Tekapo
Star gazing

Soak In The Stars

star gazing tour

A 90-minute experience, the first half of this guided tour introduces you to Tekapo’s amazing night skies with a unique combination of astronomy and storytelling. You will then enjoy exclusive use of a 37.5 – 38.5C hot pool and let the real world melt away as you lie back and gaze up at the southern night sky. Your guide is poolside throughout, sharing stories, answering questions, and pointing out the celestial features visible above.

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A Journey of discovery

This guided experience explores the stars, planets and galaxies visible on the night, blended with Māori star stories and celestial knowledge of the southern skies. In clear conditions, telescope viewing reveals the wonders of the universe up close. On overcast nights, the experience continues indoors with an immersive Virtual Reality journey through the Tekapo night sky, featuring stunning 360° imagery, custom artwork that brings the constellations to life, and expert storytelling that takes you beyond what can be seen through a telescope alone.

RELAX & SOAK

The second half of the tour is where it really gets magical! You will enjoy exclusive use of a 37.5 – 38.5C hot pool and let the real world melt away as you lie back and gaze up at the southern night sky. Your guide is poolside throughout, sharing stories, answering questions, and pointing out the celestial features visible above.

Guests must be aged 10 years or older to join this tour.

We do have a pool wheelchair available on request.

Start times for our star gazing experiences are seasonal to ensure the darkest skies.

Scope at the Stars

star gazing tour

Experience the magic of Tekapo’s night sky with our Scope at the Stars tour. Nestled within the renowned Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, this 60-minute adventure offers an intimate encounter with the cosmos.

Begin your journey as our knowledgeable guides lead you through the celestial wonders using high-powered telescopes, unveiling the secrets of planets, galaxies, and constellations. With an earlier finish time, this tour is perfect for families, tour groups, and anyone wanting to be back well before midnight. Clear skies or cloudy, your night is sorted.

Your ticket includes a complimentary daytime hot pools pass – valid on the day of your tour or the day after.
Guests must be aged 6 years or older to join this tour.

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Hot Pools at Daytime

Your stargazing adventure doesn’t end when the night does! Every Scope at the Stars ticket includes a daytime pass to Tekapo Springs, giving you the perfect way to unwind and reflect on your celestial journey.

Take a dip in the steaming hot pools, surrounded by breathtaking alpine views, either on the day of your tour or the following day. Whether you choose to relax before an evening under the stars or start your next day with a peaceful soak, this added experience makes your Tekapo visit truly unforgettable.

Rain or Shine

Every night at Tekapo is a stargazing night – whether you’re under the telescopes or exploring the sky from the inside. While the weather shapes how the night unfolds, every Tekapo Stargazing experience offers a memorable journey through the cosmos.

In clear conditions, you’ll explore the wonders of the southern sky through our telescopes. When conditions are unsuitable for telescope viewing, the experience continues with an immersive Virtual Reality journey that takes you beyond Earth and into the universe itself, revealing constellations, galaxies and celestial wonders from a perspective that simply isn’t possible through a telescope alone.

No matter the conditions, your stargazing adventure is guaranteed when you book with us.

NIGHTLY TOURS

Soak in the Stars operates seven evenings a week from October to April, and five evenings a week (Thursday to Monday) from May to September. Scope at the Stars is available from October until April – check our stargazing website for the season opening date and to book.

Depending on conditions, your experience may include telescope viewing, an immersive Virtual Reality journey through the southern skies, or a combination of both. The hot pools component of the Soak in the Stars experience is enjoyed in all weather conditions.

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Virtual Reality (VR) Experience

The Tekapo night sky, brought to life from the inside. Through immersive 360° visuals captured right here above Lake Tekapo, and guide-led storytelling, you’ll explore the night sky from some of the region’s most iconic locations – including the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Mt John summit. We’ll journey through constellations, deep-sky objects and Māori astronomy from a perspective that goes closer and deeper than any telescope can reach. Warm, comfortable, and fully guided – it’s the same sky, just with the clouds out of the way.

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