Mount John Observatory Stargazing Experience, Tekapo
Description
Our most popular astronomy experience at the world-renowned astronomical research centre. Prepare for an awe-inspiring evening of discovery. Immerse yourself in the stunning surrounds, pristine night skies and sophisticated viewing technologies as our expert guides share the science and stories of our Southern Skies. High atop Mount John’s 1,029 metre peak, you'll be at the heart of the Southern Hemisphere's largest International Dark Sky Reserve. Every night sky reveals something new. The incredible Milky Way. Far-off planets. Star clusters, solar systems, constellations. You might even glimpse a distant galaxy. Don't miss New Zealand's premier stargazing experience. Exclusive to Dark Sky Project, the Summit Experience at Mt John Observatory is in partnership with the University of Canterbury.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Check-in with the Dark Sky Project team in Lake Tekapo, and be transported up to the summit of Mount John, 1029m above Tekapo and overlooking the surrounding mountains and lakes.
Enjoy a mountaintop stargazing experience from the Summit of Mount John. With exclusive access to the summit, your expert astronomy guide will provide an educational and entertaining experience, deep in the heart of the Aoraki McKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the largest Gold standard reserve in the world. Guides will use a combination of naked-eye stargazing with powerful telescopes, all surrounded by the University of Canterbury research centre, an internationally recognised, world class facility.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- A maximum of 22 people per trip time
- If you are booking a time after midnight please double check the date you are booking
- If weather prevents the tour from operating, an alternate indoor experience may be offered as an alternative
- Language - You are required to speak the language of the tour due to Health & Safety purposes, if you cannot speak the language, you will not be allowed to join the tour.
- Not recommended with travelers with mobility issues
Reviews(183)
Great experience with knowledgeable guides
Had an awesome tour at 715pm by chinese guide Andy and Japanese guide Tatsu. Very well narrations and time given was sufficient for pictures taking and stargazing. Slightly disappointed that the moon was quite bright if not, could be a perfect experience. Highly recommended
Very underwhelming if you live in NZ. Way overpriced. Tourist prices!!🙄
This was an awesome experience, cold so wrap up, guide was very knowledgeable in relation to the stars. We had a clear night stars and milky way was outstanding and also had shooting stars and looking through telescopes to see outer stars and planets was awesome
Most importantly, depending on what you want to see, make a booking by checking the Lunar calendar. We went on almost a full moon night and got to see various features of the moon. But a new moon would have been better. Nonetheless, the guides were super informative, we were provided with cold weather jackets as well. We were shown various constellations and got to view star clusters out of 4 different types of telescopes. Overall, I think I’d just want to do the whole experience again on a new moon night.
Due to cloud covering, its not guarenteed that any stars could be seen. Which was what happened to us. But it was good of the supplier to refund half of the ticket costs due to the weather.
Fantastic night with knowledgeable and helpful staff. The combination of Maori culture and astronomy was so very interesting. And we were even given so e help in taking decent photos with our iphones! Thank you to all involved. PS great driver and music tracks on the bus!
This tour is weather dependent. However so long as weather is good, this is an excellent tour. Bring warm clothes but be aware that they will also provide you with heavy jackets
This was an awesome stargazing experience. I got to experience the full glory of the southern hemisphere sky. Our guide expertly tied the constellations to western, Maori AND Chinese cultural traditions. There were also three different telescopes set up for selected observations. Highly recommended!
What an amazing experience seeing the stars and the Milky Way clearly. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic and we had all the time we needed to view stars through the telescopes that were set up, without feeling rushed. Would recommend 100%
