(800) 814 COOL Questions? Call Us Now!

Mountaintop Stargazing at Mt John Observatory, Lake Tekapo

111 Reviews 4.54 out of 5 stars Based on 111 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Book online or call us
Chat now

from US$131.22 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Mt John Observatory
Mountaintop Stargazing at Mt John Observatory, Lake Tekapo Image 2
Mountaintop Stargazing at Mt John Observatory, Lake Tekapo Image 3
Mountaintop Stargazing at Mt John Observatory, Lake Tekapo Image 4
Mountaintop Stargazing at Mt John Observatory, Lake Tekapo Image 5

Loading Options
2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

Our most popular astronomy experience at the world-renowned astronomical research centre. Prepare for an awe-inspiring evening of discovery.

Immerse yourself in the stunning surrounds, pristine night skies and sophisticated viewing technologies as our expert guides share the science and stories of our Southern Skies.

High atop Mount John’s 1,029 metre peak, you'll be at the heart of the Southern Hemisphere's largest International Dark Sky Reserve. Every night sky reveals something new. The incredible Milky Way. Far-off planets. Star clusters, solar systems, constellations. You might even glimpse a distant galaxy.

Don't miss New Zealand's premier stargazing experience. Exclusive to Dark Sky Project, the Summit Experience at Mt John Observatory is in partnership with the University of Canterbury.

What's Included

  • ECW (Extreme Cold Weather) jackets provided for warmth and comfort
  • Exclusive access to Mount John's 1,029 metre peak
  • Look through our powerful telescopes, and through our Mount John Observatory dome
  • Dinner
  • Snacks
See 4 moreSee 4 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Dark Sky Project
1 Motuariki Lane, Lake Tekapo 7999 New Zealand

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Dark Sky Project

Check-in with the Dark Sky Project team in Lake Tekapo, and be transported up to the summit of Mount John, 1029m above Tekapo and overlooking the surrounding mountains and lakes.
Read more

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

University of Canterbury Mt. John Observatory

Enjoy a mountaintop stargazing experience from the Summit of Mount John. With exclusive access to the summit, your expert astronomy guide will provide an educational and entertaining experience, deep in the heart of the Aoraki McKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the largest Gold standard reserve in the world. Guides will use a combination of naked-eye stargazing with powerful telescopes, all surrounded by the University of Canterbury research centre, an internationally recognised, world class facility.
Read more

1 hour 45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended with travelers with mobility issues
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • A maximum of 22 people per trip time
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Mountaintop Stargazing at Mt John Observatory, Lake Tekapo?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-105977P1

Traveler Photos

See more
See more

Reviews

4.54
111 reviews

Average 4.54 out of 5 stars based on 111 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
81
4 stars
14
3 stars
13
2 stars
1
1 star
2

Loading Options
Lake Tekapo Tours
Attractions
Guides
Calendar
View more

Similar Tours & Activities

Stargazing Experience at Cowan's Private Observatory
Likely to Sell Out

Stargazing Experience at Cowan's Private Observatory

50
 1 hour 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$81
Virtual Stargazing & Astronomy Experience in Lake Tekapo
Likely to Sell Out

Virtual Stargazing & Astronomy Experience in Lake Tekapo

2
 1 hour  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$55.88
Dark Sky Indoor Maori Cultural Astronomy Experience
Likely to Sell Out

Dark Sky Indoor Maori Cultural Astronomy Experience

53
 1 hour  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$37.05

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Chameleon Stargazing Shared Tour
Likely to Sell Out

Chameleon Stargazing Shared Tour

145
 1 hour 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$73.46
Dark Sky Indoor Maori Cultural Astronomy Experience
Likely to Sell Out

Dark Sky Indoor Maori Cultural Astronomy Experience

53
 1 hour  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$37.05
Scenic 4WD Tour Lake Tekapo Backcountry

Scenic 4WD Tour Lake Tekapo Backcountry

70
 3 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$213.61
Silver River Stargazing Experience in Lake Tekapo

Silver River Stargazing Experience in Lake Tekapo

63
 1 hour 15 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$60.59

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Mountaintop Stargazing at Mt John Observatory, Lake Tekapo?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • ECW (Extreme Cold Weather) jackets provided for warmth and comfort.
  • Exclusive access to Mount John's 1,029 metre peak.
  • Look through our powerful telescopes, and through our Mount John Observatory dome.
  • Return transport from Tekapo to the summit of Mount John.
  • New Zealand’s premier mountaintop astronomy experience.
  • View the night sky with the naked eye (guided by the handheld lasers of guides).
  • Expert astronomy guides share their intimate knowledge of the Southern skies.
The following is NOT included:
  • Dinner.
  • Snacks.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 10. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Mountaintop Stargazing at Mt John Observatory, Lake Tekapo is as follows:

  • Not recommended with travelers with mobility issues
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Mountaintop Stargazing at Mt John Observatory, Lake Tekapo will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • ECW (Extreme Cold Weather) jackets provided for warmth and comfort
  • Exclusive access to Mount John's 1,029 metre peak
  • Look through our powerful telescopes, and through our Mount John Observatory dome
  • Return transport from Tekapo to the summit of Mount John
  • New Zealand’s premier mountaintop astronomy experience
  • View the night sky with the naked eye (guided by the handheld lasers of guides)
  • Expert astronomy guides share their intimate knowledge of the Southern skies
  • Dinner
  • Snacks

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended with travelers with mobility issues
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • A maximum of 22 people per trip time
  • 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
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Lowest Price Guarantee

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

We guarantee the lowest price on all the tours available to book on our site. We'll refund the difference if you find the exact tour cheaper online until 48 hours before your tour starts.

We Make It Easy!

Gather your information

Locate your City Boat Tours Booking Number and the proof of the lower price you found.

Send it to us

Email [email protected] with the documents, your name, and your home address.

We'll review

We'll review your materials and get in touch as soon as possible.

Receive your refund

If everything checks out, we'll refund you the price difference.

Refund Terms & Conditions

The following conditions apply to all lowest price guarantee refund requests:

  • The lowest price guarantee is available to any customer who makes a qualifying purchase through our website. The qualifying purchase must be a minimum of US$20 (or equivalent).
  • The lowest price guarantee covers retail and prepaid rates available to the general public. This does not include discounts or promotions you may receive (or be eligible for) from third-party sites or organizations such as AAA or AARP or special offers made as part of a membership program, corporate discount, daily deal, group, or rewards program.
  • City Boat Tours promotions cannot be combined with the lowest price guarantee.
  • If you find a lower retail or prepaid rate for the same tour, offered on the same date, time and priced in the same currency as your original purchase, on any other website between the time you book on City Boat Tours and 48 hours before your trip starts, we will refund the difference.
  • The lowest price guarantee does not apply where a lower overall price is found by breaking down the purchased tour into one or more parts sold separately.
  • City Boat Tours reserves the right to verify the lower price details. Examples of acceptable forms of verification include a web screenshot or a web address.
  • All refund decisions will be made at the sole discretion of City Boat Tours.

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

City Boat Tours wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through City Boat Tours over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Chat with us

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Concierge