The University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory is located at the top of Mount John, with 360-degree alpine views overlooking Lake Tekapo, Lake Alexandrina and Lake McGregor.

At the University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory, there are 6 telescopes, including the country’s biggest, which can observe 50 million stars each night. Considered New Zealand’s premier astronomical research centre, the observatory is operated by the University of Canterbury and has research astronomers from Japan, USA and Germany.

At night Mt John truly comes to life, with millions of stars and planets visible in the dark sky above. Part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, Mt John is one of the best places in the world to observe the planets, stars, galaxies and solar systems. It is also considered one of the most accessible observatories in the world.

The University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory – just one of our #52Reasons why you should visit the Legendary Mackenzie!