Mountaintop Stargazing at Mt John Observatory, Lake Tekapo
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.
Options
Summit Experience - English
English Tour
What's included in Mountaintop Stargazing at Mt John Observatory, Lake Tekapo
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Dark Sky Project
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
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.
Inclusions
- ECW (Extreme Cold Weather) jackets provided for warmth and comfort
- Expert astronomy guides share their intimate knowledge of the Southern skies
- Exclusive access to Mount John's 1,029 metre peak
- View the night sky with the naked eye (guided by the handheld lasers of guides)
- Look through our powerful telescopes, and through our Mount John Observatory dome
- Return transport from Tekapo to the summit of Mount John
- New Zealand’s premier mountaintop astronomy experience
- Dinner
- Snacks
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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
- Not recommended with travelers with mobility issues
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Dark Sky Project
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
If you are booking a time after midnight please double check the date you are booking.
