The Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve is the largest dark sky reserve in the world. It covers an area of 1,660 square miles and is home to some of the clearest and darkest skies in the world, making it an ideal location for stargazing and astrophotography.

The reserve is located near Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, which provides a stunning backdrop for nighttime sky viewing. With little light pollution in the area, the Milky Way and other galaxies are easily visible to the naked eye.

In addition, the reserve is home to a number of astronomical observatories, including the Mount John Observatory, which provides guided stargazing tours and educational programs. We also recommend stargazing tours operated by the Hermitage Hotel. You can find both experiences in the links section above.

Stargazing tour

Aoraki Dark Skies Reserve

Enjoy stunning views of the glacial lakes from the Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier lookouts, located a short hike from one another. They provide an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and Tasman Glacier – the largest glacier in New Zealand, covering an area of over 40 square miles.


The Blue Lakes are formed by the melting of the Tasman Glacier, and their vivid blue color is caused by the refraction of sunlight on the glacial silt in the water.

A short hike from the Blue Lakes lookout takes you to the Tasman Glacier lookout, where you can witness the glacier up close and marvel at its sheer size and beauty.

Official park info

Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier

Hooker Valley Track is stunning hiking trail located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. The trail is easy, 6-mile long round trip, and takes around 3 hours to complete. The highlight of the trail is the stunning views of the Southern Alps, including Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak.

The trail follows the Hooker River through the Hooker Valley, passing by alpine meadows, suspension bridges, and glacial lakes. The trail ends at the Hooker Glacier, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the glacier and Mount Cook. Along the way, you can also spot kea, New Zealand's native mountain parrot.

The Hooker Valley Track is a must-do for anyone visiting Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. It's a relatively easy hike with plenty of beautiful scenery along the way, and the views at the end are simply breathtaking.

AllTrails

Hooker Valley Track

Lake Pukaki is a stunningly beautiful glacial lake located in the Mackenzie Basin. It is fed by the glacial meltwater from the Southern Alps, which gives the lake its characteristic bright blue color.

Lake Pukaki is a popular spot for photography, hiking, fishing, and boating. There are several walking trails along the lake shore which offer stunning views of the lake and the Southern Alps. We recommend Lake Pukaki Shoreline Walk.

Lake Pukaki is also known for stunning natural beauty and vibrant colors of nearby lupin fields. The fields are in bloom from November to January and offer a beautiful contrast to the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki and the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps in the distance. It's important to note that while the lupin fields are beautiful, they are also fragile ecosystems, and you should take care not to damage the plants or their habitats.

Lake Pukaki

Lake Tekapo is a picturesque lake located in the heart of the Mackenzie Basin, renowned for its stunning turquoise-blue color, which is caused by the presence of finely ground rock particles in the glacial meltwater that feeds it. Surrounded by mountains and with the Church of the Good Shepherd located on its shore, Lake Tekapo is a breathtaking sight to behold.

In addition to its natural beauty, Lake Tekapo offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. These include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and skiing during the winter months. The lake is also home to the Tekapo Springs Hot Pools, which offer a relaxing soak with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Lake Tekapo

The Tasman Lake Boat Cruise a unique experience that takes you on a journey across the stunning Tasman Glacier terminal lake, where you will get up close and personal with floating icebergs and towering glaciers.

During the tour, you will learn about the history and geology of the area and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The boat cruises through the iceberg-studded lake and provides an opportunity to see the incredible ice formations and turquoise waters up close. You may even be lucky enough to see seals sunbathing on the floating icebergs.

The tour is approximately 2 hours long and departs several times a day from the Hermitage Hotel. It is suitable for all ages and offers a unique perspective on the stunning natural beauty of New Zealand's South Island.

Official website

Tasman Lake Boat Cruise

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I’d pick Aoraki Court Motel if you want a base in Mount Cook village with a kitchenette. Handy for making your own meals between days out in the mountains.

New Zealand is a land of breathtaking natural beauty and boundless adventure. By sheer variety of landscapes and types of activities, it is the most diverse destination on the planet.

Aoraki Court Motel is a modern motel situated in the heart of the picturesque Mount Cook village. It offers a range of rooms and self-contained apartments, perfect for couples, families, and groups of friends. All the units are well-equipped, including modern amenities and kitchenettes.

You can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers from the motel's outdoor area, which features a picnic area and a children's playground. There is also a BBQ area where you can cook up a storm while taking in the majestic scenery.

Aoraki Court Motel is a perfect base for exploring the stunning Mount Cook National Park, which is home to New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. The friendly staff at Aoraki Court Motel can provide information and recommendations for activities and dining options in the area.

Aoraki Court Motel

Explore all must-sees and venture off the beaten path on a spectacular road trip.

New Zealand Adventure

Fall in love with New Zealand by visiting its highlights on a fast-paced trip.

New Zealand Highlights

New Zealand's highest peak dominates the skyline of a national park filled with glaciers, alpine lakes, and sky-scraping peaks, a dream for mountaineers and hikers alike.

Aoraki (Mt Cook)

Aoraki Court Motel

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