Offering a postcard-ready scene, the turquoise-hued waters of this glacial lake in New Zealand's South Island are backdropped by the jagged summits of the Southern Alps. After dark, it’s a playground for stargazers who come to see dramatic constellations undimmed by light pollution. Things to do in Lake Tekapo are all about taking in that natural beauty—by day or night—with options for sightseeing that range from hiking tours to hot springs, farm visits, and astrotourism experiences at Mount John Observatory.
Lake Tekapo is a year-round destination for stargazing, but New Zealand's winter (June to August) often brings the clearest skies. (The stars are brighter on nights with no moon, too.) The winter season overlaps with the time of year when the southern lights, or aurora australis, are most visible (between March and September). By November, the surrounding meadows burst into color as the lupins bloom purple, pink, and yellow.
Lake Tekapo is located roughly equidistant between Christchurch (about two hours and 45 minutes) and Queenstown (about three hours), with bus and minibus transport available. The cluster of accommodations, shops, dining, and attractions at Lake Tekapo’s southern tip is easy to navigate on foot or on one of the bicycles available to rent locally. Many stargazing tours and other guided excursions offer pickup and drop-off in town, meaning you don’t need a car to explore.
Catching a glimpse of the southern lights over Lake Tekapo is a memorable experience, and there are ways to maximize your odds. Start by downloading the app AuroraReach, which tracks aurora activity throughout New Zealand. You can also do an online search for the Planetary K-index that shows geomagnetic activity linked to aurora appearances. A “Kp” number of five or above suggests more visible auroras.
