Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat

5.0 star property
Adults-only lodge with spa services and a restaurant

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat

Pukaki Homestead | Terrace/patio
Outdoor dining
Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters, free minibar
Front of property - evening/night
View from room

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Spa
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

Explore the area

View in a map
86 Mount Cook Road (State Highway 80), Ben Ohau, Canterbury, 7999
  • Place, Lake Pukaki Information Center
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Twizel Town Centre
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Place, Mueller Ridge
    ‪14 min drive‬

Room options

Ashley Mackenzie Villa + Spa - 2 bedroom

  • 2153 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

Villa Matariki - 2 bedroom

  • 1615 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

Villa Tautoru - 1 bedroom

  • 1238 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

Villa Tautoru - 2 bedroom

  • 1615 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

Exclusive Villa, 2 Bedrooms

  • 1830 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

Pukaki Homestead

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 King Beds

About the neighborhood

Ben Ohau

Located 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from Lake Pukaki, Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is within a 15-minute drive of other popular attractions like Lake Ruataniwha. This 8-room, 5-star lodge has a restaurant, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Lake Pukaki Information Center - 6 min drive - 2.8 miles
  • Twizel Town Centre - 14 min drive - 10.2 miles
  • Mueller Ridge - 14 min drive - 10.6 miles
  • Lake Ruataniwha - 16 min drive - 12.4 miles
  • Tekapo Springs - 45 min drive - 39.3 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪The Vier Project - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Mint Folk - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Jasmine Thai - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Fishtail Authentic Indian Cuisine - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Ministry of Works - ‬12 min drive

About this property

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat

Adults-only lodge with spa services and a restaurant
Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat features free WiFi in public areas, a hot tub, and an outdoor tennis court. There's free parking and an area shuttle. Front-desk staff can assist with dry cleaning/laundry, concierge services, and luggage storage. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers an off-leash area. Other amenities at this adults-only lodge include meeting rooms, a conference center, and a library.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Beds are dressed in Egyptian cotton sheets and pillow menus, and bathrooms offer hair dryers and designer toiletries. Fireplaces, free minibar items, and MP3 docks are other standard amenities.
Recreational amenities at the lodge include an outdoor tennis court and a hot tub.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. Services include massages.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Food and drink

  • A restaurant
  • Couples/private dining
  • Private picnics

Things to do

  • Helicopter/airplane tours
  • Hot tub
  • Library
  • Outdoor tennis court
  • Private wine tours
  • Yoga classes

Conveniences

  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Conference center
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In the mountains
  • On a lake
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Spa

  • In-room massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 2 accessible parking spaces
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Hand-held showerhead
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Tile flooring in room
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 1 floor
  • 4 buildings
  • Built in 2012
  • Reception hall
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Tuscan architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Down comforter
  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Pillow menu

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Heated bathroom floor
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • MP3 dock

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Espresso maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Free stocked minibar
  • Limited room service
  • Meal delivery service
  • Microwave
  • Restaurant dining guides
  • Toaster

More

  • Electrical adapters
  • Fireplace
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 9 PM
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for free
  • Dogs and cats only
  • An off-leash area is available
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for NZD 650.0 per day
  • Children younger than 10 are not permitted to stay at this adults-only property (only guests 10 and older are allowed)

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Rollaway bed fee: NZD 650.0 per day

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
  • Check-in: 3 PM—-9 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services. Contact the lodge at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.
  • Some facilities may be restricted. For more details, contact the property. Contact information can be found on your booking confirmation.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.

National rating

Rating provided by Qualmark®, source of official star ratings for accommodation in New Zealand.

Property is also known as

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat B&B
Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat B&B Pukaki
Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat Pukaki
Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat Lodge Pukaki
Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat Ben Ohau
Ben Ohau Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat Lodge
Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat Lodge Ben Ohau
Lodge Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat Ben Ohau
Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat Lodge
Lodge Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat Lodge
Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat Ben Ohau
Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat Lodge Ben Ohau

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see near Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat?

This lodge is located in Ben Ohau within a short 18-minute walk of Lake Pukaki. Lake Pukaki Information Center is also within a driving distance of 2.7 mi.

How much does it cost to stay at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat?

As of Jan 13, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat on Jan 28, 2026 start from $2,344.49, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available on site at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the lodge. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Is a spa located at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat?

Spa services at the lodge include massages.

Does Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat have a casino at the property?

No, Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat?

No, this lodge doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.

What do couples enjoy most about Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat?

At this adults-only lodge, there are many amenities for couples, including a fireplace and Champagne service in each guestroom with some featuring lake views.

Does Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat have a hot tub?

Yes, this lodge has a spa tub.

Does Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat allow pets to stay free of charge?

Yes, cats and dogs stay free at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat and the property also provides an off-leash area.

Are there connecting rooms at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat?

No, this lodge doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat?

Yes, some guestrooms at this lodge offer a patio where guests can enjoy lake or mountain views.

Does Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat offer wedding services?

Take advantage of the wedding venue at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat if you plan to say "I do" during your trip.

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 5 out of 6 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 6 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 6 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 6 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 6 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Olaf

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was nice and quiet. Food and service was fantastic. We just struck a bad time with the weather "FOG"
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jill

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our amazing stay in the Ashley Mackenzie villa was magical! The view of the glacier lake, the mountains, and Mount Cook were 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.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Valerie, Brookline, MA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Spectacular Experience!

The villa was beyond amazing. The views right on Lake Pukaki were spectacular. We had our own private workout room & hot tub, plus a private massage room & sauna that sadly went unused. Our hosts, Luke & Kaye were lovely and provided amazing cuisine both nights. There is plenty of privacy, but if any assistance is needed, they are right there to provide it.

10/10 Excellent

Benson, Wisconsin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Unrivaled tranquility and comfort.

Hosts Kaye and Luke are developing an gorgeous property on the south end of Lake Pukaki. Part of this development includes a villa for 2-4 guests. The combination of tranquility and comfort that our one night stay provided were unsurpassed in my experience. The hosts are gracious and engaging. Kaye provided a delicious basket of goodies when we arrived; after returning from Mt. Cook park in the evening, Luke brought down a wonderful prepared dinner of locally raised salmon (we had earlier selected a wine from his cellar to chill). It turned rainy that evening, so we finished the bottle by the fire in the living room. We awoke to light coming in through the bedroom windows. After a sumptuous breakfast and soak in the hot tub overlooking vistas of the lake and mountains, we felt recharged enough to (reluctantly) leave the bliss behind and push on with our travels. The ineffable pleasure this stay provided cannot really be conveyed in this small comment box. Book a night or two yourself to read the comments I (and many other enthralled guests) left behind in the guest book; you will be inspired to add yours to the list. This retreat would be perfect for a honeymoon (or second honeymoon). I dream of returning some year to see what Kaye and Luke have done to further develop the grounds.