Lake Tekapo: Mount John Observatory Stargazing Tour
ID: GYG408459-741450
Category:
Country: Ecuador
Duration:
02:00 hours
Description
Immerse yourself in the southern skies and see deep into the night sky on an ultimate mountaintop stargazing tour in New Zealand at the world-renowned astronomical center, UC Mt. John Observatory.
Meet your guide at the Dark Sky Project base in Lake Tekapo, and be transported by our shuttle to Mount John, where Dark Sky Project has exclusive access.
Join us on the Summit Experience for an incredible journey to the stars. High atop Mount John’s 1,029- metre peak, you'll be at the heart of the world’s largest International Dark Sky Reserve. Let our skilled guides open your eyes to the Southern night sky with captivating tales and facts. A truly breathtaking experience, our expert astronomy guides will introduce you to the Southern Skies, imparting their impressive knowledge as you gaze through sophisticated optical telescopes. Our guides take you deep into the cosmos, sharing with you what it
all means, and why it matters. You’ll never see it the same away again.
You’ll start by looking at the stars with the naked eye, as our guides point out the sights with handheld lasers. It’s a great way to develop those stargazing skills for when you’re back home.
Then you’ll dive deeper, with full use of our high-powered telescopes. That includes the impressive 16” telescope in our private observatory dome.
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.
Highlights
- Explore the stars with both the naked eye and powerful telescopes
- New Zealand’s premier mountaintop astronomy experience
- Extreme cold weather (ECW) jackets provided to keep you warm.
- Return transport from Dark Sky Project Base to the summit of Mount John
- Mount John, The most Southern facility of its kind on the planet
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The nature of the tour requires a minimal level of fitness. You need to be confident walking 100 meters on a gravel incline and be able to climb a couple of steps in the dark.
This tour is weather dependent. The outdoor evening experiences are family-friendly with an age restriction of 7 years and over. Due to the late hours and cooler temperatures it is recommended to select an earlier evening departure if you have younger children
What to wear:
Summer (from November to March): thermal wear, long pants, socks, sneakers, jersey, jacket, and hat
Winter (from April to October): thermal wear, warm long pants, woolen socks, hiking boots, jersey, snow jacket, gloves, scarf, and hat.
Please check in at least 20 minutes prior to departure at the local supplier's, Dark Sky Project, base, at the Takapō (Tekapo) lakefront.
INCLUDED
- Stargazing tour
- Expert guide
- Stargazing technology
- Extreme cold weather jacket
- Transport to Mount John summit
NOT INCLUDED
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Tips (optional)
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
