Solar Explorer in Akaroa - Sun-Viewing Tour with Telescopes
Overview
Available languages
30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Discover the Sun like never before! This unique daytime experience offers a safe, fascinating look at our nearest star, perfect for all ages and Akaroa day trips.
What You'll Experience:
Safe Solar Viewing: Observe the Sun through our specialized solar telescope. See sunspots, flares, and intricate solar activity in stunning detail.
Smartphone Solar Photography: Use our provided adapter to easily capture your own amazing photos of the Sun directly through the telescope with your smartphone!
Instant Solar Images with ZWO Seestar S50: Our ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope captures high-resolution images of the Sun, which are then shared with you digitally and instantly!
Expert Guidance: Learn captivating facts about the Sun, its features, and its impact on Earth from our knowledgeable astronomer.
This tour provides a hands-on, exciting introduction to astronomy, offering visuals you won't find anywhere else.
It's an ideal, memorable addition to your Akaroa itinerary!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Use of specialized solar telescope
Expert guidance and commentary
Smartphone adapter for solar photography
Instant digital photos of the Sun captured with ZWO Seestar S50
Private transportation
What To Expect
Akaroa Lighthouse
Discover the Sun like never before from the iconic historic Akaroa Lighthouse.
Options
30min English guided tour
Reviews
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent
victoriarB3633OS,
Oct 3, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00This was an awesome experience. Luca was very helpful when we needed to change plans due to the weather. His knowledge and passion for the solar system was fantastic. I highly recommend
Great interaction with family-owned business and cool Sun observations!
redmed2000,
Aug 3, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00I took another space-geek friend and NZ transplant to do the Sun viewing. The team was super communicative, and we even popped into the shop (2/8 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa) to discuss plans because the clouds were rolling across the sky (and the point was to see the Sun!) We were flexible, and so were they, and we ended up having a private Sun-gazing experience — all safety equipment present and accounted for! We saw flares and sunspots, and had three different ways of viewing the Sun, which was really cool. Also recommend popping into the shop, for space-themed items (Catraunaut puzzle being one of my favorites), photos, and more. Family-owned and operated, and well worth supporting! Would recommend the experience for daytime visits to Akaroa.
Sun gazing tour
julieeY2997CP,
Jun 2, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00It was a different experience and our guide was so knowledgeable and passionate about the solar system. Well worth the money it was great. We would love to do the star gazing next time.
Amazing Experience
Sakshii05,
Jan 13, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00I never knew you could actually see the sun through a telescope, or that something like this even existed— all thanks to Luca! He was proactive, keeping us informed about the weather conditions and accommodated us in the next slot. His passion for stargazing really shines through, and he provided an experience that rivals the famous stargazing in Lake Tekapo. Whether it’s the Solar Explorer tour or the night stargazing, I highly recommend anyone in and around Akaroa to book these experiences. Luca’s enthusiasm and expertise make all the difference!
Related Experiences
Operated by Akaroa Stargazing