Benmore Peak Invisible Observatory

Aotearoa's most elevated destination for universe gazing is also an invisible place in the landscape, as it simply cannot be found.

Benmore Peak Observatory is supposed to be situated at 1932 metres, atop the highest point of the Benmore Range, a wide and tussocky mountain-scape to the northeast of Omarama. By day, it is a dry and sometimes windy and cold hike to the top of the range, via a pretty good track, where the view is outstanding. By night, even more so, if you are interested in stars. Or conspiracies.

The story goes that it is privately owned, and operating since 1996, possibly by Gary Roberts who may or may not run the Omarama Weather Station, which may or may not be up and running. The observatory does not boast about it's studies, or invite visitors, but occasionally posts an impressive image, like this one of Aurora Australis in 2012:

Discussion around the existence of the observatory is sporadic, and takes place in a variety of fora, usually with no conclusion, but the Google Map will show you that there is nothing atop Benmore Peak other than a pile of rocks. Benmore Peak Observatory also claims to own a block upon the peak, but other information proves that it is all Conservation land.

A puzzle as puzzling and endless as the universe itself. Regardless of the answer to this esoteric question, there are higher observatory stations in Antarctica and the South American Andes, and a good local one at Mt John.

The Benmore Range upon which the observatory is (probably not) perched has a reputation for being barren and beautiful, and reasonably useful for a bit of grazing, to the runholders of Ben Omar, Benmore, Buscot, Glenbrook, Glencairn, Peak Valley and Totara Peak.

More recently the range has become recognised as an "Outstanding Landscape Area", and part of it is managed by the Department of Conservation, including some lower reaches which are in wetlands. Though it may look barren, there are some gems of alpine herbs here hiding amongst the tussock, and the deliciously named slim snow tussock and narrow-leaved snow tussock. Looking closely you may see a skink or gecko, and the birdlife in the area has been found to include the falcon/karearea, sky lark, chukor, California quail and the New Zealand pipit/pihoihoi.

The area is named Benmore Peak Conservation Area and is located in between Cairn and Sutherlands Peak. Access is available via Glenbrook Station, near the southern access road to the Wairepo Arm Recreational Area. Choose either a seven hour hard walk, or, to go all the way to the observatory, 9 hours uphill....

Your closest towns for hospitality are Omarama and Otematata.

Image Credits: Michael Klajban and Tournasol7

NZPlaces looks forward to your pictures and report about Benmore Peak Invisible Observatory.