Sun, Stars, Telescopes and Platter Experience in Akaroa

3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

The first and only tour of its kind in New Zealand! We are the closest dark sky experience to Christchurch, just a 90-minute scenic drive away! This unmatched 3-hour experience combines daytime solar observation with spectacular night stargazing, all in one unforgettable evening.

You'll gain access to three specialized telescopes—a dedicated solar scope, an optical telescope and the ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope. Witness history as the ZWO captures instant, shareable digital photos of the Sun and vibrant nebulae live!

Savour a delicious local grazing platter as the light transitions, creating a magical atmosphere before the stars appear. Our small group size guarantees personalized guidance from an expert astronomer and maximum comfort. You leave with two incredible digital souvenirs: your instant celestial captures AND a beautiful personalized photo of you under Akaroa's starry sky.

Don't just look up—experience the universe! Book this comprehensive, photo-rich tour now.

What's Included

Delicious local grazing platter
Cozy blankets for comfortable viewing
Use of ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope
Instant digital photos of the Sun, nebulae and deep-sky objects
Use of 10-inch Dobsonian telescope and solar telescope
Coffee and/or Tea
Personalized digital souvenir photo under the night sky
Transportation to/from Akaroa Heritage Park (our viewing site)

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Akaroa Heritage Park

Please meet your guide at the Akaroa Heritage Park's car park. Your expert astronomer will be waiting for you, easily identifiable in an Akaroa Stargazing uniform. Look for your guide near the main entrance to the car park.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    Begin your unique "Astronomy Bites" journey in Akaroa with a fascinating daytime exploration of our Sun. Using specialized solar telescopes and our ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope, you'll safely observe sunspots, flares, and solar activity. Capture your own instant digital photos of the Sun.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    As dusk settles over Akaroa, gather for a delightful local grazing platter. Enjoy delicious bites and hot drinks as your expert guide, Luca, introduces the night sky and prepares you for the celestial show ahead. This is a perfect transition from day to night sky viewing.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Conclude your experience under Akaroa's pristine dark skies, far from light pollution. Explore distant nebulae, planets, and the Milky Way through a powerful 10-inch Dobsonian telescope. Receive stunning instant digital photos of nebulae and a personalized souvenir photo of you under the starry sky.

    1 hour 15 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Akaroa Stargazing

Tags

Nature and Wildlife Tours
Half-day Tours
Sustainable Tours
Walking Tours
Nature Walks
Small Group
Food & Drink
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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