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
160 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
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.
From NZ$224.62
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Operated by Dark Sky Project