• Dark Sky Project - Meet the Dark Sky Project team in Lake Tekapo and journey to the top of Mount John, standing 1029 meters above Tekapo, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
• Mount John University Observatory - Delight in a stargazing adventure atop Mount John. With exclusive summit access, an expert astronomy guide will offer an educational and engaging experience within the Aoraki McKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the largest Gold standard reserve globally. Guides will combine naked-eye stargazing with the use of powerful telescopes, all set against the backdrop of the University of Canterbury research center, a world-renowned, top-tier facility.

• 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

Experience the most sought-after astronomy adventure at the globally acclaimed astronomical research center. Get ready for an inspiring evening of exploration.

Delve into the breathtaking surroundings, clear night skies, and advanced viewing technology as expert guides unveil the science and tales of the Southern Skies.

Situated atop Mount John’s 1,029-meter summit, you’ll find yourself in the core of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest International Dark Sky Reserve. Each night sky offers a new discovery. The magnificent Milky Way. Distant planets. Star clusters, solar systems, constellations. You might even catch sight of a remote galaxy.

Don’t miss out on New Zealand’s leading stargazing adventure. Exclusively offered by Dark Sky Project, the Summit Experience at Mt John Observatory is in collaboration with the University of Canterbury.

• 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

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