wotif
Skip to Main Content.
List your propertySupportTrips
Mountaintop Stargazing at Mt John Observatory, Lake Tekapo
Summit Experience - University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory
Mt John Observatory
Mt John Observatory Dome at night
Summit Experience - University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory

Mountaintop Stargazing at Mt John Observatory, Lake Tekapo

By Dark Sky Project
8.2 out of 10
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$199 per adult
See tickets
Features
  • Free cancellation available
  • 2h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Multiple languages
Overview

Our most popular astronomy experience at the world-renowned astronomical research centre. Prepare for an awe-inspiring evening of discovery.

Immerse yourself in the stunning surrounds, pristine night skies and sophisticated viewing technologies as our expert guides share the science and stories of our Southern Skies.

High atop Mount John’s 1,029 metre peak, you'll be at the heart of the Southern Hemisphere's largest International Dark Sky Reserve. Every night sky reveals something new. The incredible Milky Way. Far-off planets. Star clusters, solar systems, constellations. You might even glimpse a distant galaxy.

Don't miss New Zealand's premier stargazing experience. Exclusive to Dark Sky Project, the Summit Experience at Mt John Observatory is in partnership with the University of Canterbury.

Activity location

  • Dark Sky Project
    • 1 Motuariki Lane,
    • 7945, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Dark Sky Project
    • 1 Motuariki Lane,
    • 7945, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Check availability

Summit Experience - Mandarin
  • Activity duration is 2 hours2h
    2h
  • Chinese

Summit Experience in Mandarin

Language options: Chinese
Starting time: 7:15 pm
Price details
AU$198.61 x 1 AdultAU$198.61
Total
Price is AU$198.61
Until Mon, 9 June
Summit Experience - English
  • Activity duration is 2 hours2h
    2h
  • English

English Tour

Language options: English
Starting time: 11:45 pm
Price details
AU$198.61 x 1 AdultAU$198.61
Total
Price is AU$198.61
Until Mon, 9 June

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's includedECW (Extreme Cold Weather) jackets provided for warmth and comfort
  • What's includedWhat's includedExpert astronomy guides share their intimate knowledge of the Southern skies
  • What's includedWhat's includedExclusive access to Mount John's 1,029 metre peak
  • What's includedWhat's includedView the night sky with the naked eye (guided by the handheld lasers of guides)
  • What's includedWhat's includedLook through our powerful telescopes, and through our Mount John Observatory dome
  • What's includedWhat's includedReturn transport from Tekapo to the summit of Mount John
  • What's includedWhat's includedNew Zealand’s premier mountaintop astronomy experience
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedDinner
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedSnacks

Know before you book

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • A maximum of 22 people per trip time
  • If you are booking a time after midnight please double check the date you are booking
  • If weather prevents the tour from operating, an alternative indoor experience may be offered as an alternative
  • Not recommended with travellers with mobility issues

Activity itinerary

Dark Sky Project
  • 15m
  • Admission ticket included
Check-in with the Dark Sky Project team in Lake Tekapo, and be transported up to the summit of Mount John, 1029m above Tekapo and overlooking the surrounding mountains and lakes.
Mount John University Observatory
  • 1h 45m
Enjoy a mountaintop stargazing experience from the Summit of Mount John. With exclusive access to the summit, your expert astronomy guide will provide an educational and entertaining experience, deep in the heart of the Aoraki McKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the largest Gold standard reserve in the world. Guides will use a combination of naked-eye stargazing with powerful telescopes, all surrounded by the University of Canterbury research centre, an internationally recognised, world class facility.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIESDark Sky Project
    • 1 Motuariki Lane,
    • 7945, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLEDark Sky Project
    • 1 Motuariki Lane,
    • 7945, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Best Deals on Things to Do

Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. We offer one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Lake Tekapo your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.