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Highlights
- On a 2-hour stargazing tour at Stargazing Experience at Mt. John Observatory, witness the cosmos with expert astronomers and enjoy round-trip transfers from Tekapo.
- Experience smooth travel between Dark Sky Project Base and Tekapo's rugged alpine landscapes on your hassle-free round-trip transfer during the Southern Sky experience.
- High-powered 16-inch telescopes allow you to observe Jupiter and Saturn, while hand-held laser pointers enable star identification with the naked eye at Mt. John Observatory’s stargazing event.
- Learn about constellations, planets, and deep-space phenomena as your astronomy guide shares fascinating secrets during the Southern Sky tour at Tekapo's observatory.
- The MOA Telescope, New Zealand’s largest optical telescope for detecting exoplanets, is housed within Mt. John Observatory.
Your Experience
Welcome to an astronomical journey
Your stargazing adventure starts at the Dark Sky Project Base. Here, you'll receive a special Extreme Cold Weather jacket for comfort during the chilly alpine night air. A scenic 15-minute bus ride will take you from this base to Mt. John Observatory.
Guided exploration of celestial wonders
In the next two hours at Stargazing Experience at Mt. John Observatory, expert guides share intriguing insights on stars, solar systems, and constellations with you.
Magnificent views of our galaxy
The experience includes observing the Magellanic Clouds as they twinkle in the pitch-black sky, visible to your naked eye through pinpoint laser guidance. You'll also have a chance to gaze at the Milky Way and Southern Sky constellations via powerful 16-inch telescopes.
Concluding moments under the stars
Your journey concludes with bidding farewell to both the night's celestial wonders and your expert guides, as you either head towards another destination or return to your accommodation, supported by this cosmic experience in Tekapo, New Zealand.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- A 2-hour Stargazing Experience at Mt. John Observatory
- Guidance by an expert in astronomy
- Round-trip transport services to and from the Observatory
- Individual Costs
This product offers multiple ticket options. Some items above (like transfers or fast-track access) may only apply to specific options — confirm what's included when you select yours.
Must Know
- Guests are prohibited from using any white lights, including but not limited to LCD screens, illuminated mobile phones, flashlights, torches, and light-up shoes to avoid light pollution.
- Drugs and alcohol are not allowed on this experience.
- Flash photography is a no-go inside the venue.
- This experience is restricted for guests under the age of 10 years.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
- Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
- This tour includes a comfortable bus journey to and from Mt. John Observatory.
- The venue will provide an extreme cold weather (ECW) jacket to keep you warm on the mountain’s peak.
Ticket Delivery
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Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
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Please arrive at the meeting point 20 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
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Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
Meeting point
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Meet your guide at Dark Sky Project.
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Address: 1 Motuariki Lane, Lake Tekapo 7999, New Zealand.
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Landmark: Next door to the Four Square supermarket.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to the most common questions travelers ask before booking this experience.