circumstances.