Kayak or paddleboard on the turquoise lake

Try Silver River Stargazing for a small-group astronomy experience

Photograph the Church of the Good Shepherd at sunrise or sunset (free; arrive early to avoid crowds)

Stargaze at the Dark Sky Reserve (free with naked eye; guided tours at Mt John Observatory from $90 NZD with Dark Sky Project)

Day trip to Aoraki/Mount Cook and hike the Hooker Valley Track (3 hours return, free, one of NZ's best short hikes)