Mount Cook is part of the designated Aoraki MacKenzie International Dark Sky Preserve and due to the complete lack of light pollution boasts exceptionally good stargazing. This unique experience starts with an introduction to the night skies in the planetarium at the Sir Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre where you will learn about some of the unique features of the southern skies. You will then be taken to a nearby stargazing sight where an experience astronomy guide will help you find and identify the constellations first hand. For those that do not wish to participate in the outdoor stargazing it is possible to just enjoy the planetarium visit on its own.

Please note that departure time varies throughout the year and in summer it will be quite late due to the long days.