Hanmer Springs Star Tours at Manuka Skies
Description
Manuka Skies is a truely unique stargazing location. With minimal light pollution, and in a setting of native forest and wildlife, you will be visiting a sanctuary for both astronomy and wildlife alike. As you explore the heavens with our range of equipment, relax to the sound of our spring fed stream flowing down the mountain. Listen out for our native Morepork Owls that nest in the area. Manuka Skies acts as Kaitiaki for the sanctuary. Meaning we are it's guardians responsible for caring for her. Our vision is to re-connect the sky back to the earth through our forests.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Located on Jacks Pass Road, right next to the hot pools, at the bus and shuttle stop.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(14)
Hands down amazing experience! Worth every penny in our books. The views were incredible and our guide Brent was full of knowledge and insight which made for a wonderful evening. Pickup was super easy to figure out and communication about the evening was a breeze. Having such a clear uninterrupted area for the viewing made for such a magical evening. We were even provided photos of the galaxies and cluster we viewed which makes for a wonderful talking point to show friends and family.
We were one of the first trips to go up to the new viewing platform and wow it didn’t disappoint. Brent & Kara had so much knowledge about astronomy & you could sense how passionate they are towards it which was refreshing. We definitely left the site happy & more educated on the universe. Don’t let a cold night put you off, as the sky will be clearer plus you get a hot chocolate & there’s a wee heated caravan! Highly recommend, Carissa & Nathan :D
Well we had a very interesting night. Lots of activity in the sky . We both really knew nothing about the night sky. Brent was very knowledgeable. It was very cold up on the mountain so dress accordingly. Hot chocolate always helps
We didn't actually get to do this as the weather wouldn't co-operate but the communication was wonderful and a refund was issued. If we had time to stay and wait for the weather to clear it would have been amazing as the Hanmer Springs area as awhole was just beautiful.
it was a truly awesome experience that I’m sure will stay with me forever. If I’m back in Hanmer, I’d happily do it again and again! The experience was incredible, we saw so much, learnt so much about the nihht sky. The equipment used to see the hight sky was impressive....so was the hot choccy :) It was an amazing time. Highly recommend for the whole family. Thanks Brent and Kara. The Salmi family
Was an amazing spot. Brent had so much knowledge and an awesome guide. We had a perfect night for it and were able to see everything. 10/10
This was a fantastic experience. From start to finish even got some hot chocolate which was a bonus. The technology In their telescopes were amazing - it made everything so clear. Would definitely recommend for people of all ages. Even if you don't know much about the stars or science behind it all, the beauty and scenery will take your breath away. Huge thanks to Brent and Kara!! Their delivery of information was easy to understand, enjoyable and interactive. Highly recommended!!
Wow!! The tour starts with a 10 minute shuttle from the village. The guide (Brent) was very informative throughout the drive there. Once we arrived we were offered complimentary hot chocolates and snacks YUMM!!. The moment I stepped out of the shuttle my breath was taken away. The location is incredible, surrounded by mountain rangers with hints of snow, then to look up and see the stars was something out of movie. 10/10 for Brent and Kara's passion and knowledge. They gave us the opportunity to interact with the telescopes. They used high technology equipment to show real time images that we can't see with the naked eye. Kara and Brent answered all our questions with ease. Its very clear, they really know their stuff and love their job. Growing up I could never spot constellations in real life because they would always blur together in my eyes. We'll that all changed because Kara & Brent had registered lazers that could point to specific stars. For the first time in my life I could clearly see the constellations. It was an incredible thing to experience for the first time. For that reason I will cherish this memory forever. Thank you so much Manuka Skies!
This was SUCH a cool experience!! I learned sooo much and the views were actually breathtaking! The vibes were really personal and so cozy, loved the hot chocolate too.
Fantastic sky at night tour to star gaze in Hanmer Springs. Pick up from the centre of town into the surrounding hills for a fantastical star gazing experience. Brent the guide was passionate and knowledgable about all that could be seen in the sky. Showing us galaxies, planets, nebulas, and stars using a range of manual, digital and computerised telescopes and a pair of astrobinoculars. South Hemisphere specials. Fantastic experience.
