Experience the magic of the night sky with a Japaneseālanguage stargazing tour based in Twizel, in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. Choose between a smallāgroup or private experience, and enjoy a unique blend of astronomy and mindfulness.
Begin with a short orientation before heading out under one of the darkest skies in the Southern Hemisphere. Learn how to find the Southern Cross and locate south using the stars as your guide, while a laser pointer is used to trace constellations and explain the night sky. Observe planets, star clusters, and nebulae through a telescope (weather permitting).
Relax in reclining chairs or on blankets for a tranquil, meditative experience known as āę空浓ā (Star Swimming). Enjoy quiet moments of stargazing while sipping on a hot drink under the vast southern sky.
At the end of the tour, guests receive a Celestial Navigator certificate to commemorate learning basic celestial navigation. Optional āphoto under the starsā is also available, weather permitting.
The tour is recommended for ages 6 and above. Infants under 5 are best suited for the dedicated Family Tour.
This experience combines science, astronomy, mindfulness, and comfort, and is delivered entirely in Japanese.