Tekapo
Star gazing

Soak In The Stars

star gazing tour

The ultimate in stellar relaxation, Tekapo Star Gazing is the only guided hot pools and star gazing experience in New Zealand. The Soak in the Stars Star Gazing Tour operates from the renowned facilities of Tekapo Springs, combining the stunning Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve with our soul-warming hot pools.

A 1.5-hour experience, the first half of this guided indoor and/or outdoor 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 – 38.5℃ hot pool; lie on a floating hammock and feel like you’re soaking in the stars as you explore the wonder of night skies!

Book Now

A Journey of discovery

Wonder at the dazzling beauty of millions of stars in some of the clearest, darkest night skies in the world! The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is one of eleven worldwide and the largest one in the Southern Hemisphere. Let us take you on a Journey of Discovery to the limits of outer space exploring the amazing features of the southern skies.

This guided portion of the tour focuses on the stars, planets and galaxies that can be currently seen blended with the fascinating mythology and legends attributed to celestial objects by different cultures around the world. In poor weather, you’ll experience an amazing virtual reality tour of the Lake Tekapo night skies! This unique experience features stunning 360º images of the stars with custom-drawn artwork that brings the constellations to life, complemented by a fascinating blend of science and storytelling.

RELAX & SOAK

The second half of the tour is where it really gets magical! Enjoy exclusive use of a 37.5 – 38.5℃ hot pool and let the real world melt away as you lie back with the help of a floating hammock to ensure ultimate relaxation and easy sky viewing. While soothing music plays, feel like you’re floating among the stars as you explore the wonders of the night skies. Your guide is poolside during this unique star gazing experience, to tell you more about the stars and share local stories and New Zealand legends.

Our tours are suitable for everyone over the age of 6 years old.

We do have a pool wheelchair available on request.

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

Early Stars for Early Birds

star gazing tour

Experience the magic of Tekapo’s night sky with our Early Stars for Early Birds 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. Designed for early risers, this tour ensures you’re back in your cozy bed, dreaming of the stars, well before midnight.

Book Now

Hot Pools at Daytime

Your stargazing adventure doesn’t end when the night does! Every Early Stars for Early Birds 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

We always hope for the clearest skies, knowing that nothing compares to the awe-inspiring experience of stargazing through high-powered telescopes. But while we can predict the stars, we can’t control the weather—and sometimes, they decide to hide away.

If the skies are cloudy, your journey among the stars continues indoors with our captivating Virtual Reality experience, bringing the wonders of the universe to life in stunning detail. No matter the conditions, your stargazing adventure is guaranteed when you book with us.

Still dreaming of a night under the open sky? Choose our premium ticket for the flexibility to cancel or reschedule up to three hours before your tour, ensuring you get the best possible view of the cosmos.

NIGHTLY TOURS

All our Star Gazing tours are operated from Tekapo Springs.

Please note that check in for the tours is at our Tekapo Springs Reception Desk. We ask you arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour.

Tours run 7 evenings a week from October until April, and 5 evenings a week (Thursday – Monday) from May until September, however night sky visibility and weather conditions will determine if the indoor or outdoor experience is utilised. Sometimes the guided portion of the stargazing tour is both indoors and outdoors. The hot pools portion during the Soak in the Stars Tour takes place regardless of weather.

New VR Experience

Step into the stars with our brand-new, state-of-the-art Virtual Reality tour — an immersive indoor alternative when cloudy skies hide the view. Created by the talented team at Evans Taylor Digital, this interactive journey brings the night sky to life like never before!

The VR experience is our alternative for the telescope viewing part of the stargazing tour, in case of cloudy weather.