Canterbury Archives - Planet Whitley

The Mount John Observatory on New Zealand's South Island.

Behind the scenes at the Mount John Observatory, Lake Tekapo

Stargazing tours head behind the scenes at Mount John Observatory in Lake Tekapo, with insights from staff on astronomy research, and what the public doesn’t usually see. Visiting the Mount John Observatory, summarised Lake Tekapo is in New Zealand’s largest dark sky reserve. Stargazing tours…

Canterbury, New Zealand, South Island, stargazing

The Sir Edmund Hillary statue in Mt Cook Village, New Zealand.

The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre review

On a rainy day at Aoraki/ Mt Cook, a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre is a good way to spend a couple of hours. Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre review, summarised It’s the best thing to do on a rainy day at…

Canterbury, Mt Cook, museums, New Zealand, South Island

Kayaking among icebergs on Tasman Lake, New Zealand.

Iceberg kayaking on Tasman Lake, New Zealand

A kayaking tour on Tasman Lake, near Aoraki/Mt Cook, reveals the dramatic retreat of the Tasman Glacier over 25 years. Participants navigate icebergs that are melting and witness stunning scenery. The tour emphasizes safety and offers a unique experience of ice and nature, culminating in whiskey on the rocks.

Canterbury, kayaking, Mt Cook, New Zealand, South Island, watersports

Penguins arriving at the Oamaru blue penguin colony, New Zealand.

Christchurch to Oamaru drive: The best things to do on the way

The itinerary from Christchurch to Oamaru spans 300km, highlighting key stops like the International Antarctic Centre, Lake House at Ashburton, and Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre. Visitors can enjoy Oamaru's Victorian Precinct and conclude by watching the Blue Penguin Colony at sunset.

Canterbury, Christchurch, driving, New Zealand, Oamaru, Otago, South Island