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Offered languages
- Japanese
- English
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
Meeting and pickup
Itinerary
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1
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.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
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.
1 hour 15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- 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
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Additional info
- 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
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience 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.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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