Lake Tekapo stargazing hot pools: the most unique experience

If there’s one thing you do in New Zealand, make sure it is Lake Tekapo stargazing. Whilst researching online, I noticed there was so many suggestions for a star gazing experience in Lake Tekapo.

It turns out that Lake Tekapo is in the second biggest dark Night reserve in the world; the Aoraki Mackenzie international dark sky reserve.

This means it is the darkest of darkest night skies. They have taken many measures to ensure there is as little light pollution as possible, and for this reason stargazing is incredible and you have the opportunity to see some extremely rare stars visible to the naked eye.

It is definitely an experience that is unique to New Zealand and there is no better way than to learn about the skies in a unique Kiwi setting.

And of course, there’s nothing quite like seeing the Milky Way way with your naked eye in the Tekapo night skies with this epic stargazing tour.

This article may contain affiliate links.

Table of Contents

Quick Mini Guide To tekapo

Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Tekapo.

Where to stay

Peppers Bluewater Resort
Grand Suites Tekapo
Budget Tekapo: Lake’s Edge Holiday Parks

Top sights

Stargazing in the dark sky reserve or Mount John observatory
The stunning blue lake itself
Book an air safari to see Mt Cook from above
Go offroading

How to get there

Rent a car from Queenstown

Stay connected

Purchase an eSim with Airalo on your phone – Use discount code A&M3 for $3 off your first purchase.

Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / New Zealand travel guides for things to do in North Island and South Island!

Tekapo Springs Hot Pools

Tekapo Lupins

Amazing Glamping spots in South Island

Lake Pukaki viewing point

Onsen hotpools Queenstown

Things to do in Akaroa

Akaroa Dolphin Tours

Best activities & tours on South Island

Here are some of the best New Zealand South Island tours! I always compare tours on Viator and Get Your Guide to check prices and different tour availability.

Jet Boat & Wilderness experience – If you’re after an adrenaline experience then this is for you!

Milford Sound Cruises – The best way to see the unofficial 8th wonder of the world.

Franz Josef Glacier tours – one of the most iconic, stunning, incredible things to experience in South Island!

Glenorchy & Paradise half day tour – if you’re after some beautiful sight seeing this is for you!

Glow worm caves – Dont miss the iconic glow worm caves in South Island!

Scenic Flights – One of the most iconic experiences in all of South Island, New Zealand.

Tekapo star gazing: what to expect

We were lucky enough to book in and experience Lake Tekapo Springs for their stargazing experience, sat right on the shores overlooking Lake Tekapo. There’s a tonne of different star gazing tours such as Stargazing from Cowan’s Private Observatory, but there’s nothing quite like stargazing from a

During the day, Lake Tekapo Springs is the perfect day out; a day of rest, relaxation, saunas, hot pools and mini golf! Read more on Lake Tekapo New Zealand and the famous hot pools if you’re around during the day!

Book Tekapo Star Gazing here

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Night Reserve

It’s set in the prime place for stargazing, and right in the centre of the stunning Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Night Reserve the second largest in the world, this means that there is very little light pollution.

You will not find any planes passing over the region at night thanks to the dark sky reserve!

Why are all the lights red?

Many homes, street lamps and other lighting is tinted red or yellow, because these colours do not interfere with our natural eyesight.

Red light in particular as well as yellow lights do not interfere with light pollution and viewing of the night sky, especially with the naked eye. When you arrive, you are advised to follow the red light to Reception and throughout the night you will notice that all lights inside the building an out are all a red issue hence the photos. This is great to ensure first viewing of the night sky as possible.

Book Tekapo Star Gazing here

Tekapo Stargazing NZ — Hot Springs Lake tekapo stargazing

Part 1: The Telescope & stargazing

As you arrive at Lake Tekapo Springs, they advise you to follow the red lights, and as you wait for experience to start, they offer you a complimentary hot cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate and you sit down and can begin answering some fun trivia questions on outer space planets stars and anything otherworldly.

Some of the questions are quite fun and cheeky too and it’s actually a great introduction to the evening whilst you wait for all guests to arrive.

After the quiz is finished, and you finished your cup of hot chocolate, they take you outside to meet some specialist stargazers ( look up the position) and three huge telescopes, which are magnified 100 times so you can see stars close. The staff are extremely knowledgeable all stars and planets and are able to alter and change the coordinates of the telescopes to exact positions of stars. You’ll learn so much that all the different stars in the night sky, the Kosmos, the Milky Way, black holes, white holes, red dwarfs, red giants, and more.

Tekapo stargazing hot springs - teas and coffees — Teas & Coffees

Tekapo stargazing hot springs - telescope — Teas & Coffees

For those that are interested in astrology, they go into detail about the constellations and zodiacs that you can spot in the night sky and at what time of year you can see them.

It’s also interesting to note that some of the constellations of the zodiac signs can only be seen for a few days whilst others can be seen for 5+ weeks at a time.

Also, you’ll realise that you can’t see the north star because you are in the southern hemisphere and they teach you some navigation by looking at the stars.

They’ll show you the Southern Cross, which is featured on the Australian and New Zealand flag, and how to navigate south by mapping out different stars in the southern skies. The instructor uses a laser pointer so it’s very easy to identify what stars and constellations she’s looking at.

Book Tekapo Star Gazing here

Additionally, the instructors and staff are very good at telling stories and legends behind some of those constellations throughout history which is exceptionally interesting.

Depending on cloud, cover and positioning of certain stars in the night sky, you’ll get multiple chances to look at different stars, constellations and formations through the telescope, which is certainly very interesting. This of course is only part one of the experience.

Staff on hand also offered warm blankets in case of cold nights and you can take your hot drinks down with you to stay warm although in the summer we felt this wasn’t necessary as the evenings were very balmy.

Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / New Zealand travel guides for things to do in North Island and South Island!

Amazing Glamping spots in South Island

Lake Pukaki & Mt Cook viewpoint

Onsen hot pools spa, Queenstown

Things to do in Akaroa

Akaroa Dolphin Cruise

Part 2: stargaze from a hotpool

Part two is arguably the most exciting part of the evening: you get to stargaze in their thermal outdoor pools whilst the instructor points out more constellations and does storytelling for the group.

For the second part of the experience, you are asked to change into your swimwear, and you are given a thick warm fluffy robe and a towel, and you’re invited to step into the Lake Pukaki hot pool, which is a 37° temperature pool meaning it’s slightly warmer than your body temperature and it is perfect on a chill evening.

Book Tekapo Star Gazing here

There are plenty of floating devices and floating hammocks in the water, meaning you can gaze at the night sky without any effort as you float around in the pool, listening to the instructor telling incredible myths, tales and legends related to astronomy, particularly Māori and Kiwi legends.

This unique experience features stunning storytelling which was actually incredible; the staff share local stories.

You learn a lot about Māori history in regards to stargazing in the night sky and of course, the legend of Takapo (not to be confused with Tekapo). Takapo what is the name of a local God who’s name meant the night gazer of the amazing night skies.

Tekapo stargazing experience — Hot Springs Lake Tekapo

Legends and storytelling: Takapo

It was Takapo who would look at the night skies, and it was his job to develop the land of New Zealand and include mountains and waterways and rivers, but he decided after a few days hard work to have a nap.

He napped so long that he woke up just before his deadline, and realise he still had quite a lot of work to do, and regards, punished him, and gouged out his eyes meaning he could no longer gaze at the night sky.

His name therefore changed to Tekapo, meaning that he could no longer see the beautiful night sky. This is the reason for the name of the town.

The staff are also very attentive and ensure all guests are fully hydrated and are constantly providing water and drinks. As part of the experience. You don’t dehydrate in the pool. Sit back relax and enjoy the night sky and all of the stories the staff are telling.

Book Tekapo Star Gazing here

What time does it start?

The time of the stargazing will change in accordance to sunset times that change throughout the year. We visited in the summer and the night sky falls dark at around 10 pm, so our experience started at 10:45 when the sky was truly dark. This gives the best conditions for a viewing as possible.

You do the first part of the experience with the telescopes for around 30 to 45 minutes and then after that you move onto the hot pools and we eventually finished around 12:30 am, so it is a bit of a late one but it’s worth it.

What to bring?

Ensure you bring warm clothes for the first part of the experience of gazing through the telescope as you’ll be outside for an extended period of 30 minutes to 45 minutes.

They recommend wearing clothes, shoes, long trousers and a warm jumper so you can stay warm in the evening, however they do provide blankets in the evening if it is particularly chilly and you will be able to hold your complimentary hot drink if you wish so you can keep your hands warm.

For the second part of the experience, you will need to bring a swimsuit and then a change of clothes to go home in the changing rooms. Have all the facilities you need such as hairdryers, showers, toilets, lockers and a swimsuit drying machine.

They also recommend you bring a water bottle that you can fill up, so you stay hydrated.

This experience is a must for both enthusiasts and novices alike. I’ve personally didn’t know much about the night sky, and this was a very informative, enjoyable and relaxing experience.

Is it suitable for kids and families?

Yes! It definitely is there were plenty of families in our group with smaller children, but from ages 6 and up. Yes it is a fairly late at night the experience, however as a one off, the children seems really excited to look through the telescope and learn about the night sky and planets in our solar system.

What happens if it’s cloudy?

Lake Tekapo Stargazing has prepared for all eventualities, including how the experience is laid out, if it is a cloudy night!

First of all, it’s important to note that due to the unique position of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding Mount John, there is some of the least cloud cover in New Zealand, meaning that usually you are able to see the night sky.

On the night that we went, it was actually predicted to have a high amount of cloud cover however we were informed that if we were not able to see any stars and look through the telescopes, they have an alternative 360 amazing virtual reality tour, stargazing experience where you can still view the night sky, stars and all the constellations. We were lucky enough to have some of the cloud cover open, meaning that we were able to see the sky.

Regardless, the experience is still great, especially being in the outdoor thermal pools late at night in the peaceful, setting, listening to the storytelling by the very knowledgeable staff.

Lake Tekapo Stargazing Price

Adults (16-59): $129 NZD
Child (6-15): $99
Family (2 adults, 2 children): $395

How to get to Tekapo Hot pools?

You can either get a tour, or hire a car to drive here. The likelihood is that you will need to organise a transfer or drive yourself as this is around 3 hours from Christchurch and the same amount from Queenstown, but it’s definitely well worth the stop.

The colour of Tekapo Lake is actually exceptionally blue and the stargazing is second to none – so it is well worth a visit!

Car Rental South Island

Queens town to Tekapo hot pools: 3 hours 11

Christchurch to Tekapo hot pools: 3 hours

Lake Tekapo Stargazing address:

Tekapo Springs, Tekapo Hot pools, 300 lakeside drive, Lake Tekapo 7945

Best hotels at Lake Tekapo

There are a tonne of really beautiful hotels right on the waterfront OR overlooking the lake (it’s not hard to miss the view; it’s pretty stunning!).

Have a look at the Peppers Bluewater Resort – floor to ceiling windows for your viewing pleasure!

Hotels in Tekapo

Lake Tekapo Map

Save it on Google maps here!

I hope you enjoy your trip to see the Lake Tekapo night sky project and found this useful!

South Island Weather

Here is the average weather on the South Island by each month. The South Island of New Zealand experiences a diverse climate, with the west coast receiving high rainfall and the east coast being drier and cooler.

Seasonal temperatures vary widely, from warm, sunny summers to cold, snowy winters, especially in the mountainous regions.

South Island Weather in January

Average temperature: 15°C (59°F)
Average rainy days: 8
Average daylight hours: 15
Average sunrise time: 6:15 AM
Average sunset time: 9:30 PM

South Island Weather in February

Average temperature: 14°C (57°F)
Average rainy days: 7
Average daylight hours: 14
Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
Average sunset time: 9:00 PM

South Island Weather in March

Average temperature: 12°C (54°F)
Average rainy days: 8
Average daylight hours: 12
Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
Average sunset time: 8:15 PM

South Island Weather in April

Average temperature: 9°C (48°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 11
Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:45 PM

South Island Weather in May

Average temperature: 6°C (43°F)
Average rainy days: 10
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:15 AM
Average sunset time: 5:30 PM

South Island Weather in June

Average temperature: 4°C (39°F)
Average rainy days: 11
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
Average sunset time: 5:15 PM

South Island Weather in July

Average temperature: 3°C (37°F)
Average rainy days: 11
Average daylight hours: 9
Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
Average sunset time: 5:30 PM

South Island Weather in August

Average temperature: 5°C (41°F)
Average rainy days: 11
Average daylight hours: 10
Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:00 PM

South Island Weather in September

Average temperature: 7°C (45°F)
Average rainy days: 10
Average daylight hours: 12
Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
Average sunset time: 6:30 PM

South Island Weather in October

Average temperature: 9°C (48°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 13
Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
Average sunset time: 7:45 PM

South Island Weather in November

Average temperature: 11°C (52°F)
Average rainy days: 8
Average daylight hours: 14
Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
Average sunset time: 8:30 PM

South Island Weather in December

Average temperature: 13°C (55°F)
Average rainy days: 9
Average daylight hours: 15
Average sunrise time: 5:45 AM
Average sunset time: 9:15 PM

Quick links

Here’s everything I use when I travel abroad:

Tours – Compare tour prices on Viator and Get Your Guide

Hotels – I always use Booking as the more hotels I book, I get a higher Genius discount. I also compare prices on Expedia.

E-Sims – purchase an e-sim with Airalo on your phone so you can make calls and have mobile data abroad! There’s no need to remove your current sim card!

Travel insurance – don’t ever go on vacation without travel insurance, you never know when you might need it!

Travel essentials – have a look at a full list of travel essentials that I use, including the best power bank!

Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / New Zealand travel guides for things to do in North Island and South Island!

Amazing Glamping spots in South Island

Mt Cook viewpoint

Onsen hot pools spa, Queenstown

Things to do in Akaroa

Akaroa Dolphin Cruise

Full disclosure! Some of the links here are affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission from every booking made. This is at no extra cost to you. It helps keep me writing and sharing my travel guides free of charge to you 🙂 Thank you for your support! Read our affiliate policy here.