Phone: +64 (0)3 6806960 Fax: +64 (0)3 6806950
Daytime Tour
Please note: Bookings may be made by calling the office number above.
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 9am and is closed to the public at 6pm daily.
| Tour duration: | 30—40 minutes |
| Prices: | $30 per adult
$15 per child (aged 5+) $80 family (2 adults & 2 children+) |
| Availability: | Generally between 10am & 4pm,
but
please check at the Astro Café counter. |
Click here to download the pricelist (68KB PDF) — Return to Top of Page
Family 'Twilight to Dark' Tour
Weather permitting, you may use a special solar telescope or solar glasses to observe the Sun in complete safety. The guide will take you to our 16" telescope in a dome where you may see bright stars or planets if visible in the evening. Except for autumn and winter when the Sun sets earlier, this is not a 'dark sky tour'. Each young child will also receive a goody bag from their guide!
| Tour duration: | Approx. 1½ hours |
| Prices: | $65 per adult
$25 per child (free for under 5s) $160 family pass (2 adults & 2 children) $185 family+ pass (2 adults & 3 children+) |
| Availability: | Subject to sufficient numbers |
| Departure: | Please confirm at town office (03 6806960) |
Click here to download the pricelist (68KB PDF) — Return to Top of Page
Stargazing Night Tour
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: | Varies according to season and is
subject to change.
Please confirm on the day (03 6806960). |
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.