Dark Sky Diner

Lakefront location, intimate interiors and compelling cuisine make Dark Sky Diner the ultimate Lake Tekapo dining destination. A newcomer to town, this restaurant opened its doors in June 2019 and got hit hard by the pandemic days in 2020.  A full reopening took place in April 2021, and there has been strong local and domestic tourist support ever since.

Part of the Dark Sky Project, which offers tours to the world-renowned Mt John observatory, charter tours to Cowan’s Private observatory and a daytime dark sky experience at the Dark Sky Project Base where the restaurant is situated, the diner boasts spectacular views day and night.

The atmosphere is understatedly elegant. Dim lighting has been consciously chosen to avoid night-time light pollution, and dark wood and tiles add to the sophisticated mood. The open kitchen offers diners a chance to watch the chefs at work, and the floor to ceiling windows provide ample viewing opportunities, whether you’re wanting to spot the milky way at night or admire the glistening lake and mountains in the daylight.

The menu at Dark Sky Diner is heavily influenced by South American cuisine with some classic kiwi connections in the mix. The manager and majority of the staff come from across the Pacific Ocean, and sharing the diverse food culture of their homelands has created a natural point of difference for the restaurant. Weekly specials and a regular South American night bring in plenty of locals, and the regularly changing menu keeps things interesting throughout the year.

The diner is also a popular spot for drinks in the evening, and some of the specialities proven popular are its spiked shakes and delicious cocktails.