Dark Sky Project

Welcome to the world's largest Gold Status International Dark Sky Reserve. At 4367sq km (1686 sq miles), the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve lies in the heart of the National Park. Located in the Lake Tekapo region, Tākapo (Lake Tekapo) is one of the quietest spots on the planet, yet it has one of the busiest night skies in the universe.

Dark Sky Project, leaders in astro-tourism and stargazing experiences, connects manuhiri (visitors) to the night skies, igniting a lifelong passion for dark sky preservation and what lies above. Your guide takes you deep into the cosmos, sharing what it all means and why it matters. You’ll never see it the same away again.

Enjoy an unforgettable stargazing adventure at one of two exclusive locations; purpose-built observation craters within 5 minutes’ drive of the town centre giving fantastic view of the stars, or for an extended two-hour experience at Mount John’s 1,029- metre peak where you'll be atop New Zealand’s only professional research observatory. In fact, it’s the southernmost facility of its kind on the planet.