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Stargazing Experience at Cowan's Private Observatory

66 Reviews 4.38 out of 5 stars Based on 66 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
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from $79.55 per person

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 93 (77) days in advance.
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1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
and 2 more
Mandarin, Japanese

Overview

The ultimate stargazing experience. Enjoy maximum time under the stars whilst enhancing your knowledge of the Southern skies at our private observatory.

Designed specifically with stargazing in mind, Cowan’s Observatory is the perfect introductory stargazing experience. Over 75 minutes, you'll explore the stars with both the naked eye and powerful telescopes.

Every night offers a new spectacle. From the Milky Way to distant galaxies beyond, our guides use handheld lasers to show you the best of the evolving night sky. They'll help you discover the stars and planets, and understand what it all means.

Nestled in a giant purpose-built crater to provide maximum wind protection and minimum light pollution, our expert astronomy guides will enhance your knowledge and understanding of our Southern Skies as you admire and ponder the possibilities through our powerful optical telescopes.

What's Included

  • Stargazing is within secluded, private craters, sheltered from wind and light
  • Return transport to the stargazing location from the Dark Sky base
  • Discover the dark skies of the largest International Gold Standard Dark Sky Reserve
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Dark Sky Project
1 Motuariki Lane, Lake Tekapo 7999, New Zealand

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Dark Sky Project

Check-in with the team at the Dark Sky Project base in Lake Tekapo, and from there we will transport you to the Cowan's Private Observatory, just 5 minutes drive in our shuttle.From Cowan's Observatory, you will be sheltered from any wind and light pollution, in our purpose built Craters. This is a fantastic introduction to stargazing, making it suitable for everyone, including families and younger children.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

Enjoy a stargazing experience within the largest Gold Standard International Dark Sky Reserve.The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is one of the best places to stargaze in the world. It is listed as Gold Standard, meaning it has some of the biggest, darkest and clearest skies, making the stars and the milky way clearer than anywhere else in the world.From Cowan's Private Observatory, you will enjoy learning from your expert astronomy guide, who will educate and entertain using a mixture of handheld lasers and powerful telecopes. The Observatory is sheltered from any wind or light pollution, so you can stargaze in comfort, year-round.
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1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Dress warm all year round
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Stargazing Experience at Cowan’s Private Observatory?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-105977P2

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Reviews

4.38
66 reviews

Average 4.38 out of 5 stars based on 66 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
44
4 stars
13
3 stars
3
2 stars
2
1 star
4

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 93 (77) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Stargazing Experience at Cowan’s Private Observatory?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZST).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Stargazing is within secluded, private craters, sheltered from wind and light.
  • Return transport to the stargazing location from the Dark Sky base.
  • Discover the dark skies of the largest International Gold Standard Dark Sky Reserve.
  • Private facility with powerful telescopic viewing technologies.
  • Explore the endless Southern skies, observe planets, galaxies, and the depths of the Milky Way.
  • Expert astronomy guides who will tailor your experience according to what is visible on that night.
The following is NOT included:
  • Food and drinks, unless specified.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 5. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Stargazing Experience at Cowan's Private Observatory is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Stargazing Experience at Cowan’s Private Observatory will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • Stargazing is within secluded, private craters, sheltered from wind and light
  • Return transport to the stargazing location from the Dark Sky base
  • Discover the dark skies of the largest International Gold Standard Dark Sky Reserve
  • Private facility with powerful telescopic viewing technologies
  • Explore the endless Southern skies, observe planets, galaxies, and the depths of the Milky Way
  • Expert astronomy guides who will tailor your experience according to what is visible on that night
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Minimum age is 5 years
  • Dress warm all year round
  • 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.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 22 travelers
  • Operated by a business

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

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