Small Group Stargazing Tour in Tekapo - 1 Hour ( Carbon Positive)
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
May 2026
2. Select participants
Highlighted reviews
Good experience with a very knowledgeable and friendly guide. Good interaction with the kids.
My husband and I and our 6 year old daughter had a wonderful time seeing the states the experience was wonderful -they procided warm coats for us which was extra excellent. We laid back in bean bag chairs (other options available) and got to see an amazing southern sky. Our guide was knowledgeable and kind. Our daughter loved every minute!
What you can expect
Explore the clear night skies in Tekapo on a small group stargazing tour with Silver River. This family friendly experience takes place in an exclusive location with spectacular views of the International Dark Sky Reserve. Enjoy the use of powerful telescopes and expert guides on a 1 hour evening tour.
The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is home to some of the darkest skies in the world. Spread across Mt Cook National Park and the Mackenzie region, this area is renowned for having very little light pollution, which allows for incredible stargazing opportunities! With Silver River Stargazing, you will take a tour of the night sky from one of the darkest locations in Tekapo, including uninterrupted 360 degree views of the stars.
Your Silver River Stargazing tour begins with meeting your friendly guide in central Tekapo. From here, it’s a short drive (approx 7 minutes) to the stargazing base, where the stars await! While there is lots to see with the naked eye, for the duration of the tour you will also have the use of high-standard 14 inch telescopes (with the help of your guides). One of the many benefits of choosing this small group tour is the low guest-to-telescope ratio, so you have plenty of viewing time without the crowds! After 1 hour of stargazing, you will even have a unique photo opportunity under the stars with your friends and family. A mind-blowing Tekapo stargazing experience!
Location
What you need to know
- Return transfers from Tekapo to the stargazing base
- 1 hour guided stargazing tour
- 14 inch digital telescopes (with low guest-to-telescope ratio)
- Use of warm down jackets
- Digital photo of your group
- Small groups (max 10 people)
- Allow 1.5 hours
- Departure times vary depending on the season & night sky
- Departs from 48a D’Archiac Drive in Tekapo (next to the Balmoral Farm Shop)
- Operates daily all year
- Is this Tekapo stargazing tour suitable for families with children under 5 years? Families are welcome on the Silver River stargazing tour, please just let us know if a child under 5 is attending so the tour guides are aware, as there is a limit of one infant per tour. Please note that many stargazing tours operate in the late evening, as this is when the stars are at their best.
- How much walking is involved in the Silver River stargazing tour in Lake Tekapo? There is no strenuous walking involved in this Lake Tekapo stargazing tour. You will check in at the office of Silver River in Tekapo and here they will shuttle you to the stargazing location. The site itself has relatively even ground and is quite flat as it is located in a field just outside of Tekapo township.
- Is it possible to see the southern lights on a Lake Tekapo stargazing tour in New Zealand? While this would be the perfect location for seeing the Southern Lights as the tour is located in our very own Dark Sky Reserve, unfortunately the lights can't be tracked and it is impossible to give a yes or no answer as the geomagnetic storms are very unpredictable. Ultimately you will get the full stargazing experience on this trip and the lights would be an added bonus on the night. We recommend downloading an aurora app while you are visiting New Zealand, which can help you track geomagnetic storms.
- Child rates apply (3-15yrs)
- Please note stargazing tours can run into the next morning (i.e. after 12am / midnight)
- Tour photos are weather dependent and will be provided via a digital link after the tour
- Maximum of 10 people per tour
- Please wear sturdy footwear & warm clothes (temperatures can get low at night, even in the summer)
- Stargazing is subject to weather conditions
Recent reviews
Good experience with a very knowledgeable and friendly guide. Good interaction with the kids.
My husband and I and our 6 year old daughter had a wonderful time seeing the states the experience was wonderful -they procided warm coats for us which was extra excellent. We laid back in bean bag chairs (other options available) and got to see an amazing southern sky. Our guide was knowledgeable and kind. Our daughter loved every minute!
The booking process was easy, directions given were excellent and reminders arrived promptly. Unfortunately we were unlucky to have cloud cover intervene before we could use the very impressive telescope. We were only in Lake Tekapo for one night and were unable to re book our experience but were advised that a full refund would be made. This was completed following an emailed enquiry to the tour organisers.
Need help?
- Email us at plan@everythingnewzealand.com
- Product ID: 25239
- This experience is supplied by Silver River Stargazing