Stargazing Tour at Tekapo Springs

Highlights 

• Exclusive use of the 38 degree hot pools at Tekapo Springs
• Use of Celestron reflector 9.25 telescopes and Sky-Watcher refractor Esprit 120 telescopes
• Knowledgeable tour guides
• 1.5 hour experience in Tekapo

Description 

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 one of eleven worldwide and the largest one in the Southern Hemisphere. Let us take you on a Journey of Discovery to the limits of outer space exploring the amazing features of the southern skies.

This guided portion of the tour focuses on the stars, planets and galaxies that can be currently seen blended with the fascinating mythology and legends attributed to celestial objects by different cultures around the world.

A two-hour experience, the first half of the tour includes a guided tour of the southern night sky with a unique combination of astronomy and stories passed down from the ancestors of the first people of Aotearoa, followed by exclusive use of our 38℃ hot pool. In clear weather, we explore the planets, galaxies and stars using telescopes.

If the weather isn’t suitable for outdoor stargazing you will experience a customised virtual reality tour of the Lake Tekapo night skies! This unique experience features stunning 360 degree images of the stars, custom-drawn artwork to bring the constellations to life with a fusion of science and storytelling. This indoor tour is also followed by exclusive use of our hot pool.

In poor weather you'll experience an amazing virtual reality tour of the Lake Tekapo night skies! This unique experience features stunning 360 degree images of the stars and an incredible time lapse including the Aurora Australis (the Southern lights). Custom-drawn artwork will bring the constellations to life and is complemented by a fascinating blend of science and storytelling.

Trip Includes 

• Exclusive use of the 38 degree hot pools at Tekapo Springs
• Use of Celestron reflector 9.25 telescopes and Sky-Watcher refractor Esprit 120 telescopes
• Knowledgeable tour guide 

Duration 

• 2 hours 

Departures 

• Regular departures between 8:45pm and 11:59pm
• Departure times vary depending on the season & night sky 
• Operates daily all year

Other Information 

• Child rate applies to 6-15 yrs old (if you have younger children, please join the earliest tour available)
• Bring swimwear & a towel 
• A pool wheelchair is available on request
• The hot pools portion takes place regardless of the weather
• Please make your own way to Tekapo Springs located at 300 Lakeside Drive. Please meet at our Tekapo Springs reception 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour
• Maximum group size is 30 people
• Please note that if the weather is not suitable for the outdoor experience the tour will be moved indoors for the virtual reality tour

Normal Retail Prices

• Adult: NZD$149.00
• Child (6-15yrs): NZD$115.00
• Family (2ad+2ch): NZD$459.00

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