Stargazing Tour at Tekapo Springs
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
August 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
Wonder at the dazzling beauty of millions of stars in some of the clearest, darkest night skies in the world! The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is one of eleven worldwide and the largest one in the Southern Hemisphere. Let us take you on a Journey of Discovery to the limits of outer space exploring the amazing features of the southern skies.
This guided portion of the tour focuses on the stars, planets and galaxies that can be currently seen blended with the fascinating mythology and legends attributed to celestial objects by different cultures around the world.
A two-hour experience, the first half of the tour includes a guided tour of the southern night sky with a unique combination of astronomy and stories passed down from the ancestors of the first people of Aotearoa, followed by exclusive use of our 38℃ hot pool. In clear weather, we explore the planets, galaxies and stars using telescopes.
If the weather isn’t suitable for outdoor stargazing you will experience a customised virtual reality tour of the Lake Tekapo night skies! This unique experience features stunning 360 degree images of the stars, custom-drawn artwork to bring the constellations to life with a fusion of science and storytelling. This indoor tour is also followed by exclusive use of our hot pool.
In poor weather you'll experience an amazing virtual reality tour of the Lake Tekapo night skies! This unique experience features stunning 360 degree images of the stars and an incredible time lapse including the Aurora Australis (the Southern lights). Custom-drawn artwork will bring the constellations to life and is complemented by a fascinating blend of science and storytelling.
Location
What you need to know
- Exclusive use of the 38 degree hot pools at Tekapo Springs
- Use of Celestron reflector 9.25 telescopes and Sky-Watcher refractor Esprit 120 telescopes
- Knowledgeable tour guide
- Allow 2 hours
- Regular departures between 8:45pm and 11:59pm
- Departure times vary depending on the season & night sky
- Operates daily all year
- When is the best time of year to do stargazing in Lake Tekapo? Stargazing in Tekapo Springs is available all year around, there is no particular time of year that is best. The weather is the only thing that may interfere with a tour, but fortunately there is an indoor option available in such cases.
- Child rate applies to 6-15 yrs old (if you have younger children, please join the earliest tour available)
- Bring swimwear & a towel
- A pool wheelchair is available on request
- The hot pools portion takes place regardless of the weather
- Please make your own way to Tekapo Springs located at 300 Lakeside Drive. Please meet at Tekapo Springs reception 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour
- Maximum group size is 30 people
- Please note that if the weather is not suitable for the outdoor experience the tour will be moved indoors for the virtual reality tour
- Weather Policy - When conditions are unsuitable for telescope viewing, the experience continues with an immersive Virtual Reality journey through the Tekapo night sky. Featuring stunning 360° imagery, Māori star stories and expert storytelling, this unique experience offers a different perspective on the universe, exploring celestial wonders in ways that aren’t possible through a telescope alone.
- If weather conditions result in less than 30 minutes of telescope viewing, a 25% refund of the ticket price will be provided. For Soak in the Stars guests, the hot pool portion of the experience will continue as normal with a guide poolside.
