Dark Sky Project

Dark Sky Project Discover the night sky through guided stargazing and indoor astronomy experiences
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Did you know?Sitting around the planet's north pole, this enormous jet stream has been observed since the 1980s and stre...
05/09/2026

Did you know?

Sitting around the planet's north pole, this enormous jet stream has been observed since the 1980s and stretches roughly twice the width of Earth.
The strangest part? Scientists still don't fully understand why it forms this particular shape.

They've even recreated Saturn-like conditions in a laboratory and managed to produce hexagons by changing the speed of rotating water.

And there's nothing quite like it at Saturn's south pole, Jupiter, or anywhere else we've found in our Solar System.

Saturn is becoming visible during our later tours. Just another reason to look up. 🔭

Check it out... Sometimes the universe conspires and you might catch a glimpse of rare magic in the skies at Dark Sky Pr...
03/09/2026

Check it out... Sometimes the universe conspires and you might catch a glimpse of rare magic in the skies at Dark Sky Project.

"Last month, I was lucky to see the comet C/2025 R3 PanSTARRS from the top of Mt John Observatory, just as the comet was passing by Orion on its way out of our solar system.

Really cool to know this is potentially the last time this comet will ever be seen by humans, as its now on a hyperbolic orbit to leave our solar system."

📸 .n.n

Join us this Saturday 5th September for our free public talk on what you can expect to see in the September night sky in...
01/09/2026

Join us this Saturday 5th September for our free public talk on what you can expect to see in the September night sky in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, including notable constellations, visible planets and other celestial features to look out for during the month!

Dark Sky Project guide Merlin will also share any special astronomical events happening throughout September, along with some of our favourite astronomy news stories from the past month.

Perfect for locals, stargazers, and curious minds of all ages. See you there!

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Takapō/Lake Tekapo is home to more than just incredible stargazing. ✨☕ Great coffee.🍽️ Great food.🎁 Thoughtful gifts.✨ O...
31/08/2026

Takapō/Lake Tekapo is home to more than just incredible stargazing. ✨

☕ Great coffee.
🍽️ Great food.
🎁 Thoughtful gifts.
✨ One unforgettable destination.

Home to the world-first Dark Sky Experience, The Rehua Building & Dark Sky Diner brings together immersive experiences, local flavours, and stunning lakefront views, all under one roof.

Next time you're in Lake Tekapo/Takapō., make sure it's on your must-visit list.

New Zealand is home to several incredible dark sky destinations, but the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve...
29/08/2026

New Zealand is home to several incredible dark sky destinations, but the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve continues to set the benchmark.

As the first International Dark Sky Reserve in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the largest in the world, this region offers exceptional conditions for stargazing thanks to its protected skies, high altitude, and remarkably clean air.

It's more than a beautiful place to look up. It's a place where science, conservation, and storytelling come together beneath some of the clearest skies on Earth.

Come and experience it for yourself in Lake Tekapo/Takapō. 🌌

"At 44° South in New Zealand’s South Island, the night sky is so pristine it almost feels unreal.The moment I looked up,...
27/08/2026

"At 44° South in New Zealand’s South Island, the night sky is so pristine it almost feels unreal.

The moment I looked up, I was met with the overwhelming presence of a true Bortle Class 1 sky - so pure, so deep, it leaves you speechless, and hard not to fall in love with it.

Low on the southern horizon, aurora activity was gently dancing and drifting, all of which was recorded by the camera.

Scenes like this are never easy to capture, which makes them even more precious. I wanted to share this moment with you - where silence, water, and starlight briefly form a complete world."

Pure poetry and visual delight - thank you for capturing our Dark Sky Reserve with such precision and grandeur. 👏

📸

24/08/2026

Ski by day. Stargaze by night. ❄️✨

Make the most of winter in the Mackenzie Country with fresh turns on the ski field, then swap the snow for the stars as the sun goes down.

After an epic day on the slopes, there's no better way to end it than beneath the pristine skies of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

One unforgettable winter day, two incredible experiences. 🌌

23/08/2026

"Looking down at the insane milky-blue waters of Lake Tekapo with a freshly made drink in hand feels completely unreal ✨ It's without a doubt the coffee shop with the best views I've ever been to!"

Join us for a beverage and a treat at Astro Cafe.

📸

"At an elevation over 1000-metres above sea level, and being the heart of the world’s largest gold-tier Dark Sky Reserve...
21/08/2026

"At an elevation over 1000-metres above sea level, and being the heart of the world’s largest gold-tier Dark Sky Reserve, there is no better place to view the cosmos"

We're constantly blown away by the photographs you all take of our home.

Tag to be featured and win the cost of your experience back**

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🌕 Look up, the full Moon is on its wayOn 28 August, the night sky will be illuminated by a beautiful full Moon.While dar...
19/08/2026

🌕 Look up, the full Moon is on its way

On 28 August, the night sky will be illuminated by a beautiful full Moon.

While darker skies are usually the star of the show for stargazing, a full Moon offers something a little different. A chance to look a little closer at our nearest celestial neighbour and spot some of the craters, plains and features across its surface. 🔭

📍 Takapō / Lake Tekapo

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Address

1 Motuariki Lane
Lake Tekapo
7999

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 10pm
Tuesday 9am - 10pm
Wednesday 9am - 10pm
Thursday 9am - 10pm
Friday 9am - 10pm
Saturday 9am - 10pm
Sunday 9am - 10pm

Telephone

+6436806960

Website

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