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A group of people in red jackets observing the night sky with a telescope and a green laser beam. 1
A starry night sky with a group of people gathered around a tent. 2
A starry night sky with the Milky Way visible, silhouettes of three people observing it. 3
A silhouette of a person with a green laser pointer against a starry night sky. 4
A starry night sky with a green laser beam, a dome-shaped structure, and a group of people gathered around a campfire. 5
By Dark Sky Project

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
Free cancellation available
Price is P 4,634 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 1h 15m
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Multiple languages

Overview

    • Stargaze from purpose-built observation craters designed for optimal viewing
    • Explore one of the world’s largest Dark Sky Reserves
    • Guided by expert astronomy guides and storytellers
    • View planets, galaxies, and star clusters through powerful telescopes
    • Relaxed and accessible stargazing experience, ideal for all levels

Activity location

    • Tekapo Lake
    • Lake Tekapo, Canterbury, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

    • 1 Motuariki Lane, Canterbury 7999, New Zealand | Dark Sky Project - Booking Office. 1 Motuariki Lane, Lake Tekapo 7999 (If you are booking a time after midnight please double check the date you are booking)
    • Lake Tekapo, Canterbury, New Zealand

Check availability

Stargazing Experience - Japanese Guide

  • Activity duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes1h 15m
    1h 15m
  • Japanese

This tour is led by a Japanese speaking guide.

Language options: Japanese
Starting time: 20:30
Price details
P 4,633.86 x 1 AdultP 4,633.86
Total
Price is P 4,633.86
Until Sun, Aug 9

Stargazing Experience - Mandarin Guide

  • Activity duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes1h 15m
    1h 15m
  • Chinese

This tour is led by a Mandarin speaking guide.

Language options: Chinese
Starting time: 20:30
Price details
P 4,633.86 x 1 AdultP 4,633.86
Total
Price is P 4,633.86
Until Sun, Aug 9

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    Guided stargazing experience at Cowan’s Private Observatory (approx. 75 minutes)
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Access to purpose-built observation craters for optimal viewing conditions
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Expert astronomy guide and commentary
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Return transport between Dark Sky Project base and observatory
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Food or drink
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Hotel pickup

Know before you book

  • Not allowed: Flash photography
  • Not suitable for: Children under 5 years

What you can expect

Discover the Southern skies from a unique setting at Cowan’s Private Observatory, located in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best stargazing locations on Earth.

This guided experience takes place within purpose-built observation craters, designed to protect you from wind and light pollution, creating clear and comfortable viewing conditions.

Begin your journey under the stars with the naked eye, as expert astronomy guides use handheld lasers to point out constellations, planets, and celestial features. Then, take a closer look through powerful telescopes to explore distant galaxies, star clusters, and the Milky Way.

With its smaller group setting and relaxed pace, the Crater Experience offers an accessible and engaging introduction to stargazing, perfect for first-time visitors, families, or anyone looking to enjoy the night sky in comfort.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    • Tekapo Lake
    • Lake Tekapo, Canterbury, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • 1 Motuariki Lane, Canterbury 7999, New Zealand | Dark Sky Project - Booking Office. 1 Motuariki Lane, Lake Tekapo 7999 (If you are booking a time after midnight please double check the date you are booking)
    • Lake Tekapo, Canterbury, New Zealand