“Oustanding stargazing observatory and incredible daytime views.”
The views from the top of Mount John are simply unbeatable for alpine landscapes during the day, and for unrivalled scenes of the wide open dark starry skies at night.
During the day, the fully-enclosed glass Astro Café is the perfect location for a lunch-time view where you can marvel at the bright turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and absorb the alpine vistas.
At night, Mount John truly comes to life, with millions of stars and planets visible in the dark sky above. Part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, Mount John is one of the best places in the world to observe the planets, stars, galaxies and solar systems.
While the sun is out, take in the stunning 360-degree views from the Mount John Summit Track. This walkway starts at Tekapo Springs and takes one and a half hours to reach the summit. Alternatively, the drive is 15 minutes from Lake Tekapo Village. Use the access road during café opening hours - but note that there is a $5 fee for road access, payable at the base of Mount John. Another popular option is to drive to the top of Mount John and walk the Summit Circuit Track (30 - 45 minutes).
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Mount John - Tekapo
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm
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Pets Allowed
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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