Dark Sky Reserve Stargazing Tour with Telescopes in Twizel

Join a shared, guided stargazing experience in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, where minimal light pollution makes the night sky the focus. Discover how astronomy and Māori mythology offer different ways of understanding the stars above you.

Itinerary

1. Meet your shuttle at the Twizel Stargazing footpath signboard by the entrance to Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel. Departure times are 20:45, 21:00, 21:15, 21:30, 21:45, 22:00, 22:15, 22:30, and 22:45.
2. Explore the night sky through an advanced telescope during a 1-hour 15-minute guided Twizel Stargazing tour. Discover the Milky Way, galaxies, and star clusters, and hear the stories behind the stars and constellations.
3. Return to Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel. Return times vary by departure and itinerary duration, with options at 01:10, 22:10, 22:25, 22:40, 22:55, 23:10, 23:25, 23:40, and 23:55.

What's Included

• Admission to the Twizel Stargazing Experience
• English-speaking guide
• Insurance provided by the operator

Important details

• Children aged 0–15 require a paying adult companion. Child tickets cover ages 3–15. Infants under 3 can join selected early departures free of charge.
• This activity is not recommended if you have a disability.
• Child seats are not available.
• Entry is refused if you appear intoxicated, with no refund.
• Do not wear light-up or flashing shoes. These are prohibited, and entry will be refused without a refund.
• If you bring an infant, prevent disruption to the group during the late-evening tour.
• The start time may be delayed if the weather is expected to clear later in the night.
• Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Late arrivals cannot join a later departure and receive no refund.