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Highlights

• Exclusive stargazing tour of the Dark Sky Reserve
• Purpose-built observatory & wine cellar
• Local guide and glass of wine or whisky
• Opportunities to bring your own DSLR camera

Description

Experience the world’s largest dark sky reserve from the comfort of the intimate Pukaki Observatory at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat. This exclusive stargazing experience takes place in a purpose-built observatory, equipped with a retractable roof and 6-inch refractor telescope. With a glass of wine or whisky in hand, gaze up at the clear night sky and soak in the stars and constellations unique to the southern hemisphere.

Located on the shore of the spectacular Lake Pukaki, Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat sits in the centre of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. With limited light pollution, this 4300-kilometre area is famous for its clear dark skies and unrivalled views of star clusters, planets and nebulas. At the Pukaki Observatory, your private guide takes you on a tour of the southern sky, with a telescope even capable of capturing the bands of Jupiter and rings of Saturn. This intimate dark sky tour located at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is perfect for small groups looking for a special experience and those interested in astrophotography.

Upon your arrival at Pukaki, enjoy a glass of leading New Zealand wine or, to celebrate the Mackenzie Country’s Scottish heritage, a dram of whisky with some nibbles in the wine cellar. After being introduced to the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, move into the observatory and begin your stargazing tour with opportunities to open the retractable roof and look through the telescope. Sit back and take in the splendour of the dark sky reserve, or set up your own DSLR camera to take some pictures on this unforgettable private stargazing experience.

Trip Includes

• 2 hour exclusive stargazing experience
• Local guide & small groups
• Glass of wine or whisky & nibbles
• 6 inch refractor telescope
• Retractable roof

Duration

• Allow 2 hours

Departures

• 10:00pm in peak summer & 8:30pm in winter (9:30pm in spring & autumn)
• Meet at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, 86 Mt Cook Road, Lake Pukaki
• Operates on request all year

Other Information

• Minimum of 2 guests required for this experience to go ahead
• Child rates apply (0-12yrs)
• Feel free to bring your own DSLR camera for fantastic photo opportunities
• Please bring warm clothes
• Departure times are approximate and can change according to conditions and time of year
• Exact departure time will be confirmed upon booking
• Small exclusive gathering in an intimate setting, great for special events & occasions 
• Guides are equipped to help you learn basic astrophotography techniques
• A private astrophotography session with a professional photographer can be arranged upon request
• Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve was the first dark sky reserve in the Southern Hemisphere to be declared Gold Tier Status in 2012

Normal Retail Prices

• Adult: NZD$195.00
• Child (0-12yrs): NZD$97.50