Stargazing at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat offers an unparalleled opportunity to gaze into the universe and experience the beauty and wonder of one of the world’s purest skies.

A great joy of our location is its position at the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, making it one of the best places in the world to view clear, dark skies and brilliant stars. The Dark Sky Reserve is world-renowned for its minimal light pollution, creating a spectacular and vast night sky filled with stars. The serene and beautiful experience of darkness and starlight is disappearing as light pollution becomes the norm in urban and suburban areas around the world.

Pukaki Observatory resides within a secluded forest setting, making it one of the darkest places within the Dark Sky Reserve.

At the Pukaki Observatory, we have created a unique space where guests can experience the beauty of the Dark Sky Reserve in an intimate setting.

Every dark sky tour begins in our wine cellar. Our purpose-built observatory and cellar began from the concept of an underground space. Its thick concrete walls maintain the cool temperature needed to cellar a selection of superb wines from some of New Zealand’s leading wineries. Additionally, we have included fine whiskies in our collection to honour the history of Scottish settlement in the Mackenzie Country – the beverage of the Scottish Highlands, which some say is the “nectar of the Gods”. The sitting area allows us to share a tot of whisky or glass of wine with you whilst being introduced to the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve and the features of the Southern sky.

The observatory itself features a retractable roof and a 9-inch reflector telescope, providing a stunning view of the night sky. Our telescope allows guests to marvel at the rings of Saturn, bands of Jupiter, sparkling star clusters, nebula, and planets. It is also available for astrophotography for those interested in capturing the beauty of the night sky.

We offer private stargazing as an add-on experience for guests staying in our luxury villas, as well as a standalone experience for visitors not staying in our accommodation. It is also a magical addition to any special event or celebration.

All stargazing experiences include:

· Complimentary glass of wine, whisky or hot chocolate

· Blankets and hot water bottles available

· Wind protection

· Transport. Free transport may be available from Twizel to the Retreat and return and is based on availability. Transport bookings must be made 4 hours in advance of your session. Please contact: stars@mtcookretreat.nz to book.

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is situated at the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, meaning it stands in one of the best locations in the world to view clear, dark skies and brilliant stars.

At the time it was certified in 2012, the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve was the first dark sky reserve in the Southern Hemisphere and the first anywhere to be declared with Gold Tier status. This is the highest dark sky certification that can be accorded, and is a recognition of the pristine skies of the Mackenzie Region, which are essentially completely free of light pollution.

The peaceful and beautiful experience of darkness and starlight is one that is being lost, as light pollution becomes the norm in urban and suburban areas around the world. When you stay at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, we hope you will take the time to step outside, look up, and gaze into one of the world’s purest, clearest night skies.

The Dark Sky Reserve is recognised and certified by the International Dark-Sky Association, based in Arizona, which is the international body giving accreditation for Dark Sky Reserves and Dark Sky Places worldwide.