Crater Stargazing Experience at Cowan’s Observatory

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.

Crater Stargazing Experience at Cowan’s Observatory

Discover the Crater Stargazing Experience at Cowan's Observatory, a guided tour that includes round-trip transfers to the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, one of the largest dark sky reserves in the world. This experience takes place under the vast starry skies of the Mackenzie Basin and offers a unique opportunity to explore celestial wonders with an astronomy guide using powerful telescopes. The observatory is equipped with 14-inch telescopes and handheld laser pointers, ensuring that you can spot iconic constellations, distant nebulae, and elusive celestial bodies. This tour covers over 200 square miles of the Mackenzie Basin, providing a comprehensive view of the Southern night sky. It is available in both English and Maori audio languages, with wheelchair access at the observatory for all guests. The tour lasts approximately three hours, including a detailed stargazing session under the guidance of experienced astronomers who will share fascinating insights and captivating stories about the cosmos.

Explore Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve

Your tour stops at the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve where you can marvel at the pristine night skies, free from light pollution. Established in 2012, this reserve covers an area of over 4,300 square kilometers, making it one of the largest dark sky reserves globally. Here, visitors can observe celestial phenomena like the Milky Way and various constellations with ease due to its minimal artificial lighting. Guests spend about two hours at the observatory learning how to identify stars and planets using telescopes and laser pointers. The reserve's unique location ensures an unparalleled stargazing experience that is unmatched in other regions. It matters greatly to this tour as it provides a perfect setting for astrophotography and deep-sky observations.

Experience Cowan’s Private Observatory

Your tour takes you to Cowan’s Private Observatory, where guests can relax under the stars while enjoying detailed stargazing sessions. The observatory features 14-inch telescopes that provide a clear view of distant galaxies and nebulae. Built in 2017, this facility offers visitors an immersive experience with state-of-the-art equipment and knowledgeable guides who share insights into celestial objects visible from the Southern Hemisphere. Visitors typically spend around one hour at the observatory, engaging in hands-on activities like using telescopes to spot planets and stars. The observatory's location within the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve ensures that light pollution is minimal, making it ideal for astrophotography enthusiasts.

Learn from Seasoned Astronomy Guides

Your tour includes time spent with seasoned astronomy guides at Cowan’s Private Observatory who offer fascinating insights and captivating stories about the cosmos. These experts use handheld laser pointers to help guests spot iconic constellations, distant nebulae, and elusive celestial bodies in the night sky. The tours are conducted in English and Maori, ensuring that all visitors can understand and appreciate the astronomical phenomena observed during the stargazing sessions. With an average duration of three hours, this experience allows for a comprehensive exploration of the Southern night sky, including views of the Milky Way and other celestial wonders.

Tour Highlights

• Stargazing journey at Cowan’s Observatory
• Round-trip transfers to Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve
• Astronomy guide in English and Maori languages
• Powerful telescopes with 14-inch aperture at the observatory
• Laser pointers for spotting celestial objects
• Uninterrupted views of the Southern night sky
• Wheelchair access at Cowan’s Private Observatory
• Detailed insights into iconic constellations

Perfect for astronomy enthusiasts, stargazers, and nature lovers, this guided tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the cosmos through detailed observations with powerful telescopes. The three-hour format allows you to engage in hands-on activities like using telescopes and laser pointers at Cowan’s Observatory, marveling at iconic constellations and distant nebulae in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, and enjoying uninterrupted views of the Southern night sky. This experience offers an unparalleled glimpse into the wonders of the universe while providing a seamless and unforgettable stargazing adventure.