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Telephone or fax

Phone: +64 3 680 6960 (from a landline, dial 03 680 6960)

Fax: +64 3 680 6950

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Earth & Sky - Window to the Universe

"To better understand the nature of the universe we live in by experiencing the Earth and sky through research, education and environmental appreciation."

I invite you to join Earth & Sky for an Observatory tour, not only can we show you the amazing southern night sky from our two stargazing locations but we will take you on a journey of discovery, learning and intrigue – a place where you will look, listen and learn about our incredible universe and where perhaps you will find yourself contemplating and evaluating our values of this planet we all call home.

- Craig Jones, Business Manager

Join us on an observatory tour

Want to discover the wonders of the Southern skies through powerful telescopes? Or maybe visit some of the largest telescopes in New Zealand and learn more about the research being performed at University of Canterbury's Mount John Observatory? We provide a variety of tours to suit many interests.

VIEW TOURS

A bite to eat between earth and sky

Situated on top of Mount John, the Astro-Cafe offers a wide selection of food and beverages, so reward yourself from a walk up or get some comfort in the cool of winter. Sit back, relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

"Quite possibly one of the planet's best locations for a cafe."

- Lonely Planet

MORE INFO

Southern Lights Stamps

NZ Post just released a collection of stamps that feature the Southern Lights and our Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. These stamps also feature stunning images taken by our talented astrophotographers. (Most of the images were taken from University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory.)

WATCH VIDEO

You can either drive or walk to the summit of Mt. John. Once you arrive, you will want to take a moment to soak up the impressive panoramic views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding area. Sunshine or snow, these views do not disappoint!

We have a wide selection of herbal teas, hot chocolates and barista made coffee. Or perhaps on those hot days beneath the New Zealand Sun, the Astro Cafe iced drinks and smoothies might be more suitable!

For lunch, we can prepare fresh or toasted sandwiches with a variety of fillings, using local Mackenzie High Country bread. Or perhaps you may want to try our homemade soup, to warm you on those cold winter days. For those who have a sweet tooth, there is an impressive selection of cakes and slices to suit everyone!

> Download the menu (PDF)

"quite possibly one of the planet's best locations for a cafe"

— The Lonely Planet

Summer hours : 9:00 am and 18:00pm (Road Closes 17:30pm). Winter hours : 9:00 am to 5:00pm (Road Closes 16:30pm).

Please note that the kitchen closes at 16:00pm and in Winter 15:30pm), but continues to offer cakes and other homemade delicacies from the display cabinet until closing.

How to get there?

Head up to the Astro Café on Mt John via the dedicated walking track. A beautiful 45 minute hike steadily climbing through a larch forest, opening out onto grasslands and ending at the summit of Mt John. Panoramic views of the Mackenzie basin will leave you in awe.

Or perhaps you would rather see the Mackenzie basin from the comfort of your own car. The Astro-cafe is a 15 minute drive from the Tekapo Township. You can drive up the winding Mt John access road during our opening hours.

There is a $8 per vehicle fee (payable at the kiosk on the Mt. John Access road). The road is privately owned and operated. To enable the on-going cost of maintaining this road, your contribution will see that it has a sustainable future allowing for safe and continued access for future years.

Please note:

The Mt. John access road will occasionally be closed due to extreme weather conditions.
No vehicles over 23 seat capacity or vehicles towing are permitted due to tight bends.
Commercial tourist operators are required to contact the Earth & Sky office prior to ascending Mt John, you can phone us on +64 (03) 680 6960.

Subcategories

Tours

Observatory Tours

Join us here where earth meets sky. We have two locations around Lake Tekapo dedicated to star gazing and stellar observations. View some of the best skies in the world from within Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the largest Dark Sky Reserve in the world. Our highly enthusiastic guides will tour you through the southern night skies sharing from their vast well of knowledge on subjects from the basics of astronomy to some of the more mind boggling science of outer space. With the options of Cowan’s Observatory and the University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory there are options for all. For those who are not the night owl type, Mt John is open during the day hosting the Astro-Café, where the views themselves need no introduction. However those wanting to delve deeper, Day Tours are available for some behind the scenes access.