Summit Experience - University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory

From NZD 214.36

4.32

127 reviews

Check availability

Overview

Available languages

Chinese

English

2 hours

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

Not recommended with travelers with mobility issues

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Pickup and drop-off from our Lake Tekapo Office

Professional guide

Expert astronomy guides share their intimate knowledge of the Southern skies

Exclusive access to Mount John's 1,029 metre peak

View the night sky with the naked eye (guided by the handheld lasers of guides)

Look through our powerful telescopes, and through our Mount John Observatory dome

New Zealand’s premier mountaintop astronomy experience

Dinner

Snacks

Options

Summit Experience - Mandarin

Summit Experience in Mandarin

Summit Experience - English

English Tour

Reviews

4.32

127 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

It was cloudy. Therefore,...
Edit S,
Apr 4, 2025
- Viator
1.00
It was cloudy. Therefore, it was cancelled. And while that’s out of their control, they offered an indoor experience which was uninformative and unimpressive.
Informative and fun
Kathy B,
Mar 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00
This is a great tour for stargazing novices. We learned about the major constellations and stars and got to see several different types of astral marvels (the moons of Jupiter, a cluster of stars from just after the Big Bang, a group of new stars, and the surface of the moon). The guides were informative and could answer a range of questions from explaining the impact of satellites on scientific research to addressing skepticism about the moon landing. And they thoughtfully provide warm jackets so we could be comfortable!
Enthusiastic Guide who worked around the clouds to show us most of the night sky as the clouds moved and shifted.
anthouard,
Feb 22, 2025
- Viator
4.00
Even though it was cloudy we were able to get a good view of different stars and constellations including the Southern Cross, the fake southern star and learned how to identify the true southern star. We were also able to use 3 of the telescopes and were able to see the Tarantula Nebula and see stars being born. I felt the group size was too large for each participant to fully take advantage of the telescopes and had hoped to be able to take photos using the telescopes.
Must-Do!
Kim J,
Dec 9, 2024
- Viator
5.00
This is a “must-do” while at Lake Tekapo! Very knowledgeable staff and plenty of time to explore the galaxy through all three telescopes. One of the top experiences in New Zealand!
We went in November...
EMILIA L,
Dec 3, 2024
- Viator
4.00
We went in November (Spring) and it is still freezing when you go up so make sure you wear layers. They do provide you with a big red weather coat though. It was really dark as well so it was a little difficult to see where you are walking so make sure you stay close to the guide and your group as you’re not allowed to use any white light/torches.