Guests: 200
Description
Description
Aoraki/Mount Cook Wedding Venue: Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
If you’re dreaming of a wedding surrounded by stunning alpine beauty, Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is the perfect spot. Nestled on the shores of Lake Pukaki, this private venue offers breathtaking, uninterrupted views of the Southern Alps and Aoraki/Mount Cook. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement for two or a larger celebration with up to 200 guests, this retreat provides a truly personal and memorable experience.
Ceremony and Reception Spaces
The retreat features a variety of flexible spaces designed to make your wedding day flow effortlessly from ceremony to celebration:
- Moraine Lodge: This signature indoor venue boasts high ceilings, a cozy open fireplace, and seamless indoor-outdoor access to a veranda. It’s ideal for seated banquets of up to 100 guests, combining elegance with comfort.
- Outdoor Lawns: Choose between two expansive lawns—the Lakeside Lawn and the Lavender Lawn—both offering panoramic views of Lake Pukaki and the mountains. These spaces are perfect for outdoor ceremonies and marquee receptions, accommodating larger wedding parties with ease.
- Intimate Villa Weddings: For couples seeking a more private celebration, the Ashley Mackenzie Villa offers a romantic setting for ceremonies and receptions with up to 8 guests.
Accommodation and Experience
Your wedding experience extends beyond the ceremony with luxurious accommodation options right on site. The retreat offers four private villas, each featuring:
- Two bedrooms with elegant interiors
- Open fireplaces for cozy evenings
- Private outdoor hot tubs
- Stunning views of either Lake Pukaki and Aoraki/Mount Cook or the Ben Ohau Range
Dining here is a highlight, focusing on fine dining with a “garden-to-plate” philosophy that celebrates fresh, regional flavors—perfect for your wedding feast.
Located within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the retreat also offers exclusive guided stargazing experiences from a private observatory on the estate—adding a magical touch to your special day.
Overview of Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
Wedding Venue Type
Resort
Wedding Venue Capacity
Dining Capacity
200
Reception Capacity
200
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Sound system available
Confetti permitted
Wedding Venue Details
Decorations
Disabled access
Landscaped gardens
On-site parking
Outdoor Reception Space
Pet friendly
Spa On-Site
WiFi
Wedding Catering
In-House Wine List
Vegan catering
In-house catering
Corkage Charge for Own Alcohol
Reviews (5)
(5)
- MMaria08/02/2024I would return here often❤️ highly recommend.I would return here often❤️ highly recommend.Our stay was just too short. Luke, Lauren and Rafa were all the best hosts. The location, the food, the bed, the fireplace… it was all so dreamy! If I didn’t live 20,000km away I would return here often❤️ highly recommend.Our stay was just too short. Luke, Lauren and Rafa were all the best hosts. The location, the food, the bed, the fireplace… it was all so dreamy! If I didn’t live 20,000km away I would return here often❤️ highly recommend.
- GGrace08/02/2024Absolutely beautiful place to stayAbsolutely beautiful place to stayAbsolutely beautiful place to stay, can’t fault it. Luke was an amazing host, and we are so grateful for his compassion and helpfulness especially when mum unfortunately had a medical emergency in the middle of the night during our stay.Absolutely beautiful place to stay, can’t fault it. Luke was an amazing host, and we are so grateful for his compassion and helpfulness especially when mum unfortunately had a medical emergency in the middle of the night during our stay.
- RRobert08/02/2024Food was excellent Food was excellentSuperbly located luxury accommodation on the shores of Lake Pukaki. We were lucky enough to stay in the Ashley Mackenzie Villa which had a superb kitchen/lounge area with open fire, master bedroom and bathroom and a sauna/steam room, small gym/exercise room and a hot tub looking out onto the lake. Dinner was served in your own Villa and delivered by the chef fresh every night. Both dinners we had the food was excellent and it was lovely to eat whilst looking out onto the Lake [...]Superbly located luxury accommodation on the shores of Lake Pukaki. We were lucky enough to stay in the Ashley Mackenzie Villa which had a superb kitchen/lounge area with open fire, master bedroom and bathroom and a sauna/steam room, small gym/exercise room and a hot tub looking out onto the lake. Dinner was served in your own Villa and delivered by the chef fresh every night. Both dinners we had the food was excellent and it was lovely to eat whilst looking out onto the Lake [...]
- DDan08/02/2024We could not have asked for a better stayWe could not have asked for a better stayWe could not have asked for a better stay at Mount Cook Lakeside retreat. My wife and I spent 2 nights to start off our Honeymoon in New Zealand in March 2023. Everything you could need was on site so there was no need to leave! We spent our time relaxing on our villa patio overlooking the mountains and exploring the grounds. From delicious meals delivered to our villa and playing tennis with an incredible view of Mt. Cook to star gazing and dining with our hosts and other guests [...]We could not have asked for a better stay at Mount Cook Lakeside retreat. My wife and I spent 2 nights to start off our Honeymoon in New Zealand in March 2023. Everything you could need was on site so there was no need to leave! We spent our time relaxing on our villa patio overlooking the mountains and exploring the grounds. From delicious meals delivered to our villa and playing tennis with an incredible view of Mt. Cook to star gazing and dining with our hosts and other guests [...]
- GGiullia08/02/2024The food was to die forThe food was to die forThe photos do not do it justice, this place is a hidden paradise. So secluded, peaceful, and absolutely stunning! We stayed at the Ashley Mackenzie villa, where we also had our elopement ceremony (if you are looking at the elopement package, do consider upgrading to the AMV!!). The villa is impeccable and the staff are so friendly and helpful (a special thank you to Thatianna)! The food was to die for (and the chef, Rafa, was so knowledgeable and friendly!) [...]The photos do not do it justice, this place is a hidden paradise. So secluded, peaceful, and absolutely stunning! We stayed at the Ashley Mackenzie villa, where we also had our elopement ceremony (if you are looking at the elopement package, do consider upgrading to the AMV!!). The villa is impeccable and the staff are so friendly and helpful (a special thank you to Thatianna)! The food was to die for (and the chef, Rafa, was so knowledgeable and friendly!) [...]
