Tourists stargazing with a telescope at The Crater under a starry sky.
Person observing through telescope at The Crater Stargazing Experience.
Tourists stargazing at The Crater under a starry sky with telescope.
Nighttime stargazing at The Crater Observatory with telescopes and a starry sky.
Silhouettes of guests stargazing at The Crater under a starry night sky.
Guide using laser pointer at The Crater Stargazing Experience.
Person setting up a telescope under a starry sky at The Crater Stargazing Experience.

Crater Stargazing Experience at Cowan’s Observatory

Tekapo
Guided Tours
Google Verified Seller
Duration

Duration: 1.3 hours

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Transfers included
Transfers included
Guided tour

Expert local tour guide

Get your booking confirmed instantly

Explore the cosmos on a 1.15-hour crater stargazing tour at Cowan’s Observatory with an expert astronomy guide and hassle-free round-trip transfers.

Go on a stargazing journey in the Mackenzie Basin, discovering hidden celestial wonders with an astronomy guide and telescopes at Cowan’s Observatory.

Relax under the stars with round-trip transfers to Cowan’s Private Observatory, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable stargazing adventure.

Learn to spot iconic constellations, distant nebulae, and elusive celestial bodies with 14-inch powerful telescopes and handheld laser pointers at the observatory.

Let your seasoned astronomy guide offer fascinating insights and captivating stories about the cosmos as you stargaze at the Southern night sky.

Did you know? Cowan Observatory is located in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, the world’s largest dark sky reserve.

1.15-hour stargazing experience at Cowan’s Private Observatory

Expert astronomy guide

Round-trip transfers from Cowan’s Private Observatory

Your experience image 1

Tourists stargazing with a telescope at The Crater under a starry sky.

Step into the heart of the Southern skies

Experience the stars like never before at Cowan’s Observatory. Your journey begins at the Dark Sky Project base, where you’ll check in 20 minutes before your tour. Once you're prepared, a short 5-minute drive will take you to the observatory, where you will stargaze within secluded observation craters, sheltered from the wind and light pollution. 

A personal tour of the cosmos

Over the next 75 minutes, your expert astronomy guide will lead you through the wonders of the night sky. With the help of handheld lasers and powerful 14-inch telescopes, you’ll explore the stars, planets, and distant galaxies. Your guide will help you understand the cosmic wonders around you, making the stars feel closer than ever. After your unforgettable adventure, you’ll return to the Dark Sky Project base with memories of the stars to last a lifetime.

Your experience image 2

Person observing through telescope at The Crater Stargazing Experience.

Your experience image 3

Tourists stargazing at The Crater under a starry sky with telescope.

Know before you go image 1

Nighttime stargazing at The Crater Observatory with telescopes and a starry sky.

What to bring

  • Wear thermal wear, long pants, and strong, sturdy footwear suitable for walking on uneven terrain with minimal lighting.

What’s not allowed

  • Glowing, flashing, or light-up shoes or clothing are not allowed.

  • Flash photography is a no-go inside the venue.

  • This experience is restricted for guests under the age of 5 years.

Accessibility

  • The experience is wheelchair-accessible. However, guests will need to follow the bus in their private vehicle to reach the site.
Know before you go image 2

Silhouettes of guests stargazing at The Crater under a starry night sky.

Know before you go image 3

Guide using laser pointer at The Crater Stargazing Experience.

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