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NZ Lake Tekapo lupins
NZ Lake Tekapo nightsky
NZ Lake Tekapo autumn

A highland lake in the middle of New Zealand’s south island, Lake Tekapo is best known for its incredibly clear skies that are perfect for stargazing. However, visitors also come for hiking, boating, mountain biking and windsurfing on the water.

Overlapping with the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is New Zealand’s only International Dark Sky Reserve and the largest such reserve in the world, the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. With almost no light pollution here whatsoever (settlements are few and far between), it’s a spectacular place to stargaze. Stargazing from open-air hot springs is also offered.

Lake Tekapo itineraries

New Zealand Lord of the Rings route
New Zealand

New Zealand Lord of the Rings route

Head into Mordor, explore Isengard and chill out in Hobbiton
19 days From £10,900 pp
Southern adventure loop
New Zealand

Southern adventure loop

Thrill seeking around South Island
10 days From NZ$3,499 pp
North to south white knuckle
New Zealand

North to south white knuckle

Epic adventures from North to South Island
20 days From NZ$6,499 pp
South Island Circular Road Trip
New Zealand

South Island Circular Road Trip

Explore the mountains of the South Island
14 days

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