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Tekapo: Mt. John Observatory Guided Stargazing Experience
- Duration1 hour 45 min
- GroupShared · max 30
- TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
- LanguagesCMN, Japanese, English
- BookingInstant confirmation
About this activity
Our most popular astronomy experience at the world-renowned astronomical research centre. Prepare for an awe-inspiring evening of discovery.
Immerse yourself in the stunning surrounds, pristine night skies and sophisticated viewing technologies as our expert guides share the science and stories of our Southern Skies.
High atop Mount John’s 1,029 metre peak, you'll be at the heart of the Southern Hemisphere's largest International Dark Sky Reserve. Every night sky reveals something new. The incredible Milky Way. Far-off planets. Star clusters, solar systems, constellations. You might even glimpse a distant galaxy.
Don't miss New Zealand's premier stargazing experience. Exclusive to Dark Sky Project, the Summit Experience at Mt John Observatory is in partnership with the University of Canterbury.
What to expect
Dark Sky Project
1 Motuariki Lane, Lake Tekapo, 7999, New Zealand
Check-in with the Dark Sky Project team in Lake Tekapo, and be transported up to the summit of Mount John, 1029m above Tekapo and overlooking the surrounding mountains and lakes.
University of Canterbury Mt. John Observatory
422 Godley Peaks Road, Lake Tekapo, 7999, New Zealand
Enjoy a mountaintop stargazing experience from the Summit of Mount John. With exclusive access to the summit, your expert astronomy guide will provide an educational and entertaining experience, deep in the heart of the Aoraki McKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the largest Gold standard reserve in the world. Guides will use a combination of naked-eye stargazing with powerful telescopes, all surrounded by the University of Canterbury research centre, an internationally recognised, world class facility.
Pickup & meeting point
There is no pickup — all travellers meet at the start point.
Start
Dark Sky Project
End / drop-off
This activity ends back at the starting point.
Dark Sky Project
Redemption
Check-in 15 minutes before tour time at Dark Sky Project base. If you are booking a time after midnight please double check the date you are booking.
What's included
Included
- Return transport from Tekapo township
- Telescope viewing through advanced observatory equipment
- Guided naked-eye stargazing with laser pointers
- Exclusive access to Mount John Observatory summit
- Expert astronomy guides (English & Mandarin)
- Extreme Cold Weather jackets provided
Not included
- Meals and snacks
- Hotel pickup/drop-off
Good to know
Accessibility & suitability
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended with travelers with mobility issues
Traveller requirements
- Minimum 1 traveller per booking
- Maximum 10 travellers per booking
- At least one adult must be included in the booking
- Age bands: Child (10–17), Adult (18–99)
Additional information
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- A maximum of 22 people per trip time
- If you are booking a time after midnight please double check the date you are booking
- If weather prevents the tour from operating, an alternate indoor experience may be offered as an alternative
- Language - You are required to speak the language of the tour due to Health & Safety purposes, if you cannot speak the language, you will not be allowed to join the tour.
Languages
- Guide
- CMN, Japanese, English
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 1+ days before100% refund
- 0–1 days before0% refund
- This experience requires good weather. If it's cancelled due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Important booking information
- Booking cut-off
- Bookings close 10 hours before the activity starts.
- Confirmation
- Confirmed immediately after booking.
- Tickets
- One per booking
- Local time zone
- Pacific/Auckland
- Product code
- 105977P1
What you'll be asked when booking
- Age of each traveller
- First name of each traveller
- Last name of each traveller
- Any special requirements
Traveller reviews
4.3/ 5195 reviews
Ratings aggregated from Viator (23) and Tripadvisor (172).
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Ready to book Tekapo: Mt. John Observatory Guided Stargazing Experience?
From NZD 245.13 per person · Free cancellation available
Activity information provided by Viator, an authorized travel partner. Gateera does not operate this activity.