Mount John Observatory Stargazing Experience, Tekapo
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 45 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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 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.
Not recommended with travelers with mobility issues
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Dark Sky Project
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.
University of Canterbury Mt. John Observatory
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.
What‘s Included
Return transport from Tekapo township
Telescope viewing through advanced observatory equipment
Guided naked-eye stargazing with laser pointers
Exclusive access to Mount John Observatory summit
Expert astronomy guides (English & Mandarin)
Extreme Cold Weather jackets provided
Meals and snacks
Hotel pickup/drop-off
Meeting points
Dark Sky Project
1 Motuariki Lane, Lake Tekapo New Zealand
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Options
Summit Experience - Mandarin
Summit Experience in Mandarin
Summit Experience - English
English Tour
Reviews
155 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Stargazing experience to do
livefc,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome stargazing experience with a wonderful tour guide and knowledgeable. Final weather check was done on check in as the summit maybe different. It can be chilly but they provide coats to wear.
Worth going out at 2am for!
rubythecockerspaniel,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing experience worth being awake at 2am for! Informative and knowledgeable guides, a well organised tour and the most amazing view of the night sky. An unforgettable and must do activity when in Tekapo. Highly recommended.
Best of the best
lostteddies,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on the 10pm tour on December 8th and we had clear skies. Daly, our tour guide was amazing and guided us to all the stars including a bungee jumping Orion, the Pliedes(Subaru), the Southern Cross and pointer stars to find due south. We also had close up views of stars via 3 telescopes, including Saturn which was awesome. Overall it was the best of the best.
I missed
740vesnag,,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Unfortunately I can leave any review due to my mistake and I missed on experience. What I can say staff was very nice and helpful.
Excited but weather against us
Road586413,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Very nice team Unfortunately weather was against us and booking was cancelled We were given a few options but only a full refund worked for us due to travel and time pressures Disappointing, but no one’s fault
Horrible experience, definitely do not recommend even considering this trip.
Tanya622001,,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Had the most terrible experience, drove for 3 hours late in the night only to reach and find that the trip was cancelled. Nobody from their team called to give us an update about the cancellation. Wasted fuel, energy, time and sleep. Once we were there and found out it was cancelled, their team gave very short and vague explanations about why we weren’t informed earlier. Instead of being genuinely apologetic they tried to get us into their indoor stars experience so they at least get half of the fee. They’re not customer centric anymore, they do not care and only want to get money out of people whether they have a good experience or not. Definitely would not recommend even trying this experience because there’s a high chance you will be disappointed. The staff wasn’t helpful either, a complete waste. A group of 88 people were booked at the given time slot and nobody was informed about the cancellation just so they could persuade people into paying for their indoor stars experience since we were all already there.
Go if you can.
201jackied,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Magical. It was an experience of a lifetime. Our guide was excellent and looking through the telescopes incredible. Need to be a bit lucky with the weather and book a long time in advance.
Nigh Sky Tour
xochi45,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a fun and unique experience! We learned so much while having a wonderful time. Our guides were super nice and gave a great tour. A much if you are in the area! They even provide jackets if you don't have something warm because it gets really cold after dark up there.
Interesting and insightful
AndyP883,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A superb experience with knowledgeable guides who had great insight and passion for their subject, I would recommend to everyone.
Star gazing 9-11-25.
linhmyquach,,Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Good experience despite weather not being optimal and cloudy. Noticeably more stars in the sky in this part of the Southern hemisphere despite the weather conditions. Main guide was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. Team were accomodating and they tailored our experience well according to the weather that night. As a result of bad weather, a partial refund was provided for customers which was very considerate and professional of them.
From NZ$224.62
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Operated by Dark Sky Project