Stargazing Experience at Cowan's Private Observatory
South Island, New Zealand
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Make the most of the pristine night skies over the Mackenzie Basin with this observatory experience tailored for first-time stargazers. Watch the night sky through one of Cowan’s Observatory’s telescopes, finding stars, constellations and other hidden secrets with the help of one of the observatory’s knowledgeable astronomy guides. With discounted tickets for visitors aged 17 and under, this is a great way to introduce children to the wonders of the Milky Way.
- Easy to find location in Lake Tekapo Park, near Tekapo township
- The observatory is accessible to wheelchair users
- No need to find a printer: downloadable mobile e-tickets provided
- Refunds provided if bad weather means that the tour can’t go ahead
What's Included
- 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
- Private facility with powerful telescopic viewing technologies
- Stargazing is within secluded, private craters, sheltered from wind and light
- Return transport to the stargazing location from the Dark Sky base
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Departure Point
- Dark Sky Project, 1 Motuariki Lane, Lake Tekapo 7999 New Zealand
What To Expect
1
Dark Sky Project
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- 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
- Language - You are required to speak the language of the tour due to Health & Safety purposes, if you cannot speak the language, you will not be allowed to join the tour.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 22 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
3.9
based on 88 reviews
Tracia_C, Dec 2025
We arrived at the meeting place at 12:04am and the staff told us the bus has left and they cannot send us to the stargazing spot which is about 15min away. We tried to explain it was midnight and the kids tried really hard to wake up and we thought the meeting time is 12am. The staff were very cold and without any empathy. They told us to leave and blame Victor for not informing us about the meeting time. They do not care about the customers at all.
Russell_L, Apr 2025
Weather bad, so couldn't go out, but indoor experience was nice.
After the indoor explanation, they sky became clear, so I could see the stars by going into to countryside.
Barb_N, Feb 2025
Quick bus drive to the crater for a nice explanation of the night sky with several notable things pointed out. Also got to see the moon, Jupiter and part of a constellation through powerful telescopes. What you see will depend on season, time of night and cloud cover. Worth doing!
Noga_O, Dec 2024
Seeing Saturn with its rings shining through the telescope was incredible! The other telescopes were interesting too but not as exciting
Cheng_D, Jan 2024
The sky is amazing. The guide is super knowledgable and friendly. Very memorable experience for the kids.
Simon_W, Dec 2023
It’s always disappointing for an event that you have been looking forward to doesn’t happen due to weather. When arriving for the Crater Experience late in the evening on the only night we would be in town, it was cancelled due to poor viewing conditions. However, we were given a great virtual tour and the difference in the purchase price was refunded within two hours. What more could you ask for? Excellent response and I will definitely try to go another time when passing through.
Barbara_G, Nov 2023
The night sky was amazing even without the three telescopes. The astronomy guides were knowledgeable and made the experience fun. I learned a lot! Loved seeing the Southern Cross, Jupiter, Saturn, and different star clusters.
Tourist09219556784, Apr 2019
We loved this tour. Luckily it was very clear the night we went out. The guides were very knowledgable and friendly. We saw some awesome stuff, highly recommend. It was pretty cold when we went in mid April and you're outside for over an hour so definitely need to layer up. They have jackets available also which kept us very warm. Would do this tour again.
From $79.95
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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