Your evening begins in the quiet luxury of an underground wine cellar at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat. This candlelit space sets a calm tone for the night as you enjoy a glass of local wine or a tot of whisky. Your guide will introduce you to the Southern Hemisphere sky while you are surrounded by the stone walls of the cellar.
Once you are ready, you will move into the adjoining observatory. The roof retracts to reveal the immense Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. This location has zero light pollution, offering some of the clearest views of the universe found anywhere on Earth.
You will use a high-quality 9.25 inch Celestron SCT telescope to explore the cosmos. Depending on the time of year, you may see the rings of Saturn, the craters of the moon, or distant star clusters. Your guide will use a laser pointer to show you the Milky Way and explain the science and stories behind the constellations.
This is a boutique experience designed for small groups. It provides a peaceful and intimate way to connect with the night sky. With the Southern Alps and Lake Pukaki as a backdrop, the setting is as stunning as the stars themselves.
