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

Tekapo
Guided Tours
Google Verified Seller

Duration: 1.5 hours (approx.)

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

Dive into an excellent stargazing journey at Cowan’s Observatory in Tekapo, New Zealand. This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the Southern skies within secluded craters that protect you from wind and light pollution. Over 75 minutes, your expert guide will illuminate the cosmos with handheld lasers and powerful telescopes, enhancing your celestial experience.

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

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

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.

Person observing through telescope at The Crater Stargazing Experience.

Person observing through telescope at The Crater Stargazing Experience.

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

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

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

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

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

Guide using laser pointer at The Crater Stargazing Experience.

Guide using laser pointer at The Crater Stargazing Experience.

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Operating hours

Dark Sky Project

Monday
9:00am - 10:00pm
Tuesday
9:00am - 10:00pm
Wednesday
9:00am - 10:00pm
Thursday
9:00am - 10:00pm
Friday
9:00am - 10:00pm
Saturday
9:00am - 10:00pm
Sunday
9:00am - 10:00pm
  • Timings are displayed in the venue's time zone.

By proceeding with any booking via Staybook, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to all the .

FAQs

Highlights include discovering celestial wonders in Mackenzie Basin's secluded craters, learning about constellations and galaxies using telescopes and lasers, and enjoying round-trip transfers for convenience.
The stargazing experience lasts for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The experience is wheelchair-accessible; however, guests will need to follow a specific route with the bus.
You are advised to wear thermal clothing, long pants, and sturdy footwear suitable for walking on uneven terrain with minimal lighting.
Flash photography is prohibited inside the observatory venue.
Yes, round-trip transfers from the Dark Sky Project base to Cowan’s Private Observatory are included in your experience.
An expert astronomy guide will lead you through a personal tour, offering insights and stories about constellations, nebulae, galaxies, and other celestial bodies.
This experience takes place in Tekapo, New Zealand, specifically at Cowan’s Observatory located within the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve.
During your visit, you'll have access to powerful 14-inch telescopes and handheld laser pointers to explore celestial bodies.
Guests under the age of 5 years are not permitted to participate in this experience.

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