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
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Professional guide
Food and drinks, unless specified
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Departure Point
Dark Sky Project, 1 Motuariki Lane, Lake Tekapo 7945 New Zealand
What To Expect
Dark Sky Project
Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum age is 5 years
Dress warm all year round
A minimum of 2 people per tour is required. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 22 travelers
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.0
57 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
The sky is amazing. The guide is super knowledgable and friendly. Very memorable experience for the kids.
Great recovery and very fair treatment when event cancelled due to poor viewing conditions.
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.
Great dark sky experience
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.
Wonderful experience
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 $86.54
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)