Located in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, Twizel offers some of the clearest and darkest skies in the world.
Immerse yourself in the wonder of the night sky with the exclusive Twizel Stargazing Experience. The team is part of Silver River Stargazing located in Lake Tekapo and has over six years of experience running various stargazing tours.
This convenient Twizel location means you can relax and fully enjoy the stargazing experience without the extra travel time to Lake Tekapo.
Pūkaki Observatory and Wine Cellar is located at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat at Lake Pūkaki. Located in the heart of the gold status Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the observatory is set in a rural location with absolutely no light pollution.
You are invited to take a tour of the universe using the latest technology for star gazing and astrophotography. Designed as a personalized small group viewing experience, the dark sky becomes yours to explore.
Starting in the wine cellar you will be treated to a tot of whisky from the carefully curated collection or a glass of wine from...
The darkness of the night sky around Aoraki/Mount Cook is unbeatable – it’s official! Let the team at Big Sky Stargazing introduce you to the wonders above. The 4367sq km Gold Status Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is the largest in the world and for this tour, you will be the centre of it all.
Their experienced guides will introduce you to the beautiful southern night sky with a full hour tour using the naked eye, astro-binoculars and state of the art 14″ and 11″ astronomy telescopes. Unleash your imagination as you discover our neighbourhood in the universe including the Southern...
Silver River™ Stargazing is Tekapo’s leading small group 360° stargazing tour. Are you ready to have your mind blown? Don’t say they didn’t warn you! Come and discover the wonders of the night sky on their 1.5-hour experience; including 60 mins under the stars with one of their epic guides. They use telescopes and special astro-lasers for easy naked-eye viewing. After they take you on a journey through the night sky, pose for a photo. You get a digital copy of that image so you can share with your family and friends, and of course on social media.
Astrophotography Tours
Are you looking for Tekapo’s...
Wonder at the dazzling beauty of millions of stars in some of the clearest, darkest night skies in the world! The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is the largest Dark Sky Reserve in the Southern Hemisphere. Let them take you on a journey of exploration to discover the unique features of the southern skies!
The ultimate in stellar relaxation, Tekapo Star Gazing offers the only guided hot pools and stargazing experience in New Zealand. The tour operates from the Tekapo Springs. This unique tour combines the stunning Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve with their soul-warming...
Based out of Lake Tekapo, Alpha CruX Stargazing & Astrophotography is a fully mobile service providing private astronomy tours and astrophotography lessons throughout the Mackenzie Region.
They strive to offer something a little special by helping you to avoid the crowds and enjoy an intimate, personalized experience under the stars from the comfort and convenience of your home or holiday accommodation.
A budget and family-friendly stargazing tour in an almost zero light pollution location in Lake Tekapo. They customise each tour to meet the individual interests of participants.
Experienced local astronomy guides operate at their stargazing site. Their 9.25 inch telescope will help you to wander through the night sky. Chameleon Stargazing offers comfortable outdoor furniture, hot chocolate, a fire bowl with roasted marshmallows and individual or group photos under the stars, only $75 per child (under 16, free under five years) & $99 per adult. Book a private tour for up to 14 people for...
Dark Sky Project, formerly Earth & Sky, are world leaders in astro-tourism experiences. Located in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, Tekapo is one of the quietest spots on the planet yet it has one of the busiest night skies in the universe.
Dark Sky Project offer a range of stargazing and observatory experiences, designed to connect manuhiri (visitors) to the night skies, igniting a lifelong passion for dark sky preservation and what lies above. Explore the pristine night skies in an evening tour at tehīwai – University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory...
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Legendary Mackenzie! Step into the great wide open and discover NZ’s highest mountains, longest glaciers, vivid turquoise lakes, golden grasslands and clearest starry skies. Take a scenic flight into the mountains and land on glaciers; enjoy the night sky within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve; explore the amazingly beautiful landscape by cycling, walking, kayaking, swimming, skiing and more.