Earth & Sky Ltd., P.O. Box 112, Lake Tekapo 7945, New Zealand.   E-mail: info@earthandsky.co.nz
Phone: +64 (0)3 6806960   Fax: +64 (0)3 6806950

Day Tour : Dusk to Darkness Tour : Family Tour : Stargazing Tour


Day Tour

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Take the scenic drive up to the Astro Café perched on Mt John where your guide will meet you. Tours will take 30 to 45 minutes, encompassing the history of the observatory, a description of the exciting research done here and a chance to see the telescopes.

Be guided through this fully functioning observatory where astronomers from the University of Canterbury (New Zealand) and Nagoya University (Japan) are conducting leading-edge research using a 1.8-metre telescope.

Learn about the exciting new MOA (Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics) project, geographical features of the Mackenzie Basin, local lore, and top it all off with a visit to NZ’s largest telescope. (To learn more about the telescopes at the observatory, please click here.)

Take time out and relax in the surrounds of our ultra-modern glass Astro Café and enjoy fresh food and great coffee while sitting 300 metres above the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo.

Please note: the mountain road currently opens 9 am and is closed to the public at 5 pm daily.

Tour duration: 30—40 minutes
Prices: $30 per adult
$15 per child (aged 5+)
$80 family (2 adults & 2 children+)
Availability: Generally between 10 am & 3 pm, but
please check at the Astro Café counter.

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Click here to download the pricelist (68KB PDF)  —  Return to Top of Page


Dusk to Darkness Tour

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This tour is designed to offer you the best experience the Mackenzie can offer from the summit of Mount John at the celebrated Astro Café. Prepare to be marvelled by the stunning panoramic views and colourful scenery, from the turquoise lake to the luscious pinks of drifting sunset clouds.

Observe the subtle changes from dusk to darkness and, with dessert fork in hand, prepare to greet the emerging stars during twilight with powerful telescopes in the company of our experienced astronomy guides. Bring along your camera and be amazed at what you can capture.

Remember to bring a warm jacket!


Tour duration: Approx. 2½ hours
Prices: $80 per adult, $45 per child (aged 5+)
Availability: 22 people maximum, drink & dessert included
Departure: 5:30 pm, but please confirm at the town office (03 6806960)

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Click here to download the pricelist (68KB PDF)  —  Return to Top of Page


Family Tour

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Excitement for the whole family!

Treat your young astronomers to a bit of stargazing through professional telescopes and a chance to see the MOA — yes, that's New Zealand’s largest telescope, not the flightless bird!

A fun, educational outing designed for families.


Tour duration: Approx. 1 hour
Prices: $65 per adult
$25 per child (aged 5+)
$160 family (2 adults & 2 children)
$175 family+ (2 adults & 3 children+)
Availability: Every evening, weather permitting — 18 people maximum
Departure times: Currently 5 pm, but please confirm
at the town office (03 6806960)

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Click here to download the pricelist (68KB PDF)  —  Return to Top of Page


Stargazing Tour

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Join us on our famous stargazing tour which starts at the Earth & Sky office in Tekapo, where you board our tour bus(es) for the trip up to the summit of Mt John — home of the most southerly permanent optical observatory in the world!

As conditions permit, allow our astronomy guides to help you navigate the southern night sky using green laser pointers. Experience the thrill of peering through powerful telescopes (16-inch + 9.25-inch) and binoculars to see amazing sights, both near and far.

You can also enjoy your complimentary hot drink in our warm and candle-lit Astro Café. Also, if you wish to capture the beauty of the night sky and have a suitably equipped camera, we'll have world-renowned astrophotographer Fraser Gunn on hand to help you! For more details, please click here.

When stars are hidden from sight, let us take you on journey to discover the nocturnal world of an astronomer. See behind the scenes of Mt John Observatory, usually out-of-bounds to the general public. Nowhere else can you experience what you see and hear on our Mt John Stargazing Tour, so let us help you explore the boundaries of space!

Tour duration: Approx. 2 hours (includes ½ hour travel time)
Prices: $80 per adult
$45 per child (aged 5+)
$225 family (2 adults & 2 children)
$260 family+ (2 adults & 3 children+)
Groups (10 people+) per adult $75, child $40
Groups (20 people+) per adult $70, child $35
Availability: Every evening — weather permitting
Departure times: Currently 8 pm and 9:15 pm, but please confirm
at the town office (03 6806960)

mt_john_booking_button
Click here to download the pricelist (68KB PDF)


Please note: The sky varies throughout the year, so Earth & Sky cannot guarantee that all features will be visible on any given tour. The public are not allowed to drive on Mount John after sunset. Please contact us if you have any further queries.
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