Mackenzie Country and Lake Tekapo

Stargazing

Earth and Sky. If you're extremely lucky, you'll see the southern lights! Earth and Sky operates from the Mt. John Observatory and studies the skies above Lake Tekapo. A sign asks you to dim your headlights on approach; the galaxy is considered part of the park and nobody wants you to outshine the stars. The Astro Café has ham-off-the-bone sandwiches, telescopes, and dizzying views. Stargazing trips leave from the town office at 7:30 pm in the winter and 9 pm in the summer; they cost NZ$85 per adult ($50 per child), and reservations are essential. Daytime tours of the facility cost NZ$25 ($10 per child) and can be booked at the café. Main St., State Hwy. 8, Lake Tekapo, 7945. 03/680-6960. www.earthandsky.co.nz.

More Sports and Outdoors

• Fishing
• Hiking

• Stargazing