[2025 Tekapo Attraction] Travel Guide for University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory (Updated Mar)

Lake Tekapo is really well-deserved. When I saw it on a sunny day, I couldn't believe my eyes. It was so blue that I doubted my life! 💙 Many people think the lake is not blue just because the weather is not right! A sunny day will definitely shock you! No need to edit! Here are a few places I recommend, you can follow my route, I strongly recommend you to go, you can take 800 photos!!! 1️⃣ Go to "Astro Cafe" in the morning. This coffee is amazing! I would call it "the most beautiful cafe on earth" ☕ The most worthwhile place in Tekapo! No objection! The cafe is located at the "University of Canterbury Observatory", you must go here first, because it is only open until 2 pm, and vehicles entering the observatory need to queue, but we only waited for 20 mins, not too long... You can order some food and drinks to take pictures on the table, just learn from me how to take pictures hahaha 📸 (It is said to be open only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so we went on Friday to be safe) 2️⃣ There is a ⛰ big rock a few steps down from the cafe!!! You must go! A great place to take photos! I am tired of saying it, you will regret it if you don't go... 3️⃣ Then go to "Lake McGregor Campervan Site", a treasure place discovered by our group. The trees 🌲 by the lake are very beautiful. Sisters with good balance can sit on the trees to take pictures, like the movie poster of "Flipped"! 4️⃣ After going down the mountain, go to "Church of the Good Shepherd ⛪️", which is also a must-see church in Tekapo! You can walk to the lake from the church, and there are many lupines 🌸 this season, which are super beautiful~ 5️⃣ If you want to have fine dining for dinner, you can go to "Dark Sky Diner" 🍽 with a good view. If you don't care about the environment, you can go to "Ramen Tekapo" 🍜. Asian food is not bad, which comforted my Chinese stomach!

🌠 Coming to Tekapo, it's like walking into a dreamlike painting where the starry sky and the lake are intertwined🌌💙. The lake is like a mirror, reflecting the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps🏔️, and the starry sky at night is so beautiful that it takes your breath away - the Milky Way flows right above your head, as if you can reach out and touch the stars✨🌠. ☕️ Climb up to the world's most beautiful Astro Cafe☕️, sit on the top of the mountain and overlook the panoramic view of Lake Tekapo, holding a cup of hot coffee in your hand, with endless blue and green in front of you💚💙. This is not only a feast for your taste buds, but also a feast for your eyes! Every sip of coffee carries the romantic atmosphere of the starry sky🌟📸. ⛪️ The Shepherd's Church stands quietly by the lake, and its stone exterior walls blend perfectly with the surrounding natural landscape🕊️💒. Walking into the church and looking out through the small cross window, the blue of Lake Tekapo and the blue of the sky are interwoven into a sacred picture - this is probably the "Window of Heaven" 🖼️💙. 🌌 Tekapo at night is a stargazer's paradise🔭✨. Lying on the grass by the lake, looking up at the starry sky, the Milky Way is clearly visible, and the Southern Cross is shining 🌟🌠. The starry sky here is so pure that it makes people forget the time, as if the whole universe is twinkling for you💫🌌. 📸 Take photos of the lake and mountains during the day and the stars at night - every moment of Tekapo is worth recording📷💖. Especially in front of the Shepherd's Church, the starry sky and the silhouette of the church are intertwined, creating an unforgettable picture in a lifetime⛪️🌌. ✨ Thanks to Tekapo, we have seen the most beautiful starry sky and the purest nature💙🌠. This journey is not only a feast for the eyes, but also a baptism of the soul🕊️💫. #TekapoStarry Sky Town #AstroCafeUnbeatable View #The Romance of Shepherd's Church #Dating under the Milky Way #New Zealand Must-Check-in #The Starry Sky Shines Brighter Than Diamonds 🌟🌌📸

#newyearnewtrip Location📍University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory New zealand🇳🇿約翰山大學天文臺 This place is just beautiful! Very beautiful! So beautiful! Because it is located in the mountains⛰️You can see the whole scenery in 360 degrees😍You can also see the whole Lake Tekapo 🚗You can drive up to the mountain. There is also a cafe on top☕️ You can stay for 2-3 hours, it is really worth staying for a long time❤️ You can also sign up for the night stargazing group🌟It's just a little expensive. 🚗Parking fee required (only credit card payment) 🚽Public toilets 🍜Astro Cafe (9am - 3pm every day)#newyeartrip

#newzealandtrip At the top of the hill, you get amazing 360 views of the surrounding region such as Lake Tekapo and Lake Alexandrina. The lakes were as blue as the sky. There is a $8 charge to drive up the private road to the top. I would advise to come early as it is a single lane and could be packed at times. You can also find a little cafe where you can grab a coffee or food while enjoying the stunning scenery. I would reccomend anyone to drive up just for the breathtaking views. Next time, it would be amazing to visit at night for stargazing.