Crater Observatory Stargazing Tour in Lake Tekapo

Discover the night sky on a shared introduction to astronomy at Cowan’s Private Observatory. The purpose-built crater shelters you from wind and light pollution, while laser-guided naked-eye stargazing helps you find your bearings overhead. Depending on what’s visible that night, explore features such as planets, star clusters, distant galaxies, and the Milky Way.

• Look deeper into the night sky through optical telescopes up to 14 inches in diameter
• Explore astronomy with guidance in English, Chinese, or Japanese, depending on your option

Itinerary

1. Meet at Dark Sky Project Base on the Takapō (Tekapo) lakefront.
2. Stargaze at Cowan’s Private Observatory.
3. Return to Dark Sky Project Base at 23:00.

What's Included

• Astronomy guide in your option’s language
• Use of optical telescopes
• Round-trip transfers between Dark Sky Project Base and Cowan’s Private Observatory

Important details

• Ages 5+ only. Children aged 5–17 require a paying adult, with at least one supervising adult for every two children.
• Sufficient understanding of your tour’s language to follow safety instructions is required. You cannot join if you cannot speak that language.
• This activity is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.
• Photography fees are not included in the listed price.
• Your actual start time is assigned before the tour and depends on weather and sunset.