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Tekapo Star Gazing Tour

84 Reviews 4.65 out of 5 stars Based on 84 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 93% of reviewers | Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

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On average, this is booked 15 (0) days in advance.

1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
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Overview

The ultimate in stellar relaxation, Tekapo Star Gazing is the only guided stargazing and hot pools tour in New Zealand! It combines the stunning Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve with the soul-warming hot pools of Tekapo Springs. A 1.5-hour experience, the first half of the tour begins with an introduction to the night sky using high-powered telescopes and a fascinating combination of astronomy and storytelling. The second half is spent floating in our 37.5-38.5 degree hot pool on inflatable hammocks, gazing up at the night sky as our guides continue to entertain with cultural and scientific stories of the sky. The tour includes complimentary towels, robes and hot drinks.

What's Included

  • Exclusive use of the hot pools at night in a group of no more than 32
  • Pick up/drop off from Lake Tekapo Township (subject to availability and upon request only)
  • A warm woolen blanket to use whilst outside exploring the universe.
  • Food and non-alcoholic drinks (some hot drinks provided on the tour)
  • Alcoholic drinks (cannot be brought to the premises)
  • Swimwear, robes and towels available to borrow
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Lakeside Drive
Lake Tekapo 7945, New Zealand

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

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

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What To Expect

Tekapo Star Gazing

Tekapo Star Gazing is the only guided hot pools and star gazing experience in New Zealand. The tour operates from the renowned facilities of Tekapo Springs, combining the stunning Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve with our soul-warming hot pools. The guided portion of the tour focuses on the mythology and legend attributed to celestial objects by different cultures around the world. If the skies do not co-operate for outdoor stargazing, an informative indoor experience is run instead, featuring the use of a high-definition projector and stunning full-color satellite images of deep space as well as interactive elements and similar fascinating and informative content as in the outdoor tour - including an introduction to our telescopes.The second half of the tour is where it really gets magical in a (37.5-38.5-degree Celsius) hot pool, 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.
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1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Minimum age to join the tour is 6 years old.
  • Dress accordingly to the weather conditions. A warm blanket will be provided but temperatures can be very low in our alpine environment.
  • Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required due to limited availability

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Tekapo Star Gazing Tour?

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).This tour 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. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

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

Questions?

Our friendly customer support is here to help.
Activity code: C-50255P3

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.65
84 reviews

Average 4.65 out of 5 stars based on 84 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
69
4 stars
9
3 stars
1
2 stars
2
1 star
3

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 15 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Exclusive use of the hot pools at night in a group of no more than 32
  • Pick up/drop off from Lake Tekapo Township (subject to availability and upon request only)
  • A warm woolen blanket to use whilst outside exploring the universe.
  • A floating hammock to use whilst floating in the hot pools
  • Professionally guided tour of the largest dark sky reserve.
  • Food and non-alcoholic drinks (some hot drinks provided on the tour)
  • Alcoholic drinks (cannot be brought to the premises)
  • Swimwear, robes and towels available to borrow

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
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Minimum age to join the tour is 6 years old.
  • Dress accordingly to the weather conditions. A warm blanket will be provided but temperatures can be very low in our alpine environment.
  • Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required due to limited availability
  • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather (snow, extreme ice, lightning storms), you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund. Tours go ahead regardless if some or none of the night sky is visible. If the sky is not visible an informative indoor tour takes place to highlight the significance of the Aoraki MacKenzie Dark Sky Reserve and local Maori understanding of the night sky. Regardless of the weather, the relaxing hot pools as the second half will still go ahead.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 32 travelers

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Cancellation Policy

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free cancellation
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 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.

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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