A new adventure awaits you at the top of Mount John, with steep trails and indescribable views of the imposing and charming Lake Tekapo in New Zealand. If you are a fan of nature and landscapes, this place is perfect for you. Also, you can’t miss the incredible view from an observatory and then drink a cup of coffee to get cold.
Things to do
Show your enthusiasm by climbing this mountain environment in the heart of the south island. This steep road starts from the western shore of Lake Tekapo, which means “place to sleep under the stars.” This is due to its incredible perfect and magical landscape. You will pass through the larch stalls to the golden grassland through the summit of Mount John.
At 1,031 meters above sea level, you will have the most spectacular views of Lake Tekapo and the southern Alps. Right at the top, look at the great walkway that surrounds the top of the mountain. It has a dome shape carved in ice and crosses, nothing more and nothing less, than the astronomical telescopes of the University of Canterbury to a modern Astro Café.
It is a bit complicated to arrive, but once you are up, you will be rewarded with a unique postcard, you will know it was worth it. From the Astro Café with beautiful glass walls, you will have a 360-degree view of the place, it is certainly something impressive. In addition, just below are the incredible turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, which attract attention with its intense color. It is so dazzling due to the small rock particles in the glacial waters.
In addition, you can admire in the distance the Southern Alps, to Mount Cook at 3,754 meters, being the highest point in New Zealand. On the other hand, you can not miss the walk along the summit walkway, a quiet journey of about 45 minutes. Walk among the porcupine bushes, the spiny matagouri, and the rare broom species. You will also meet El Kea, the wildest parrot in New Zealand, as well as the hawk, karearas and the Himalayan chuckor.
How to get there
Mount John is located in the middle of the South Island of New Zealand, approximately three hours by car from Christchurch Airport (CHC). In addition, it is about 60 km by road, north of Twizel on State Highway 8, which is the central road of the Southern Alps. The road to the summit begins with the skating rink on Lakeside Drive in the town of Tekapo. They can also do without climbing and lead to the summit
When to go
You can visit Mount John at any time of the year. However, you can find the ideal weather between December and April.
How long
The round trip from the lakeshore to the top and vice versa takes approximately three hours. Thus, one day is enough to know this wonder.
Opening and closing hours
The Astro Café is open from 10 a.m. at 5 p.m. in winter and from 9 a.m. at 6 p.m. in summer.
Planning
You can climb to the top walking or go by car. To climb the road with access to cars, it is necessary to pay around 8 dollars. On the other hand, in this area, there are no free places to spend the night. However, you have the option of different hotels near the place.
Inside information
Walking shoes or light shoes are suitable, but the weather may change, so a jacket or sweater is recommended. However, be alert even on sunny days, when the wind can still be cold. In addition, there are day and night tours of the observatory available.
History
They spent years searching in many places in the world, the place with the best view of the night sky, free of pollution and the noise of the city. The Canterbury University observatory was built on top of Mount John, New Zealand. Created in 1965, it is the main astronomical observatory in the country. The famous astronomer Frank Bateson was in charge of the study of the place. The first devices were simple astronomical cameras and telescopes provided. However, they currently have the most advanced instruments with 1.8 m telescopes.
Websites
www.tekapotourism.co.nz/mt_john
www.earthandsky.co.nz (for observatory visits)
Other Nearby attractions
New Zealand is famous for its amazing and beautiful scenery and Mount Cook is no exception. These beautiful mountains covered in a white tone by snowfall, are surrounded by a wonderful lake in blue and white tones. This is the glacier lake. You can do a walk of approximately 3 hours. It is the perfect place to spend a different and relaxing day with spectacular views.
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