The drive up to the Mt John Observatory is steep and winding, and seems to go on for much longer than it should. Once at the top, you’re rewarded with a stellar view of Lake Tekapo, Lake Alexandrina and tiny little Lake MacGregor, as well as the mountains in the distance across the rolling golden plains. You can also reward yourself (although perhaps that’s more apt if you walk up), with a coffee and something tasty from the cafe. During the day, the cafe displays some of the stunning astrophotography done at the Observatory and around Tekapo. It’s great if you can’t make a night-trip up to see the stars, or if you’re like us, and your trip coincides with a blanket of thick cloud. No stargazing for us! We did make the trip up Mt John several times though – the view, the coffee and the carrot cake are all pretty spectacular.