Guided Stargazing in Akaroa: Two Telescopes, Live Photos
See the Milky Way and deep-sky objects through two telescopes, with instant photos to take home
Join expert astronomer Luca for a guided stargazing session in Akaroa's dark skies, using a 10-inch Dobsonian telescope and a ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope to observe the Milky Way, planets, nebulae and galaxies. The tour runs 90 minutes at Akaroa Heritage Park, includes hot drinks and blankets, and you'll receive instant digital photos of nebulae plus a personalized photo of your group under the stars, sent the next day. No astronomy knowledge is required, and the small group size keeps the experience personalized.
Step-by-step itinerary
Guided night stargazing experience
- Arrive at Akaroa Heritage Park
- Observe night sky with naked eyes
- Use binoculars and telescopes for viewing
- Follow guide's celestial explanations
- Ask questions about the night sky
- Enjoy hot drink and cozy blankets
- Receive digital photo souvenirs next day
What’s included
- Guided stargazing with expert astronomer Luca.
- use of a 10-inch Dobsonian telescope and ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope.
- instant digital photos of nebulae and deep-sky objects.
- personalized digital souvenir photo of your group under the stars (sent next day).
- hot drinks (coffee and/or tea).
- cozy blankets.
- all fees and taxes.
Times
- Every day 22:00 22:30 00:00 00:30
Before you book
Operated by Akaroa Stargazing
Prices and times updated today
Traveler reviews
The experience
If you've landed in Akaroa with a free evening or arrived early in the afternoon, this stargazing session fits into the tail end of your day without eating your whole schedule. You start by looking up with your naked eyes to get your bearings in the night sky, then move to binoculars and the telescopes as your eyes adjust to the darkness. The guide walks you through what's visible that night (the Milky Way, planets, nebulae, whatever the sky is offering), and answers questions as you go. No prior knowledge needed. The point is to see what's actually there, not to arrive already knowing the constellations.
The two telescopes do different jobs. The 10-inch Dobsonian gives you the visual experience. You look through the eyepiece and watch objects appear in real time. The ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope captures live astrophotography, so you see nebulae and deep-sky objects as the camera sees them, and you get those images instantly to share. You'll also get a personalized digital photo of your group under the night sky, delivered the next day. Between observations, blankets and hot drinks keep you comfortable while you're standing still in the dark.
The tour runs 90 minutes and sits at Akaroa Heritage Park, just minutes from town, so logistics are simple: no long drive out to a remote site. The group stays small, which means the guide can spend time with each person and adjust what you're looking at based on what's working that night. On a clear night, there's no shortage of objects to find. The sky is essentially infinite.
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to stargaze and still have your evening free. The 90-minute window lets you arrive in Akaroa late afternoon, complete the tour, and have time to eat and explore town. If you'd rather spend hours under the sky, choose a longer option instead.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years); Infant (under 5): free.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What can I actually see through the telescopes on a clear night in Akaroa?
On a clear night, the Milky Way is vivid, and you'll see planets, nebulae, and distant galaxies depending on the season and what's visible when you visit. The guide will show you what's up that evening and adjust the telescopes to bring it into view.
Do I need to know anything about astronomy before I book this?
No prior astronomy knowledge is required. The guide will walk you through what you're looking at and answer your questions as you go, so you learn as you observe.
How long does the stargazing tour last, and will I have time for dinner after?
The tour runs 90 minutes, so if you start in the early evening, you'll finish with time to grab dinner in Akaroa town afterward.
Are the digital photos I get mine to keep and share?
Yes. You receive instant digital photos of nebulae and deep-sky objects captured live with the smart telescope, ready to share on social media right away. You'll also get a personalized digital photo of your group under the night sky, sent the next day.
Is this tour accessible if I use a wheelchair or have mobility concerns?
The tour is wheelchair accessible. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and the experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
Guided Stargazing in Akaroa: Two Telescopes, Live Photos
1h 30m · EN
from NZ$ 119 per person
≈ US$ 68 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.