MT. John Observatory

University of Canterbury Mt. John Observatory

www.darkskyproject.co.nz
4.5/5
(728) · Observatory in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
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University of Canterbury Mount John Observatory, previously known as Mt John University Observatory, is New Zealand's premier astronomical …

Reviews

Tripadvisor
4.5/5 · 728 reviews
5-star
56%
4-star
19%
3-star
13%
2-star
6%
1-star
6%
Recent reviews
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Apr 16, 2024
Went reasonably early and judging from the queues when we left probably a good idea. The drive up and down is interesting with quite narrow parts making passing a bit fraught ( we had a large 8 seat… Full review by Grant N
Mar 26, 2024
Disappointed our Dark Sky Experience was canceled due to cloud we drove up to the top today . There is an $8 charge per vehicle to drive up but worth every cent The views are just magical . You can w… Full review by GeorgeM926
Jan 29, 2024
Hike or drive to the top of this mountain for unforgettable views of the surrounding area. The mountain overlooks Lake Tekapo so it's an easy hike or drive if you're staying in a motel or campground … Full review by DayTrip67224752693
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Articles

This is a 1032m peak with amazing scenery is surrounded by the beautiful Lake Tekapo. Keep in mind that it gets very windy the higher you …
theoutbound.com

Facts

Located:Mackenzie District, South Island, New Zealand
Established:1965

Questions & answers

Q:
Hi there. I'm trying to decide what to do for the best. I'm organising a 2 week South Island tour for my family which …
Q:
Hi there. I'm trying to decide what to do for the best. I'm organising a 2 week South Island tour for my family which includes 2 boys aged 7 and 10. I have a telescope and I really want the boys to experience the dark sky reserve but outings are adding up and towards the end of our trip that are going to be quite tired. What can I do organised trip/self organised trip that would satisfy the family's want to experience the reserve and stargazing but also keep the cost down. The other problem I have is that campervan options in Tekapo are limited. Would we see and experience something great just by parking up at Pukaki and using our telescope? If not, what reasonably priced tour would give us a taste (not an indoor constellation show as we have the Carter Observatory in Wellington on our doorstep for that). THANKS!
A:
From our limited experience last February, we watched with our naked eyes the amazing deep sky from our accommodation at both Mt. Cook village, and Lake Tekapo. It was awesome. …
A:
From our limited experience last February, we watched with our naked eyes the amazing deep sky from our accommodation at both Mt. Cook village, and Lake Tekapo. It was awesome. If you are taking telescopes with you in your campervan, that would be even more stunning. The cost at Mt. Cook village dark sky experience was considerably cheaper ( about half the price of Mt. John Observatory in Tekapo)--you would see the same stars , Milky Way, Cloudless sky permitting! We did meet some elderly travellers who had visited the Observatory at Lake Tekapo and they said it was a memorable experience, but they weren't paying for a whole family visit! My original objection to the steep prices charged by Mount John Observatory, is based on my feelings that it should be trying to attract and educate young people , not fleece their parents for the privilege. My wife and I were extremely disappointed with Lake Tekapo. It is highly over-rated in our opinion and not worth staying their. There are so many more beautiful and inspiring locations to discover.
A:
Q:
Can i walk from Lake Tekapo village to the Astro Cafe in the day, stay on for the star gazing at the observatory and …
Q:
Can i walk from Lake Tekapo village to the Astro Cafe in the day, stay on for the star gazing at the observatory and return to Lake Tekapo village at night with the tour bus?
A:
Sorry I can't help you. We were at the observatory but no idea about the night star watching.
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Q:
Does the Mt St John Observatory provide tripods for cameras? I know from experience that we will end up using it only …
Q:
Does the Mt St John Observatory provide tripods for cameras? I know from experience that we will end up using it only here and end up lugging it all though NZ...
A:
No, they don't. I suggest you bring one up along the way and have a torch with red light to see your camera settings, so that you don't affect the dark night sky.
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Q:
Hi, Good day I'm driving from Mt. Cook on Oct, 2017 Sunday I wish to know what time is accessible to drive up during …
Q:
Hi, Good day I'm driving from Mt. Cook on Oct, 2017 Sunday I wish to know what time is accessible to drive up during the day early morning about 9:00am to travel up the road to the Mount? Please advice?
A:
Thank you for your kind answer. I did to check with d Astro Cafe, they will open at 9:00am to 5:00pm. I think it would be fine for me. Cheers Cindy Lim
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Frequently asked questions

Q:
What is included in my guided experience?
A:
All experiences are fully guided by experts in their field. Please refer to the specific tour pages for full information on the inclusions. All experiences depart from Dark Sky...
A:
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