Come & view our spectacular night sky....
Located halfway between Christchurch and Queenstown in the heart of the Mackenzie, Lake Tekapo is renowned for its incredibly clear starry nights and beautiful turquoise lakes. The Mount John Observatory in Lake Tekapo is one of the clearest places in the Southern Hemisphere to view the night skies above.
STARLIGHT RESERVE
An expanded working party has been formed to ensure the Tekapo bid to become a world night-sky reserve is sucessful. This is NZ's first starlight reserve proposal, one of eight world-wide night UNESCO heritage site bids.
People's ability to see starlight is in increasing danger due to light pollution and pollution of the air. Half the people in the orld at present cannot see stars because of night light pollution. With Tekapo by-laws already in place and monitoring the effects on the night sky of further development, along with increased research activity will allow for astro-tourism to fully develop in the area.
Mt John, above the Tekapo township, is considered one of the most accessible observatories in the world. The observatory is home to six telescopes, including the country's biggest telescope which measures 1.8m across and can observe 50 million stars each clear night.
Many places overseas have lost touch with stars in the sky but the Mackenzie country still has a pristine dark sky.
AORAKI MT COOK STARGAZING 
Mt Cook is far from city lights and therefore has some of the darkest skies in New Zealand - perfect for viewing the night sky. Visitors can explore the southern sky every clear evening from the Hillary Deck with our expert astromony guides. Telescopes ensure a close look at stars, planets, moon craters and distant galaxies. For more information please visit www.hillarycentre.co.nz
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Mount John Observatory - Earth and Sky Stargazing ToursA night with the stars. Mount John Observatory, Lake Tekapo is a very special place where you can explore the heavens with powerful telescopes and view planets, stars and distant solar systems with an Earth and Sky daytime or nightime tour. Or by day visit the mountain top Astro Cafe and sip on a latte while enjoying the spectacular 360° alpine panorama. Contact: Earth and Sky |
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CONTACTIf you are interested in purchasing any images or video footage of the comet, please contact either Brian or Fraser as per details below. Brian High, Cameraman |
