Stargazing Experience at Cowan's Private Observatory
The ultimate stargazing experience. Enjoy maximum time under the stars whilst enhancing your knowledge of the Southern skies at our private observatory.
Designed specifically with stargazing in mind, Cowan’s Observatory is the perfect introductory stargazing experience. Over 75 minutes, you'll explore the stars with both the naked eye and powerful telescopes.
Every night offers a new spectacle. From the Milky Way to distant galaxies beyond, our guides use handheld lasers to show you the best of the evolving night sky. They'll help you discover the stars and planets, and understand what it all means.
Nestled in a giant purpose-built crater to provide maximum wind protection and minimum light pollution, our expert astronomy guides will enhance your knowledge and understanding of our Southern Skies as you admire and ponder the possibilities through our powerful optical telescopes.
Options
Crater Experience - English
What's included in Stargazing Experience at Cowan's Private Observatory
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Dark Sky Project
Check-in with the team at the Dark Sky Project base in Lake Tekapo, and from there we will transport you to the Cowan's Private Observatory, just 5 minutes drive in our shuttle. From Cowan's Observatory, you will be sheltered from any wind and light pollution, in our purpose built Craters. This is a fantastic introduction to stargazing, making it suitable for everyone, including families and younger children.
Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
Enjoy a stargazing experience within the largest Gold Standard International Dark Sky Reserve. The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is one of the best places to stargaze in the world. It is listed as Gold Standard, meaning it has some of the biggest, darkest and clearest skies, making the stars and the milky way clearer than anywhere else in the world. From Cowan's Private Observatory, you will enjoy learning from your expert astronomy guide, who will educate and entertain using a mixture of handheld lasers and powerful telecopes. The Observatory is sheltered from any wind or light pollution, so you can stargaze in comfort, year-round.
Inclusions
- Stargazing is within secluded, private craters, sheltered from wind and light
- Return transport to the stargazing location from the Dark Sky base
- Private facility with powerful telescopic viewing technologies
- Discover the dark skies of the largest International Gold Standard Dark Sky Reserve
- Explore the endless Southern skies, observe planets, galaxies, and the depths of the Milky Way
- Expert astronomy guides who will tailor your experience according to what is visible on that night
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum age is 5 years
- Dress warm all year round
- 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
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Dark Sky Project
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Contact us on the same day of the booking to confirm departure time. Check in 20 minutes prior to the tour start time. If you are booking a time after midnight please double check the date you are booking.
