[2024 Tekapo Attraction] Travel Guide for University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory (Updated Dec)

#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.

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!