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 - English
English Tour
Summit Experience - Mandarin
Summit Experience in Mandarin
Reviews
164 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Worth doing
paulwG5508NI,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00An amazing place with friendly and informed staff. The technology for viewing was a little underwhelming, but just being there to look at the night sky was worth the trip.
Great experience as a solo traveller
ksD4045HX,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Truly special experience! The guide, Oscar, was very knowledgeable, engaging and passionate. Learned about constellations, star distance measuring and visibility! Was incredibly fortunate to have a clear sky and saw a shooting star through one of the fantastic telescopes! They prepare you well for the weather. Overall, would recommend to anyone - expensive, but worth the price!
This tour was lackluster at best
Elysa,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00If you have never seen the night sky before this tour was ok. However if you have ever looked up, this tour was lackluster at best. Too many people for too few outdated telescopes pointed to things that were not impactful. We took family and I was so disappointed. I am sorry to say this as I thought this was the premier star gazing company at Tekapo. Last year we did star gazing with Chameleon. Do yourself a favor, go there instead. Their Telescopes are state of the art, you will see incredible Nebulas star clusters, and planets. All images are emailed to you for memories with a photo of you with the night sky. At the end you around a bonfire for stories while basking in the drama of the Milkyway. I was blown away. As a side note, both tours were with a full moon. Try to not do this, but if you do, no worries Chameleon pulls if off anyway.
Fascinating and Interactive Experience
kareneager3,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very well organised visit to the stars. Fascinating and interactive experience given by astronomers. Incredible views.
Fascinating!
mcurtis924,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00To be honest- it rained that night so, no, we did not get to the actual observatory; we had the 2 am showing (tried to time our trip here with the waning moon that month). BUT we got a partial refund because we did the 'inside tour' and it was awesome. The astronomer guides took their time (okay- we were the only 2 people there...it was 2 am) but clearly really, really know their stuff. WE had all kinds of great discussions about stars, the universe, and planets. The star exhibit at the end was extremely helpful and I now know how to look for the Southern Cross for the next time I am in the southern hemisphere. Couple this with a bit of a brush up on the south pole explorers (who had only the stars to navigate by!) and you will really be impressed with human exploration and curiosity.
The trip was cancelled by the operator due weather they said. The refund was Minus 8.18 dollars which TripAdvisor kept b
wesleymC649GC,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00The trip was cancelled by the operator due weather they said. The refund was Minus 8.18 dollars which TripAdvisor kept back. Not a good look and don't use them.
If you want to know the southern night sky with just a tad of science, this is perfect for you.
travelin-camera,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour guide was excellent - she knows her stuff and can present it in a very approachable way. The event went off perfectly - a solid experience in every way.
Can miss Lake Tekapo experience!
James C,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour with knowledgeable guides who were very enthusiastic, entertaining and engaging. I learned quite a bit too.
Top service and super friendly despite cancellation
Thomas B,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Unfortunately, the event could not take place due to bad weather..... Nevertheless, we were super enlightened and everything worked out great in advance. All totally fair with money return without any problems.
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.
From NZ$224.62
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Operated by Dark Sky Project