Natural Attractions

The Big Show

The Mt Cook area is, straight up, one of the most visually arresting places in the country. Clear weather is everything here. On a good day the mountains are almost offensively steep and imposing, and at night the stars are a different story again. I had no idea that many stars existed until I came here. The whole MacKenzie Basin sits inside a Dark Sky Reserve, which sounds like marketing speak until you're actually standing outside at midnight going quiet. Weather flexibility is the real tip for this region - if you can shift your plans by a day or two to chase a clear window, do it.

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Tekapo Springs

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4.2 45 reviews

Silver River Stargazing

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Twizel Stargazing

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Stars Are Half the Experience

Stargazing in Lake Tekapo is genuinely something. The observatory tour on Mt John is the one to book - it runs through the night and it's the kind of thing you'll still be talking about years later. Book it early because it fills up. There are other stargazing options around Tekapo and even out at Twizel if the observatory is booked out - still worth doing. The hot pools at Tekapo Springs also do a stargazing combo session which is a pretty good way to spend a cold night. Use RANKERS for 10% off the stargazing options.

The Church of the Good Shepherd gets slammed by tour buses during the day, but catch it at sunrise or sunset and it earns its reputation. Same lake, completely different vibe. While you're down by the water, have a go at stone skimming - the rocks there are actually good for it. And if you're passing through Omarama, the Clay Cliffs are worth a look if the access road is in decent nick - it's a private gravel road and the condition varies, so be ready to turn around if it's rough.