A World-Class Astronomy Experience

An exciting update today from our Canterbury Site Team over at the Takapo Earth & Sky project. They have just received the delivery of the 2.5 tonne Brashear Base Isolator.

The Brashear telescope will be the proud centrepiece for the state of the art astronomy experience. We will all be looking to the stars next week with the install set for Tuesday if "the weather gods play their part on Monday night in confirming True South via the stars.” Fingers crossed!

The Earth & Sky Limited Partnership, a joint venture between Earth & Sky and Ngāi Tahu Tourism, is bringing to life a state of the art astronomy experience on the shores of Lake Tekapo.

Located in the heart of the internationally renowned Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the centre aims to be a key astronomy facility for the region. It will complement Earth & Sky’s existing observatory and stargazing night tours and will also include food and beverage and retail offerings.

The immersive and interactive daytime experience will provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about the illustrious Southern night skies from both a scientific and Māori perspective. The indoors attraction will ensure visitors can enjoy an authentic astronomy experience when they come to stay in Tekapo or when passing through the region, regardless of the time of day and weather conditions. 

The construct and fit-out of the building will also showcase one of the world’s most prestigious Victorian telescopes, the Brashear. Originally built in 1894 and standing at eight metres tall, the telescope will be the proud centrepiece in the attraction and have its own observatory dome.

Cook Brothers Construction is honoured to be involved in this historic and culturally significant project, which commenced works in March and is expected to be completed by April 2019. Regardless of your passion and appetite for astronomy, this lakefront property in one of New Zealand’s most stunning locations promises to amaze and will be well worth the stop on your next visit to the region.