Pukaki Observatory - Dark Sky Experience - Shared
Visit the Pukaki Observatory where you can view some of the darkest and glittering skies in the world. Lake Pukaki has some of the clearest skies to view the Milky Way Galaxy. With a 6" refractor telescope, take a closer look at planets like Jupiter.
Area
Canterbury and the West Coast
Type
Wildlife & Nature
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Leisurely
Duration
1-2 Hours
Located in the the gold level Aoraki International Dark Sky Reserve, as part of Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat, the Pukaki Observatory is a great place to discover one of the darkest skies in the world.
Equipped with an advanced telescope, guests staying at Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat can head to the observatory after night falls to spot Saturn, Jupiter and its moons, clusters, nebula and constellations.
Guests can learn from their host who will explain the different formations, and enjoy a glass of wine and nibbles starting in the wine cellar.
Moving through to the Observatory, marvel at the Milky Way Galaxy, stars and planets and test your astrophotography skills. This is a one of a kind stargazing experience.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationOtahuna Lodge
Otahuna is an elegant, opulent lodge set at the heart of a rolling country estate. With commanding views of its landscaped gardens and far beyond to the surrounding plains, the views take you to the foot of New Zealand's Southern Alps.
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View AccommodationMount Cook Lakeside Retreat
Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is set in a forest wilderness overlooking the turquoise blue waters of Lake Pukaki. It is right on the doorstep of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park located in the beautiful and unique Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area.
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View AccommodationThe George
Christchurch's The George is the essence of supreme comfort, a luxury, contemporary hotel with individual attention in an intimate ambience, just moments from the heart of New Zealand's garden city opposite Hagley Park.
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View AccommodationAnnandale
Step off the beaten track and discover Annandale, set amid a rugged landscape of hills and bays on Banks Peninsula. Only an hour from Christchurch, this hidden gem sits on a 4000-acre farm in one of the world's most spectacular coastal locations.
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View AccommodationWilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass
Wilderness Lodge is a family-friendly eco-lodge in the dramatic Arthur’s Pass on New Zealand’s South Island. Set on a 4000 acre working sheep farm, you can enjoy nature walks, fly-fishing and sheep farm experiences.
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View AccommodationHapuku Lodge
Designed as a contemporary luxury country lodge, Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses sit at the foot of South Island's spectacular Kaikoura Ranges, looking out over the rugged Pacific Coast of New Zealand - home to an abundance of marine life.
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View AccommodationThe Lindis
Nestled in the pristine Ahuriri Valley in New Zealand’s South Island, you will find The Lindis. New Zealand’s newest luxury lodge has been created for you to unwind and relax while taking in the surrounding idyllic setting.
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View AccommodationFLOCKHILL
Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Southern Alps, with a stay on ‘the chicest sheep station in the world.’ Part of the FLOCKHILL Sheep Station, the Homestead is a luxurious alpine lodge offering a range of adventurous and exciting experiences.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceTranzAlpine Adventure Day Trip - By Train and Road - Shared
Enjoy a scenic train journey from Christchurch to visit Arthur's Pass. Crossing the Canterbury Plains, you will visit this beautiful National Park, which sits 740m above sea level.
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View ExperienceWhale watching in Kaikoura - Shared
Take to the seas off the coast of Kaikoura to search for New Zealand's marine giants. Sperm Whales, Orca and migrating Humpbacks all frequent the inky depths hunting for squid in the Hikurangi Trench.
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View ExperienceDolphin Encounter off the coast of Kaikoura - Shared
Make one of life's dream a reality and not only watch dolphins in the wild but get the chance to swim with them as well, just off the coast of Kiakoura.
Call us on +852 3579 2478 to start planning