Starlight Highway
We are very lucky to not only have one of the most amazing natural views during day but also at night. Lakestone Lodge is located on the recently named “Starlight Highway” (formerly known as State Highway 8 or Tekapo-Twizel Rd) the road has been given this moniker due to its location in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the biggest Dark Sky Reserve in the world. We have found that Astro tourism is becoming a huge draw card for the region.
Location
Lakestone Lodge enjoys panoramic views where on a fine day/night we can clearly see Aoraki Mt Cook (NZ’s highest mountain) which is 65km away at the other end of Lake Pukaki. The great news is that during the evening when the stars are out and the clouds are behaving we have a very clear view of the night sky and we are lucky enough to see only one other light at night as well as the occasional car light
Building design
Lakestone Lodge was designed to minimise light pollution
- No external lights point towards the sky
- No external lights are left on if not required
- Most external lights on sensors and timers
- Large eves over the building minimises any light escaping upwards from the internal lights.
Where to observe the night sky
- From the comfort of your bedroom
- From your private bath
- From your private courtyard, or out the back of the lodge.
On a good night Mike will go out and show the guests what he knows about the universe (which admittedly isn’t much but he’s getting better). Lakestone Lodge has a good telescope that allows you to see the rings of Saturn, the moons of Jupiter or the craters of our moon (weather and conditions dependant).
If you require a more in depth look at the night sky we are positioned nearby some great facilities
- Mt John Observatory
- Tekapo Springs have also started giving sky tours and it is a very relaxing way of appreciating the stars relaxing in the hot pools.
- The Hermitage at Mt Cook Village also offer night sky tours and a planetarium.
- Skyscape is a new building with a glass roof to see the stars from your bed (see our Ultimate Stargazing Package )
Highlights
Some of the highlights that can be seen with the naked eye from Lakestone Lodge when the weather behaves are the Milky Way, the Southern Cross, various planets, the small and large Magellan clouds, satellites and the International Space Station as well as shooting stars.
Best times to visit
Winter when the nights are longer and when the moon is new
- 17-27 June 2017
- 16-26 July 2017
- 14-25 August 2017
- 13-24 September 2017
- 12-23 October 2017
We have put together the Ultimate Stargazing Package to fully experience the wonders of the night sky.
Don't forget the Starlight Festival this year 13-15 October 2017 at Mt Cook www.starlightfestival.org.nz
What our other guests had to say
We stayed for two nights at Lakestone Lodge on the Cosy Couples package. The location is stunning, room very comfortable with incredible views, the food was outstanding and the massage was one of the best I've ever had. Even though our stay was only for two nights, we felt the stresses of...
Debbie - NZ
We throughly enjoyed our stay. What amazing views, waking up to see Mt Cook painted in soft pinks at dawn was truly special. We had a delicious meal, equivalent to any in an upmarket restaurant. Staff were attentive, but unobtrusive. Furniture and layout high quality. I’d love to...
Fiona T, Auckland
The minute the gate opened and we drove up the Lakestone driveway, we instantly felt the stresses of work disappear. We couldn’t have chosen a better place to start our holiday. Our room was breathtaking. The Lodge itself ticks all the boxes. But the thing that stands out here is the...
WelshRhiWanaka
We had the most amazing experience at Lakestone Lodge. We can’t find fault with anything! We highly rate the food, service, hospitality, comfort and attention to detail! We are truly lucky to have had the chance to stay here!
Nalini G
A group of tired cyclists arrive wet and cold. We are met by a very charming host, Mike, and shown to our lovely rooms, with beautiful views over turquoise Lake Pukaki. A rabbit runs by, pursued by a cat. There is tea and coffee, cupcakes, biscotti and fruit. Cocktails in the lounge are followed...
AucklandTraveller, Christchurch, New Zealand
Excellent dinner date at this exceptional lodge, panoramic views over Lake Pukaki and Aoraki Mt Cook. Our meal was Michelin Star standard and served by lovely locals. Ideal location for a romantic weekend or overnight stay. Couldn't fault our experience. The food certainly was a very...
Highlander65
This small lodge has excellent and very helpful staff. the rooms are good and the food is excellent. However the crowning glory for my wife and I was the magnificent view along the lake with Aoraki Mount Cook central to the view surrounded by other snow covered mountains in the Southern Alps.
Peterm2014123, Auckland Central, New Zealand
Came here for a week of relaxation. You don’t need to even leave your room to experience amazing views and all the activities/hikes nearby are great. I highly recommend the A2O trail on the east side of the lake. Staff was very kind and helped organize everything for me (I didn’t...
Aaron C