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Book Lake Tekapo Stargazing Tours

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.

























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.
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.
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.
Guided Tours

Crater Stargazing Experience at Cowan’s Observatory

from
NZ$129
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change

1 hr 15 min
Transfers included

Discover the stars from an exclusive crater with an astronomy guide and telescopes in a dark sky reserve.

  • Stargaze from an observation crater at Cowan’s Observatory, free from wind and light pollution, with an astronomy guide who brings the night sky to life.
  • With easy round-trip transfers to Cowan’s Private Observatory, enjoy a stress-free and unforgettable stargazing adventure. 
  • From the Milky Way to distant galaxies, watch the night sky come to life with handheld-laser pointers.
  • Peer into the heavens with high-powered telescopes, uncovering stars, planets, and cosmic wonders in crisp, clear detail.
  • Explore the universe with a seasoned astronomy guide who will share fascinating cosmic insights as you uncover the wonders of the night sky.

Discover the stars from an exclusive crater with an astronomy guide and telescopes in a dark sky reserve.

  • Stargaze from an observation crater at Cowan’s Observatory, free from wind and light pollution, with an astronomy guide who brings the night sky to life.
  • With easy round-trip transfers to Cowan’s Private Observatory, enjoy a stress-free and unforgettable stargazing adventure. 
  • From the Milky Way to distant galaxies, watch the night sky come to life with handheld-laser pointers.
  • Peer into the heavens with high-powered telescopes, uncovering stars, planets, and cosmic wonders in crisp, clear detail.
  • Explore the universe with a seasoned astronomy guide who will share fascinating cosmic insights as you uncover the wonders of the night sky.

Inclusions

  • 1.15-hour stargazing experience at Cowan’s Private Observatory
  • Expert astronomy guide 
  • Round-trip transfers from Cowan’s Private Observatory
  • Tip: Keep an eye out for constellations such as the Maui’s Fish Hook and the Orion.
  • This experience is restricted for guests under the age of 5 years.
  • The experience is wheelchair-accessible. However, guests will need to follow the bus in their private vehicle to reach the site.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Tourists watching a starry sky presentation at Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience.
Audience enjoying the Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience.
Guests examining telescope at Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience.
Children exploring solar system display at Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience.
Group exploring star map at Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience.
Exterior view of Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience at sunset.
Tourists watching a starry sky presentation at Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience.
Audience enjoying the Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience.
Guests examining telescope at Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience.
Children exploring solar system display at Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience.
Group exploring star map at Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience.
Exterior view of Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience at sunset.
Tourists watching a starry sky presentation at Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience.
Audience enjoying the Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience.
Guests examining telescope at Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience.
Children exploring solar system display at Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience.
Group exploring star map at Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience.
Exterior view of Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience at sunset.
Guided Tours

Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience

from
NZ$59
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change

1 hr

Māori traditions meet modern astronomy in a one-of-a-kind immersive, indoor experience.

  • Best for astronomy and cultural enthusiasts to experience a 45‑minute guided tour that melds ancient Māori astronomical wisdom with modern science—unveiling navigational techniques like the “star compass.”
  • Book this if you want to enjoy a journey through dynamic multimedia installations, theatrical lighting, and immersive soundscapes across 4 distinct zones—all set in one of the darkest, least light‑polluted skies.
  • Everything you'll get: A guided exploration of traditional lore and modern stargazing, a custom‑built planetarium, and a modernized kāpehu whetū that challenges you to master the positions of over 220 stars.
  • Make the most of this unique tour weaving together Tātai arorangi, cutting‑edge science, and engaging storytelling for a once‑in‑a‑lifetime cosmic adventure.

Māori traditions meet modern astronomy in a one-of-a-kind immersive, indoor experience.

  • Best for astronomy and cultural enthusiasts to experience a 45‑minute guided tour that melds ancient Māori astronomical wisdom with modern science—unveiling navigational techniques like the “star compass.”
  • Book this if you want to enjoy a journey through dynamic multimedia installations, theatrical lighting, and immersive soundscapes across 4 distinct zones—all set in one of the darkest, least light‑polluted skies.
  • Everything you'll get: A guided exploration of traditional lore and modern stargazing, a custom‑built planetarium, and a modernized kāpehu whetū that challenges you to master the positions of over 220 stars.
  • Make the most of this unique tour weaving together Tātai arorangi, cutting‑edge science, and engaging storytelling for a once‑in‑a‑lifetime cosmic adventure.

Inclusions

  • 45-minute guided Dark Sky experience
  • Entry to Dark Sky Project Base
  • English/Mandarin-speaking guides

What to bring

  • Summer (November to March): thermal wear, long pants, socks, sneakers, jersey, jacket and hat.
  • Winter (April to October): thermal wear, warm long pants, woolen socks, hiking boots or sturdy footwear that covers the ankle, jersey, snow jacket, gloves, scarf and hat.

What's not allowed

  • Flash photography is strictly prohibited at the venue.
  • No glowing, flashing or light up shoes or clothing are permitted.

Accessibility

  • This experience is accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Stargazing group at Mt. John Observatory under a starry sky.
Stargazing at Mt. John Observatory under a starry sky, New Zealand.
Mt. John Observatory domes under starry sky, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand.
Mt. John Observatory under starry sky during stargazing experience in New Zealand.
Stargazing at Mt. John Observatory under a star-filled sky.
Stargazing at Mt. John Observatory under a starry sky with visible Milky Way.
Stargazing group at Mt. John Observatory under a starry sky.
Stargazing at Mt. John Observatory under a starry sky, New Zealand.
Mt. John Observatory domes under starry sky, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand.
Mt. John Observatory under starry sky during stargazing experience in New Zealand.
Stargazing at Mt. John Observatory under a star-filled sky.
Stargazing at Mt. John Observatory under a starry sky with visible Milky Way.
Stargazing group at Mt. John Observatory under a starry sky.
Stargazing at Mt. John Observatory under a starry sky, New Zealand.
Mt. John Observatory domes under starry sky, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand.
Mt. John Observatory under starry sky during stargazing experience in New Zealand.
Stargazing at Mt. John Observatory under a star-filled sky.
Stargazing at Mt. John Observatory under a starry sky with visible Milky Way.
Guided Tours

Stargazing Experience at Mt. John Observatory

from
NZ$209
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change

2 hr
Transfers included

Exclusive stargazing with high-powered telescopes and an expert astronomy guide at Mt. John Observatory. 

  • Get round-trip transfers to Mt. John Observatory and spend two hours stargazing with help from an astronomy guide, and state-of-the-art telescopes.
  • Let your expert astronomy guide unveil the stories and science behind constellations, planets, and distant galaxies.
  • Relax with easy round-trip transfers between Dark Sky Project Base and Mt. John Observatory that takes you through breathtaking mountain landscapes under starlit skies.
  • Use high-powered laser pointers to see the stars with the naked eye and peer through 16-inch telescopes to observe the brilliance of Alpha Centauri and a glowing nebula.

Exclusive stargazing with high-powered telescopes and an expert astronomy guide at Mt. John Observatory. 

  • Get round-trip transfers to Mt. John Observatory and spend two hours stargazing with help from an astronomy guide, and state-of-the-art telescopes.
  • Let your expert astronomy guide unveil the stories and science behind constellations, planets, and distant galaxies.
  • Relax with easy round-trip transfers between Dark Sky Project Base and Mt. John Observatory that takes you through breathtaking mountain landscapes under starlit skies.
  • Use high-powered laser pointers to see the stars with the naked eye and peer through 16-inch telescopes to observe the brilliance of Alpha Centauri and a glowing nebula.

Inclusions

  • 2-hour stargazing experience at Mt. John Observatory
  • Expert astronomy guide
  • Round-trip transfers from Mt. John Observatory
  • Tip: Keep an eye out for constellations such as the Maui’s Fish Hook and the Orion.
  • This experience is restricted for guests under the age of 10 years.
  • This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
  • Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
  • This tour includes a comfortable bus journey to and from Mt. John Observatory.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
TekapoLake Tekapo Stargazing