• Dark Sky Project - Meet the team at the Dark Sky Project base in Lake Tekapo, and from there, transportation will be provided to Cowan’s Private Observatory, just a 5-minute drive in our shuttle.

At Cowan’s Observatory, guests will be protected from wind and light pollution in our specially designed Craters. This offers a wonderful introduction to stargazing, making it ideal for everyone, including families and young children.

• Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve - Experience stargazing in the largest Gold Standard International Dark Sky Reserve.

The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is renowned as one of the premier stargazing locations globally. It holds a Gold Standard designation, indicating it has some of the largest, darkest, and clearest skies, allowing the stars and the Milky Way to appear more vividly than anywhere else.

At Cowan’s Private Observatory, guests will benefit from the expertise of an astronomy guide, who will both educate and entertain using handheld lasers and powerful telescopes. The Observatory is shielded from wind and light pollution, ensuring a comfortable stargazing experience throughout the year.

• Return transport to the stargazing location from the Dark Sky base
• Discover the stars and planets using with our guide’s lasers and telescopes
• Private facility with powerful telescopic viewing technologies
• Explore the endless Southern skies, observe planets, galaxies, and the depths of the Milky Way
• Expert astronomy guide
• Stargazing at secluded, private craters sheltered from wind and light
• Expert astronomy guides who will tailor your experience according to what is visible on that night

• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

The ultimate stargazing experience. Enjoy maximum time under the stars whilst enhancing your knowledge of the Southern skies at our private observatory.

Designed specifically with stargazing in mind, Cowan’s Observatory is the perfect introductory stargazing experience. Over 75 minutes, you’ll explore the stars with both the naked eye and powerful telescopes.

Every night offers a new spectacle. From the Milky Way to distant galaxies beyond, our guides use handheld lasers to show you the best of the evolving night sky. They’ll help you discover the stars and planets, and understand what it all means.

Nestled in a giant purpose-built crater to provide maximum wind protection and minimum light pollution, our expert astronomy guides will enhance your knowledge and understanding of our Southern Skies as you admire and ponder the possibilities through our powerful optical telescopes.

• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Minimum age is 5 years
• Dress warm all year round
• 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
• Language - You are required to speak the language of the tour due to Health & Safety purposes, if you cannot speak the language, you will not be allowed to join the tour.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.