Title: Mount John Observatory in Tekapo - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca [Mount John Observatory Hotels](https://expedia.ca/Mount-John-Observatory-Hotels.0-l6239366-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Tekapo](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Tekapo.d553248635975858448.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Tekapo](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Tekapo.d553248635975858448.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Mount John Observatory Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Mount-John-Observatory.d6239366.Car-Rental-Guide)[Tekapo Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Tekapo.d553248635975858448.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Mount John Observatory Tours and Activities ![Mount John Observatory featuring a river or creek, tranquil scenes and landscape views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/235000/235828-Mount-John-Observatory.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Mount John Observatory](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/235000/235843-Mount-John-Observatory.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Mount John Observatory which includes tranquil scenes, a lake or waterhole and landscape views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/235000/235826-Mount-John-Observatory.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Mount John Observatory featuring tranquil scenes, a lake or waterhole and mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/235000/235854-Mount-John-Observatory.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Mount John Observatory featuring mountains, snow and tranquil scenes](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/235000/235856-Mount-John-Observatory.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Mount John Observatory Activities [Tekapo travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Tekapo.dx553248635975858448) --- --- #### Take an evening tour to see the wonders of the night sky or visit during the day to enjoy the stunning views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains. Mount John Observatory is one of New Zealand’s leading observatories. Being located on a hilltop overlooking the mesmerizing Lake Tekapo, it’s also hugely popular for its day-time views. The observatory is located within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of only four such reserves around the world. It was decided in 1963 that Mount John provided the best conditions for an observatory out of several locations in New Zealand. The observatory was completed soon after. Upgrades throughout the years, including a 71-inch (180-centimeter) telescope in 2004, keep the observatory up with the latest technology. Take a night-time tour of the observatory with Earth & Sky. Scan the night sky through powerful telescopes while the professional guides inform and educate you about the stars and the wider cosmos. On cloudy nights, you can reschedule your planned visit to another night or choose to tour the largest telescopes that are normally set aside for professional astronomers. During the day, the location of the observatory not only provides unmatched views of the sky but also amazing views over Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. The lake has a vivid turquoise color on sunny days, due to the minerals from glacier meltwater that feeds into the lake. The mountains change color each season, from the dry brown of summer through to the glistening white dustings of winter snow. Have a drink or lunch at the café on the hilltop beside the observatory. The café terrace provides views that are truly unique, so bring your camera along. Warm yourself with a hot chocolate or coffee in winter or cool down with a smoothie or ice tea in summer. Mount John Observatory is about a 15-minute drive from Tekapo township. A small road entry and parking fee applies. A very popular option is to hike from the town to the observatory. The hike passes through larch forest before opening up to grassland hills and takes about 45 minutes one way. On the way down, drop into Tekapo Springs for a long soak in one of the hot pools for the perfect finale to your day. ### Popular places to visit ![Tekapo Springs featuring landscape views and snow](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/78000/78266-Tekapo-Springs.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Tekapo Springs Lie back and relax in healing waters, enjoy a massage or get involved in a range of outdoor activities, all with a fabulous alpine backdrop. [](https://expedia.ca/Tekapo-Springs-Lake-Tekapo.d6239359.Vacation-Attraction) ![Church of the Good Shepherd featuring a lake or waterhole, farmland and mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/78000/78102-Lake-Tekapo.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Church of the Good Shepherd Stop off at this charming church to enjoy stunning mountain views, appreciate some fine stone carving and learn its fascinating history. [](https://expedia.ca/Church-Of-The-Good-Shepherd-Lake-Tekapo.d6113030.Vacation-Attraction) ![Sheepdog Statue showing a statue or sculpture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/78000/78105-Lake-Tekapo.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Sheepdog Statue Standing proudly before the snow-capped Southern Alps, this famous statue is testament to the high esteem with which sheepdogs are held in this area. [](https://expedia.ca/Sheepdog-Statue-Lake-Tekapo.d6224009.Vacation-Attraction) ![Roundhill Ski Area featuring snow and mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/129000/129738-Roundhill-Ski-Area.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Roundhill Ski Area Spend the day discovering this ski field above Lake Tekapo, which provides beginner-friendly runs alongside the steepest vertical drop in the country. [](https://expedia.ca/Roundhill-Ski-Area-Tekapo.d6241344.Vacation-Attraction) ![Lake Pukaki showing snow, a lake or waterhole and mountains](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/235000/235797-Lake-Pukaki.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Lake Pukaki Be amazed by the color of the lake against the snowy backdrop of Aoraki/Mount Cook as you hike, drive or ride through this incredibly picturesque landscape. [](https://expedia.ca/Lake-Pukaki-Canterbury.d6113036.Vacation-Attraction) ![Lake Pukaki Information Center](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/7804b209194be38efde379d459efa88c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Lake Pukaki Information Center You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Lake Pukaki Information Center during your trip to Lake Pukaki. Stroll along this family-friendly area's lakeside, or simply enjoy its cafes. [](https://expedia.ca/Lake-Pukaki-Information-Center-Pukaki.d553248621594280500.Vacation-Attraction) --- ## Best Lodging Options Near Mount John Observatory ## Check availability on hotels close to Mount John Observatory [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6239366&startDate=2026-01-15&endDate=2026-01-16)[Jan 15 - Jan 16](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6239366&startDate=2026-01-15&endDate=2026-01-16) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6239366&startDate=2026-01-16&endDate=2026-01-17)[Jan 16 - Jan 17](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6239366&startDate=2026-01-16&endDate=2026-01-17) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6239366&startDate=16%2F01%2F2026&endDate=18%2F01%2F2026)[Jan 16 - Jan 18](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6239366&startDate=16%2F01%2F2026&endDate=18%2F01%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6239366&startDate=23%2F01%2F2026&endDate=25%2F01%2F2026)[Jan 23 - Jan 25](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6239366&startDate=23%2F01%2F2026&endDate=25%2F01%2F2026) ![Haka House Lake Tekapo](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/5000000/4930000/4922100/4922068/41170129_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Haka House Lake Tekapo 5 Motuariki Lane Lake Tekapo Canterbury [](https://expedia.ca/Lake-Tekapo-Hotels-YHA-Lake-Tekapo.h4922068.Hotel-Information) ![The Godley Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/4000000/3100000/3091600/3091589/4de9ec11_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Godley Hotel 2 Rapuwai Lane Lake Tekapo Canterbury [](https://expedia.ca/Lake-Tekapo-Hotels-The-Godley-Hotel.h3091589.Hotel-Information) ![Lake Tekapo Village Motel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9630000/9623500/9623439/c13b317d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Lake Tekapo Village Motel 14 Rapuwai Lane Lake Tekapo Canterbury [](https://expedia.ca/Lake-Tekapo-Hotels-Lake-Tekapo-Village-Motel.h9623439.Hotel-Information) ![Peppers Bluewater Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2840000/2838200/2838173/600a6ce2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Peppers Bluewater Resort State Highway 8 Lake Tekapo [](https://expedia.ca/Lake-Tekapo-Hotels-Peppers-Bluewater-Resort.h2838173.Hotel-Information) ![Lakes Edge Holiday Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/54000000/53350000/53342300/53342206/a23f567d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Lakes Edge Holiday Park 2 Lakeside Dr Lake Tekapo Canterbury [](https://expedia.ca/Lake-Tekapo-Hotels-Lake-Tekapo-Motels-Holiday-Park.h53342206.Hotel-Information) ![Galaxy Boutique Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/75000000/74730000/74726000/74725916/2880c02e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Galaxy Boutique Hotel 53 Darchiac Dr Lake Tekapo Canterbury [](https://expedia.ca/Lake-Tekapo-Hotels-Galaxy-Boutique-Hotel.h74725916.Hotel-Information) ![Grand Suites Lake Tekapo](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/84000000/83610000/83605900/83605841/bcd159db_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Grand Suites Lake Tekapo 14 Greig St Lake Tekapo Canterbury [](https://expedia.ca/Lake-Tekapo-Hotels-Grand-Suites-Lake-Tekapo.h83605841.Hotel-Information) ![The Huts at Lakes Edge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/116000000/115360000/115356000/115355986/57a03df0_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Huts at Lakes Edge 2 Lakeside Dr Lake Tekapo Canterbury [](https://expedia.ca/Lake-Tekapo-Hotels-The-Huts-At-Lakes-Edge.h115355986.Hotel-Information) ![April One Bedroom Apartment](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/108000000/107510000/107507400/107507368/88e85b4c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### April One Bedroom Apartment 12 Rodman Lane , Lake Tekapo Lake Tekapo [](https://expedia.ca/Lake-Tekapo-Hotels-April-One-Bedroom-Apartment.h107507368.Hotel-Information) [See all 443 properties in Mount John Observatory](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6239366) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.