Went up Mt John Observatory on a glorious day. The cafe was busy but we didn't mind the small wait for our coffee and cakes. Why would you want to rush for things when there's such a beautiful view to take in. The coffee was good but the carrot cake was to die for! I'd climb that Mt for a piece of that cake any day. Ignore the 1 star person below me. Human error happens all the time in hospitality. She could have asked the staff where her hot chocolate was and it wouldn't have been a huge issue.
It is an amazing place with superb views and staff who go above and beyond. A lovely server came out to point out which mountains could be seen when she was really busy. Great coffee and good food on top of the world!
Coffee with a View - Quick Delight at Astro Cafe, Mount John Observatory!
Astro Cafe at Mount John Observatory is a delightful stop for a quick daytime trip and a coffee! ☕ The stunning views paired with a great selection of beverages make it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Even if you’re not there for an extended visit, the brief pause at Astro Cafe is a treat for your senses. The cafe’s unique location atop the observatory adds to the charm.
For a coffee break with a view that’s out of this world, Astro Cafe is the perfect choice. Highly recommend for a quick and delightful experience! 👍
Possibly a cafe has the best view in NZ.
When the weather is great. I really want to sit outside of this Cafe. To enjoy the cafe with the most beautiful view for whole morning.
📍 好牧羊人教堂 The Church of the Good Shepherd
This is a must-visit spot in Tekapo! Whether you come during the day or at night, you'll have different experiences. During the day, the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo complement the Church of the Good Shepherd, creating a truly beautiful sight.
At night, you'll witness the Milky Way, and for this kind of view, you really need to visit in person!
📍 Astro Cafe and University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory
It's arguably the café with the best scenery in all of New Zealand. There's a fee to drive up the mountain, which is 8 New Zealand dollars per car.
We went up on Saturday around 2:30 PM, and the staff told us that the café's last order time had passed, so we couldn't enjoy a cup of coffee with the stunning view. Nonetheless, simply admiring the scenery is also wonderful!
Apart from driving up, you can also hike up to get there!
nice place for sunny day, if its rainy i dont really recommend coming here, you need to pay for entry with credit card and drive up the peak to visit this place, come later and not too close to the opening time as guest might be bunched up at the cafe. the food was good and coffee was very comforting. free parking on the lot near the cafe. you can enjoy amazing view on a sunny day!
you can watch the whole tekapo lake here. It's an extraordinary place to get a coffee. enjoy! however, it charge NZD 8 for entrance for the road to astro Cafe.
Nice place to visit during stay at Lake Tekapo area. Good drive to the top of the mountain with sharp turns. Plenty of space to sit indoors or outdoors. The coffee and snacks were good at reasonable pricing. Could not resist to enjoy ice cream by the inviting freezer just next to the counter. A good place to enjoy the views and breeze. Take note of the entrance road closure time prior planning your visit there.
Nice view and trail. We are lucky that come on Monday and they open on Monday.
Visit during golden hour if you can. Stunning views. Single lane road with steep parts. Many small cars can get up so don’t stress. Hardest part is navigating passing vehicles but it’s not too difficult
$8 to go through the gate and drive to the top. Best place to have your coffee and cake in New Zealand. View is absolutely breath taking
Great view of Lake Tekapo and you can bring your own food here to enjoy it with the view.
They also serve hot drinks, hot food, ice cream and dessert to go along with the view.
Bear in mind, the road to Astro cafe closes at 5pm in winters and 6pm in summer.
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