Earth and Sky

Lake Tekapo, Window to the Universe

Mt John Observatory

Home of the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve
International Dark-Sky Associationʼs Executive Director Bob Parks remarks, "The new reserve is coming in at a ʻGoldʼ level status. To put it simply, it is one of the best stargazing sites on Earth." 

BY DAY – Drive ($5 road toll applies) or hike to the summit of Mt John. Enjoy your coffee with spectacular views of the Mackenzie Basin at the Astro Cafe. Imagine viewing day-time stars on a DAY TOUR of Mt John University Observatory. Favourable skies and powerful telescopes allow the sun, stars or a planet to be viewed. Marvel at New Zealand’s largest telescope, the MOA and learn about the research it conducts.

MT JOHN TWILIGHT and NIGHT TOUR - Join us for our famous My John Observatory tour, located in the world’s largest dark sky reserve. On the tour we provide transport, equipment and guidance; all you need to bring are keen eyes, warm clothes and a desire to see, learn and experience! Telescopes are able to reveal familiar planets through to rich star clusters. Bring your DSLR camera; be stunned by what you could capture. When the stars are hidden from view, delve into the inner sanctums of the Observatory as we educate you about the largest telescopes in the country and their discoveries.