Stargazing Experience at Mt. John Observatory

A guided tour of the cosmos

Begin your celestial adventure by arriving at the Dark Sky Project Base, where you'll be given an Extreme Cold Weather (ECW) jacket to keep you warm in the crisp alpine air. Then, settle in for a 15-minute scenic bus ride to Mt. John Observatory. Over the next two hours, expert astronomy guides will share fascinating insights about stars, solar systems, and constellations.

See the Milky Way and spot constellations

Watch the Magellanic Clouds glow in the inky darkness, visible to the naked eye with the help of pinpoint laser guidance. Then, peer through powerful 16-inch telescopes to get a clear view of the Milky Way or constellations in the Southern Sky. Finally, bid farewell to the night sky and your guides before heading to your next destination—or back to your accommodation, carrying with you the magic of the cosmos.

Stargazing Experience at Mt. John Observatory

Discover the cosmos on this 2-hour guided stargazing tour that includes round-trip transfers from Dark Sky Project Base to Mt. John Observatory, located in Lake Tekapo’s rugged alpine landscapes. Your journey begins with a scenic drive through over 10,000 acres of pristine wilderness, winding past picturesque lakes and snow-capped mountains. The observatory itself is nestled at an elevation of 3594 feet above sea level, providing unparalleled views of the night sky. Mt. John Observatory, established in 1967, houses New Zealand’s largest optical telescope, the MOA Telescope, which has a diameter of 2 meters and is used for detecting planets outside our solar system. Guests can use high-powered 16-inch telescopes to observe Jupiter and Saturn up close, as well as pick out stars with hand-held laser pointers. The observatory offers guided tours led by expert astronomers who share the secrets behind constellations, planets, and deep-space phenomena, making it a unique destination for astronomy enthusiasts from around the world.

Explore Dark Sky Project Base

Your tour stops at Dark Sky Project Base where you can learn about the conservation efforts that have been ongoing since 1981 to protect the natural darkness of Lake Tekapo’s skies. The base covers an area of approximately 4,000 acres and includes several educational exhibits showcasing the impact of light pollution on wildlife and human health. Visitors spend around one hour here before heading up to Mt. John Observatory for their stargazing experience. With its state-of-the-art telescopes and knowledgeable guides, Dark Sky Project Base offers a comprehensive understanding of why preserving dark skies is crucial for both scientific research and environmental conservation.

Tour Highlights

• Gaze at the cosmos on a 2-hour stargazing tour with expert astronomers
• Round-trip transfers between Dark Sky Project Base and Mt. John Observatory
• Use high-powered 16-inch telescopes to look at Jupiter and Saturn
• Pick out stars with hand-held laser pointers
• Listen to astronomy guides share secrets behind constellations, planets, deep-space phenomena
• Experience New Zealand’s largest optical telescope used for detecting exoplanets

Perfect for astronomy enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers, this guided tour provides an immersive experience of the night sky through expert-led stargazing sessions. The 2-hour format allows you to explore Dark Sky Project Base, use high-powered telescopes at Mt. John Observatory, and learn about light pollution conservation efforts in Lake Tekapo, giving you a comprehensive understanding of astronomy while enjoying the beauty of New Zealand’s dark skies.