Dark Sky Project Lake Tekapo Crater Stargazing Experience | New Zealand
- Stargaze in exclusive observation craters, free from wind and light pollution in the puposed-built observation crater
- Enjoy a 75-minute personalized tour of the night sky
- Use powerful telescopes to explore celestial wonders
- Learn about the universe with expert guides pointing out key features
- Discover the evolving night sky, including the Milky Way and distant galaxies
Options
[English Guide] Stargazing at The Crater Experience
Inclusions
Stargazing by using 14” telescopes, or observatory dome, and with the naked eye
English-speaking guides with expert knowledge in astrology and the night sky
Exclusions
Personal expenses
Other expenses not mentioned above
Insurance
What's included in Dark Sky Project Lake Tekapo Crater Stargazing Experience | New Zealand
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Check in at Dark Sky Project base 20 minutes prior to tour departure
Please layer warm clothing ahead of your tour
5-minute drive to Cowan’s Private Observatory
Discover the cosmos as you stargaze with the naked eye (guided by lasers), 14” telescopes, and through our observatory dome
Transport back to Base at Dark Sky Project
— What You Can Expect —
Experience the magic of the night sky with the Crater Experience in Lake Takapō (Tekapo), New Zealand, set in the enchanting Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
This exclusive stargazing adventure takes place in specially designed observation craters, providing a sheltered environment free from wind and light pollution. Over the course of 75 minutes, guests are guided through the cosmos, exploring celestial wonders with both the naked eye and powerful telescopes. The knowledgeable guides illuminate the mysteries of the universe, using handheld lasers to highlight key features, from the stunning Milky Way to distant galaxies.
Each night reveals new cosmic spectacles, offering an intimate and personalized tour of the stars. This unique experience not only enhances your understanding of the universe but also creates lasting memories under the expansive southern skies, making it a must-do for anyone looking to connect with the wonders of the cosmos.
Inclusions
- Please arrive at the designated location 20 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
- Guests are not eligible for refunds or other compensation if they are late for check-in and miss their experience departure. Guests who wish to rebook their experience must pay the full cost of the new booking. All experiences are subject to availability
- 5 minutes prior to tour departure any guests who have not checked in will be considered “no shows” and their tickets will be released to the public for sale
- Dark Sky Project is unable to guarantee full clarity, ideal skies, or visibility of certain objects on its outdoor experiences. Both of our stargazing tours, the Summit Experience and the Crater Experience are weather-dependent. In the event, that guide determines no stargazing is possible due to inclement weather conditions, customers are offered refund or open ticket options
- Dark Sky Project reserves the right to refuse guests participation in tours should they not meet the health and safety, or operational requirements set out below. In such circumstances guests are not eligible for a refund
- All children must be actively supervised by a parent or guardian to ensure minimal disruption to other guests. A minimum ratio of 1 adult to two children is required. The Summit Experience is restricted to children 10 years and over. The Crater Experience is restricted to children 5 years and over
Meet
Venues
- Dark Sky Project
Meeting / End Points
- Dark Sky Project
Policies
Purchase Summary
- For departures around midnight, please ensure to check the date and time on the voucher before departure. For example, if the departure is on January 2nd at 12:15 AM, this is 15 minutes past midnight on January 2nd, and the supplier may request guests to check in 20 minutes prior to departure, which would be at 11:55 PM on January 1st as check-in time
- 5 minutes prior to tour departure any guests who have not checked in will be considered “no shows” and their tickets will be released to the public for sale with no refund
- Stargazing with telescopes / Indoors in case of bad weather
- For best experience, please avoid any clothing with lights or bright flashes
- For safety reasons, you are not permitted to drive up Mt John or to Cowan's Observatory in the evening
- To minimize light pollution, guests are prohibited from using, or bringing, any white lights, including but not limited to LCD screens, flash photography, illuminated mobile phones, flashlights, torches, light up shoes etc
- For more FAQs, please refer to here
- Detailed T&C can be refereed here
— What to Wear —
- Summer (November - March):thermal wear, long pants, socks, sneakers, jersey, jacket and hat
- Winter (April - October): thermal wear, warm long pants, woollen socks, hiking boots or sturdy footwear that covers the ankle, jersey, snow jacket, gloves, scarf and hat
