2 Best Sights in Mackenzie Country and Lake Tekapo, The Southern Alps and Fiordland

If you're extremely lucky, you'll see the southern lights in this area. Even if you don't, you're still at one of the best stargazing sites in the world. Dark Sky Project operates from the Mt. John Observatory and studies the skies above Lake Tekapo. The glass-enclosed Astro Café at the summit has ham-off-the-bone sandwiches, telescopes, and dizzying views. Stargazing trips leave from the town office in the evening, and reservations are essential. Dark Sky Project also offers a shorter 75-minute tour of the Cowan's Observatory, which is more suitable for those with younger children. At the lake's edge their new visitor's center as has a daytime "Dark Sky Experience" that blends tatai aroraki (Māori astronomy) with science storytelling and an up-close look at a 125-year-old telescope. 

If you've taken advantage of the walks around Tekapo then you'll really appreciate this complex with its beautiful views. There's a day spa, sauna, steam room, three hot pools, and a traditional plunge pool at lake temperature. In winter, there's a skating rink and tube park.