Attractions & Museums
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$215
per adult
Dark Sky Project
Dark Sky Project
4.3
Speciality & Gift ShopsObservatories & PlanetariumsNight ToursSightseeing Tours
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Full view
About
At Dark Sky Project (formerly Earth & Sky) we strive to connect manuhiri (visitors) to our night skies, and to inspire a lifelong understanding and passion for the dark sky above. We’re proud to be world-leaders in astro-tourism experiences and advocates for dark sky preservation. Located in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the largest Dark Sky Reserve in the world and the first Dark Sky Reserve in the world and the first to be awarded gold tier status, Takapō (Tekapo) is one of the quietest spots on the planet yet it has one of the busiest night skies in the universe. We’re privileged to offer a range of experiences at exclusive locations in this world-renowned stargazing destination. Stunning surrounds, pristine night skies, premier destinations, expert guides make Dark Sky Project the ultimate place to reflect, to discover and to be inspired.
Tours and Tickets by Dark Sky Project
Attractions & Museums
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$133
per adult
Attractions & Museums
1 hour
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$61
per adult
Attractions & Museums
1 hour
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$92
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.3
1,178 reviews
Excellent
757
Very good
207
Average
103
Poor
50
Terrible
61
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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andreasam91
Auckland Central, New Zealand2,975 contributions
Feb 2025 • Solo
I have been here a couple of times this lave has the most beautiful view of Lake Tekapo. Cafeteria perfect impeccable service as well as having the best cheese scones ever tried. Prices in order with the average. Definitely deserves
Automatically translated
Written 13 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy S
Christchurch, New Zealand6 contributions
A very informative and interesting presentation on some of todays mysteries in Physics and Cosmology
Sept 2024 • Solo
I went to the talk about Dark Matter and Dark Energy. This was such an informative and interesting presentation. Oscar was superbly professional and knowledgeable and the Q&A was equally informative.
Even though the ending was sad (the death of the Universe!) I left feeling uplifted and I would like to congratulate Oscar and DSP for this session.
Even though the ending was sad (the death of the Universe!) I left feeling uplifted and I would like to congratulate Oscar and DSP for this session.
Written 20 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora Andys,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.
We are glad to hear you had a 5-star experience with us.
Ngā mihi, Dark Sky Project
Written 22 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MidwestTraveler11608
Kansas City, MO26 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
2:30 AM tour was well worth it. We were taken by bus up to the observatory where our guides pointed out constellations and let us look closely through the telescopes. Seeing the night sky in the southern hemisphere is really special coming from the northern hemisphere
Written 16 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keith and Lydia... G
Ashburton, New Zealand20 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
We did the DARK SKY EXPERIENCE on Saturday morning and were very disappointed with the experience. We paid $130 for family pass with 6 and 9 year old kids. The presenter had poor english and was very hard to understand. Kids lost interest very quickly because of this. Just go through 3 rooms with different light displays. Really should have asked for money back. Was no way worth $130.
Written 25 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora Keith and Lydia,
Thank you for taking the time to leave this review.
Please email us at manager@darkskyproject.co.nz if you have any further feedback.
Ngā mihi, Dark Sky Project
Written 12 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TR82
Brisbane231 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We originally wanted to do a night start gazing experience but reviews and advice indicated that would be way too hard with young kids and it was freezing so we did the indoor experience at the dark sky centre, it is $100 per family and I feel about $30-40 over priced at that amount.
The tour goes through about 5 rooms and goes for about 45-50mins, there is some interesting info and the tour guide Micky’s knowledge was outstanding.
The way they merged science with the Māori lore was very impressive and something that NZ does so much better than Australia.
Nothing too awe inspiring and as mentioned a bit over priced for what it was.
The tour goes through about 5 rooms and goes for about 45-50mins, there is some interesting info and the tour guide Micky’s knowledge was outstanding.
The way they merged science with the Māori lore was very impressive and something that NZ does so much better than Australia.
Nothing too awe inspiring and as mentioned a bit over priced for what it was.
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.
Our team works hard to ensure our manuhiri have the best possible experience and we are always
looking for ways to improve, so we are grateful for you sharing this feedback.
Ngā mihi, Dark Sky Project
Written 14 September 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amy L
27 contributions
Jul 2023
The check in location within Tekapo for Dark Sky Project was very central, close to the Four Square and was pretty cool. There is a restaurant onsite which wasn’t open when we visited, I suspect this is a common occurrence due to staffing issues. There was also a small amount of merchandise available for purchase, alongside some knick knacks, it was a good place to spend a little bit of extra time walking around before departure. Check in for the Summit Experience was 20 minutes before scheduled departure, however we were only notified around 10 minutes prior that due to high winds and low visibility, the Summit Experience was cancelled due to cloud coverage and wind.
We were given the option of a full refund, credit or partial refund with the option to do the virtual experience instead. My partner and I chose to do the virtual stargazing experience which includes a walkthrough of the Brashear Telescope before a 45 minute tour inside a small room with beanbags and chairs, plus a huge curved screen which has programs with the ability to manipulate the night sky and take you on a journey through galaxies.
Unfortunately, I didn’t catch the name of our guide, however, she was incredibly passionate and enjoyable to listen to! Despite our guide being fantastic, as soon as it hit 9pm, I was tired and it became difficult to follow along the presentation. I would suggest visitors partake in this virtual experience during the day, when you can focus and absorb all the information.
We did end up visiting Mt John Observatory the following day. It was $8 to enter, all were welcome to visit, and it was cool to see the observatory up close and enjoy the views over Tekapo. It was incredibly cold and windy, only spent around 10 minutes here as the cafe was also closed.
We were given the option of a full refund, credit or partial refund with the option to do the virtual experience instead. My partner and I chose to do the virtual stargazing experience which includes a walkthrough of the Brashear Telescope before a 45 minute tour inside a small room with beanbags and chairs, plus a huge curved screen which has programs with the ability to manipulate the night sky and take you on a journey through galaxies.
Unfortunately, I didn’t catch the name of our guide, however, she was incredibly passionate and enjoyable to listen to! Despite our guide being fantastic, as soon as it hit 9pm, I was tired and it became difficult to follow along the presentation. I would suggest visitors partake in this virtual experience during the day, when you can focus and absorb all the information.
We did end up visiting Mt John Observatory the following day. It was $8 to enter, all were welcome to visit, and it was cool to see the observatory up close and enjoy the views over Tekapo. It was incredibly cold and windy, only spent around 10 minutes here as the cafe was also closed.
Written 17 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora Lecons,
We love to hear that despite the changes to the evening's plans, you were still able to enjoy yourself with us.
We're thrilled to hear about the positive experiences with our guides.
Thank you for taking the time to share a detailed review.
Ngā mihi, Dark Sky Project
Written 12 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susan M
Los Angeles, CA102 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Our summit session got cut short due to complete and immediate cloud cover but DSP did what they could and the virtual stargazing and visit to the summit was interesting. They did offer a full refund or rebook if you chose not to go but we chose to give it a try. We did get a partial refund which was fair and commensurate to what we experienced.
It's obvious that those involved here really are thrilled by what they do, astroscience, and want to share that with everyone.
DSP is well run with knowledgeable guides and they care about you having a great experience. I think they were just as disappointed about the clouds as we were but the weather changes in minutes here so you just never know.
It's obvious that those involved here really are thrilled by what they do, astroscience, and want to share that with everyone.
DSP is well run with knowledgeable guides and they care about you having a great experience. I think they were just as disappointed about the clouds as we were but the weather changes in minutes here so you just never know.
Written 2 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora
Thank you so much for your review! you are correct! As guides we are equally disappointed when the weather doesnt play along with us! That being said, we are glad that you still had a positive experience, and that is our single biggest priority!
We hope you can come back again on a clear evening and we are really able to show you what we can do!! All the very best to you!!!
Written 11 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Austina
3 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Amazing launch to space with Phillipa as our captain! She was fun and engaging as we rode to the observatory and kept us feeling safe (even with driving in the pitch black!). Our fearless leader, Tu, has great enthusiasm as he explained about stars and planets and how the world of space works. Dan came and helped out towards the end with showing us the different phases of stars being born.
We were so grateful for the coats provided to us at the beginning of the tour (we wanted to keep them, they were so warm), but it was still a pretty cold/windy night at the observatory.
We also did the virtual star gazing experience (with Dan) before the summit experience and we felt like it enhanced the experience greatly! Not only was Dan great at explaining things, but he made it easy to understand and you could tell how passionate he was about the work!
Overall, this is one of the top experiences of our lives so far. Do not miss out on the opportunity to experience the night sky in a new way! We are hoping to come back very soon to do this all again!
We were so grateful for the coats provided to us at the beginning of the tour (we wanted to keep them, they were so warm), but it was still a pretty cold/windy night at the observatory.
We also did the virtual star gazing experience (with Dan) before the summit experience and we felt like it enhanced the experience greatly! Not only was Dan great at explaining things, but he made it easy to understand and you could tell how passionate he was about the work!
Overall, this is one of the top experiences of our lives so far. Do not miss out on the opportunity to experience the night sky in a new way! We are hoping to come back very soon to do this all again!
Written 29 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora Tina,
We love to hear that you considered the tour to be one of the top experiences of your lives so far.
We're thrilled to hear about the positive experiences with our guides.
Thank you for taking the time to share a detailed review.
Ngā mihi, Dark Sky Project
Written 12 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shelley
south Auckland16 contributions
Aug 2020
This was to be one of our bucket list experiences but unfortunately the weather didn’t play its part and was overcast. That was disappointing but nothing that could be done about that. What was disappointing is that for the rather steep price that it was, if it is not good weather for viewing the sky then you get offered two choices. Either an inside experience which was basically a lecture or else you have a year to come back at a different time and view the sky if possible. No offer of a full refund or even a partial one. How many people are going to come back to Tekapo within a year and if you can and do what is the chance of getting clear skies. We feel a full or partial refund would have been a much nicer gesture and then people would recommend it knowing if not suitable weather you would get a refund or at least something back. Maybe don’t book ahead but take a chance and see what the weather is like on the day.
Written 18 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Shelley,
Thank you for booking with Dark Sky Project, and for taking the time to write your review. We're sorry to hear that you were unhappy with your experience.
We are continually seeking to develop and evolve our tours and we will discuss your comments with the team.
We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss your concerns in more detail, so if you wouldn't mind emailing info@darkskyproject.co.nz with your booking reference number (if you have it) that would enable us to look in to the specific circumstances you encountered and provide a full response.
Thanks again for taking the time to provide your comments.
Nga mihi
Written 20 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robby_j78
Wellington, New Zealand62 contributions
Sept 2020 • Friends
I guess when you’re in this part of the world, you need to take part in the area’s unique experiences. We enjoyed the evening and the guides are very good and you could tell this is something that really interests them. Just need to speak a little slower at times... We got to see some cool things that we normally can’t see with the naked eye so a good experience but is it worth the $99/person - not sure! I would definitely recommend dropping the price.
Written 25 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora Robby,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.
Our team works hard to ensure our manuhiri have the best possible experience and we are always
looking for ways to improve, so we are grateful for you sharing this feedback.
Ngā mihi, Dark Sky Project
Written 14 September 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi! My private crater tour was cancelled on the 6 Dec due to an overcast sky. The staff promised a refund within 10 business days. To date it is more than 10 business days and I have sent two emails to ask about the refund but there was completely no reply. Have any one of you encounter problems with refunds with this company? Are they trustworthy? Thanks!
Written 21 December 2022
星空ツアーへの参加を検討しているのですが、テカポ湖到着が夕方予定のため、第1便または第2便のどちらを予約するか迷っております。
そこで、以下質問です。
・ツアー開始何分前までにオフィスへの集合が必要でしょうか？
・ホテルチェックイン前にオフィスに直行し、ツアーの間荷物を預かって頂くことはできますでしょうか？
・送迎対象ホテルへのピックアップは、オフィス→天文台へ行く途中に寄るのでしょうか？それとも、早めにホテルでピックアップし、一度オフィスに戻ってオフィス集合の方を乗せて出発でしょうか？(少しでも集合時間が遅い方を選びたく…)
具体的には、17:40ホテル着予定のキアカハシャトルで行く予定で、その時期のツアー出発は18:30/20:45です。あまり遅くなりたくないのと、万が一天候が優れなければ次の時間に振り替えられるようにできれば18:30のツアーに参加したく、ご回答いただきたいです。
Written 14 December 2019
FootPrints653283様、
お待たせいたしました。ツアーの出発時間から推測すると、冬季(7月頃でしょうか)の予約をご検討いただいているかと思います。
ツアーの集合時間は出発時間の20分前になりますので、1本目のツアーにご参加いただくためには弊社オフィスに18:10までにお越しいただく必要がございます。
基本的に1本目のツアーにお申込みいただいた状態で、出発時に天候が優れない場合、2本目に(空き席があれば)予約を変更することが可能です。
またスーツケースのお預かりについて、担当部署に確認いたしました。
スーツケースはカウンターの後ろなどに置いておくことは可能ですが盗難、破損などに対する責任はとることができないとの回答でした。
主要ホテル(ペッパーズホテル、ゴッドレーホテル) からはピックアップのサービスがございますので、ホテルにスーツケースを下ろして18:05までのホテルフロントにお越しいただければスーツケースのことを心配なさらずにツアーにご参加いただけます。
ピックアップ サービスは主要ホテル出発の25分前、オフィス集合は出発の20分前となっています。
Craig ビジネス マネージャー (代) 日本語チームリーダー Satoshi
Written 18 December 2019
I am trying to find out the average annual number of clear sky nights. My daughter has just been in Chile and although we have all seen heaps of NZ we haven't been to Mt John. We wonder how it compares with Mamalluca Observatory in Chile, which claims 300 nights, but I don't think it has the special Dark Sky status which Mt John area has.
Written 7 October 2019
Really can't be sure but contact them to ask. They are a roper research institute so should be able to tell you
Written 17 November 2019
What telescopes are used during the tour? Model/specs etc?
Written 16 February 2019
dobsonian but not sure of specs
Written 18 February 2019
Greetings, is it possible to go up the mountain in our hire car by ourselves at night time. I’ve completed a number of observatory visits and really only want to see the best view point for the night sky.
Written 11 January 2019
DarkSkyProjectNZ
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Kia ora,
Thank you for your question.
The road will be closed at 4.30pm and you will only be able to access while on a stargazing tour with us. If you are interested in checking out the tours you can visit our website.
Nga mihi,
Lyndsey
Written 13 January 2019
Hi, is 15, 16 or 17 Dec a good and clear night for stargazing? Will we be able to see Milky Way with our naked eyes. We will be near Tekapo. Also should we take Mt John observatory tour or Church of Good Shepherd? We like to take photos of the Milky Way with our camera.
Written 9 December 2018
Hi, is 15, 16 or 17 Dec a good and clear night for stargazing? Will we be able to see Milky Way with our naked eyes. We will be near Tekapo. Also should we take Mt John observatory tour or Church of Good Shepherd? We like to take photos of the Milky Way with our camera.
Written 9 December 2018
You can check the star calendar on the Eart and Sky website!
Written 6 January 2019
Hello friends, I'll be at Tekapo sometime late october (4,5 days after a full moon). Is it still recommended to join this tour anyway? Is the longer tour (Mt john) better than the shorter Cowan tour?any significant difference apart from duration & cost?
Written 21 August 2018
I would recommend the Mt John tour over the Cowan one, It’s a great tour and doesn’t feel long at all as everything is interesting. We didn’t have the moon but didn’t matter as we had 5 planets!
Written 21 August 2018
I'll be there three days after a full moon - is this tour still worth doing? I realize clouds are also an issue, but those come and go. Just curious if anyone else has done it close to a full moon or at a full moon.
Written 30 July 2018
DarkSkyProjectNZ
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Kia ora,
Visiting on a full moon you will find the fainter stars are washed away, however those bright shining stars will still be visible and not to forget viewing the moon through the telescopes is simply spectacular.
Safe Travels,
Written 19 August 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.