Scope at the Stars

60-minute telescope only tour
Includes daytime hot pools pass

Discover the wonders of the southern night sky on our family-friendly Scope at the Stars experience. Operating from Tekapo Springs within the world-renowned Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, this guided telescope tour takes you on a journey through the cosmos, revealing distant planets, star clusters, galaxies, and constellations above Lake Tekapo.

look through
the scope

Join our expert guides for an unforgettable exploration of the night sky using powerful telescopes. As you gaze deep into space, your guide will bring the universe to life with fascinating stories, scientific insights, and opportunities to ask questions along the way.

Designed for families, travellers, and curious stargazers, Scope at the Stars offers an engaging introduction to astronomy in a relaxed outdoor setting. Start times vary seasonally to ensure the darkest skies and the best viewing conditions.

Please note that children under 6 years of age are not permitted on this tour.

Book now

hot pools at daytime

Your stargazing adventure doesn’t end when the night does! Every Scope at the Stars stargazing ticket includes a complimentary daytime hot pools pass at Tekapo Springs, giving you another chance to relax and make the most of your Tekapo visit.

Take a dip in the steaming hot pools, surrounded by breathtaking alpine views, either on the day of your tour or the following day. Whether you choose to relax before an evening under the stars or start your next day with a peaceful soak, this added experience makes your Tekapo visit truly unforgettable.

Discover Tā Mātou Mōhiotanga Māori

Our Māori Knowledge

As part of your experience, our guides introduce Māori astronomy through the stars of the southern sky and the Milky Way. You’ll learn about important celestial features such as Matariki and the Southern Cross, and how these helped people understand the seasons, direction and the natural world. It’s a meaningful way to experience the night sky through both astronomy and Aotearoa’s cultural knowledge.

Indoor Virtual Reality (VR) Experience

When weather conditions limit telescope viewing, guests continue their experience indoors with our immersive Virtual Reality experience. Through immersive 360° visuals, captured right here in Lake Tekapo, and guide-led storytelling, you’ll explore the Tekapo night sky from some of the region’s most iconic locations, including the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Mt John summit. We’ll explore constellations, deep-sky objects and Māori astronomy from a different perspective. It’s a different way to experience the southern night sky, with close-up views and guided interpretation that add to what you would normally see through a telescope.

LEARN MORE

Nightly Tours

Star Gazing Tours operate from the Tekapo Springs facilities. Check-in is at Tekapo Springs Reception, 300 Lakeside Drive, Lake Tekapo. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time of your tour. Our evenings can be very cold – we recommend enclosed shoes, trousers and a warm jacket.

Scope at the Stars stargazing tours run 7 evenings a week from October until April.

Book now