Apollo 11

• Sleeps: 2
• Bedroom: 1
• Bathroom: 1
• Minimum stay: 1 night

Always wanted to embark on a space mission, but were put off by the heavy space suits and cumbersome oxygen tanks (plus, the not-so-trivial issue of leaving the Earth to do it)?

With a stay aboard Apollo 11, a hand-crafted ‘spaceship’ set close to Mount Cook in Pukaki, New Zealand, you can gaze in wonder at those awe-inspiring views of wide open space…whilst remaining safely on the ground.

Positioned in the Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, Apollo 11 was painstakingly crafted by its friendly owner, Peter, for the specific purpose of stargazing. You’ll be able to view the incredible, star-studded vista from the pod’s clear Perspex roof, and wake up to views of the Southern Alps from the comfort of your bed.

As if that wasn’t enough, Peter has ensured that the circular pod is as true-to-life as possible, with its interior design faithful to the famed craft that took the first group of humans to the moon all the way back in 1969.

You can expect plenty of comfort on board the deceptively spacious craft, too. Fully self-contained, there’s a cosy double bed with a downy extra-thick duvet, plus a microwave-equipped kitchenette (though you might prefer the barbecue for sizzling summer suppers on balmy days). You’ll also find a refreshing shower room with a private loo.

If you feel like venturing out to explore the local area, you could do worse than paying a visit to the shimmering, turquoise Lake Pukaki, Mackenzie’s largest lake. With its breathtaking, ever-changing backdrop, the lake is an absolute dream spot for budding photographers.

Though if you’re feeling more energetic, you could hire a bike, and take the impossibly scenic Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail instead!

At a glance

• A circular, handcrafted ‘spaceship’ for two, modelled on the original Apollo 11 with a Perspex stargazing roof and a window that showcases Mount Cook.
• The craft is located in Pukaki, New Zealand, set within the Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve for spectacular night-time scenery.
• Fully self-contained, there are shower, toilet, and kitchen facilities on board.
• An ideal base for exploring Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki, with the bustling town of Twizel close by.

Features

• Adults Only

More information

Head for historic Twizel for shopping, bustling café culture, and even more outdoor pursuits, from mini golf and skiing, to paddle-boarding and kayaking.

But if you don’t feel like exerting any energy at all, then you really are in the perfect spot to simply relax, and let that spectacular natural scenery take over your senses.  

So, why not pop open a well-deserved bottle of bubbles, sit back, and watch the blazing sun sink over Mount Cook, as you press Pause on real life for a while? It’s sure to be an experience that’s truly out of this world.

Things to note

Check in after 4pm, check out by 10am. Not suitable for children.  There is no TV and limited WiFi.