Star Gazing Tours - Earth & Sky Lake Tekapo
About
Description
Earth & Sky is a local business situated in the small township of Lake Tekapo, a lovely community in the heart of New Zealand's South Island.
Our friendly, knowledgeable staff offer visitors guided daytime tours around Mount John Observatory as well as nighttime stargazing tours.
Located in the Mackenzie District, the region is renowned for the clarity of its sky and freedom from light pollution, which is why tens of thousands of people flock here annually to see the southern stars and transient phenomena such as aurorae, meteor showers and the zodiacal light in all their pristine glory.
For our visitors from all over the world we provide English, Japanese and Mandarin speaking guides. English and Japanese guides are always available, but please enquire ahead for all other language preferences.
Drive or hike up to the observatory on the summit of Mount John and treat yourself to a gorgeous vista and a relaxing escape at the Astro Café some 300 metres above the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. The café offers you splendid views, friendly service, and excellent fare. Join one of our Day Tours and we will show you New Zealand's largest telescope and describe the exciting research conducted here.
Mt John Day Tours - 35 minutes
Self-drive or hike up to the Astro Cafe on Mt John, where you can enjoy stunning 360 degree views of the Mackenzie Country. Enjoy a guided tour through the observatory where astronomers from the Universities of Canterbury (NZ) and Nagoya (Japan) conduct cutting-edge research. If weather permits you may be able to view a star during the day through our 16" telescope and view the Sun using a Solarscope. After, enjoy a hot drink in our ultra modern glass cafe overlooking the beautiful turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. Allow 15 mins to drive or one hour to walk to the summit.
Mt John Scenic Day Tour - 2 hours
Tour departs from the Earth & Sky Office, Lake Tekapo township, where you will be transported to various areas of interest including the Church, Dog Statue, the Tekapo A Power Station (start of New Zealand's largest Hydro Power System) then to Mt John for an Observatory Tour and optional walk around the scenic loop track on Mt Johns summit. Depending on departure time enjoy your morning, afternoon tea or lunch in the modern glass Astro Cafe.
Mt John Sunset Tour - 2 hours
Tour departs from Earth & Sky Office - as the sunsets, see colourful scenery from the turquoise blue lake, to the luscious pinks of wandering clouds. Use our solar scope, watch the sun submerge below the Southern Alps. Enjoy a complimentary drink and cake in the Astro Cafe, then be dazzled by the emerging stars with the use of powerful telescopes. Bring your camera and capture the brilliance of a Sunset Tour.
Mt John Night Observatory Tour - 2.5 hours
Join us to gaze at the skies from the most southern research observatory in the world. Allow our experienced guides to showcase the amazing features seen in our night sky. With the use of powerful telescopes you can view distant objects such as - planets, star-clusters, nebulae and distant galaxies. Our guides will escort you through this working research observatory where you will learn about the projects being undertaken using New Zealand's largest telescope, the MOA. Then with the aid of a large screen our guides will explain the features seen in our night sky using images taken from the observatory and provide interesting facts and figures that will intrigue you.
Also, if you wish to capture the beauty of the night sky and have a suitably equipped camera, we'll have world-renowned astrophotographer Fraser Gunn on hand to help you!
When stars are hidden from sight by cloud, let us take you on journey to discover the nocturnal world of an astronomer. See behind the scenes of Mt John Observatory, usually out-of-bounds to the general public. Nowhere else can you experience what you see and hear on our Mt John Stargazing Tour, so let us help you explore the wonder and mystery of space!
Trip Includes
- Transfers from Tekapo township (except 35min Day Tour)
- Informative guides
- Observatory tour
- Star gazing (night time tours only)
- Morning or afternoon tea (Scenic 2hr Day Tour only)
Duration
- Day Tour - allow 1 hour
- Scenic Day Tour - allow 2 hours
- Sunset Tour - allow 2 hours
- Night Observatory Tour - allow 3 hours
Departures
- Day Tour - departs every hour between 10am - 4pm
- Scenic Day Tour - departs at 9.30am, 11.30am & 2pm
- Sunset Tour - departs just before sunset
- Night Observatory Tour - departs shortly after sunset
- Transfers from the Tekapo office are included in all tours except the 35min Day Tour which requires you to meet at Mt John Observatory (15 mins drive from Tekapo township)
- Operates all year
Other Information
- If you are keen to see the stars and the night sky in all its glory then book the Night Observatory Tour. You will not be disappointed!
- Child & family rates available
- Kids 5 and under travel for free (please inform us)
- The night time tours departure times vary with the seasons and the sunset
- Please remember to wear warm clothes, especially during the winter months
- The Astro cafe is open all day and serves tasty food and drinks
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