Dark Sky Stargazing Tour in Akaroa with Astrophotography

Escape city lights for a small-group stargazing experience in Akaroa, led by an expert astronomer. Explore the night sky with a 10-inch Dobsonian telescope for visual observations and a ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope for live astrophotography.

• Keep digital images of deep-sky objects captured during your tour
• Settle into outdoor seating with cozy blankets and a hot drink

Itinerary

1. Meet at Akaroa Heritage Park's car park, a 7-minute drive from Akaroa township or a 90-minute scenic drive from Christchurch International Airport. Drive yourself; transport is not included. Departure times are 00:00, 00:30, 19:30, 20:00, 20:30, 21:00, 21:30, 22:00, 22:30, 23:00, and 23:30.
2. Begin with 35 minutes of guided naked-eye stargazing.
3. Explore the deep sky with two telescopes during 45 minutes of guided observations, including live astrophotography with a smart telescope.
4. Spend 10 minutes having your souvenir picture taken under the southern night skies.
5. Finish at Akaroa Heritage Park's car park. Depending on your departure time, return times are 00:00, 00:30, 01:00, 01:30, 02:00, 21:00, 21:30, 22:00, 22:30, 23:00, and 23:30.

What's Included

• English-speaking guide
• Access to two telescopes
• Outdoor seating and blankets
• Hot water and a selection of hot drinks
• Live astrophotography images
• Personalized digital photo under the night sky, sent the next day

Important details

• All ages are welcome. Children aged 0–4 join free; ages 16+ use the adult rate.
• If you appear intoxicated, you may be refused participation without a refund.
• Arrive 10 minutes before departure. Late arrivals and no-shows are not refunded.