It was an perfectly clear night for stargazing at the Ben Ohau station, and guides Jill and Daniel made for an amazing experience. Jill filled the time with informative explanations and stories, and Daniel brought his camera gear and took some spectacular time-lapse photos.
Dress up warm, it definitely got cold as the night got darker. The tour provides you with warm blankets and hot drinks, but you really need to layer up! Officially the tour runs from around 10PM to midnight, but Jill and Daniel had us until past 1AM! We saw the Milky Way, multiple constellations, and the rising of Jupiter and Mars. A must do if you're ever in Twizel!

Looking for the best place in New Zealand to see the night sky, we found Lakeland explorer. Fortunately for us, they were willing to accommodate our young family and allow a tour with our three children, the youngest almost five. We dressed warm and got a chance to see for ourselves the Milky Way, and all the stuff planetariums talk about. The kids enjoyed, and then went to sleep on the warm sleeping bags that were provided. The adults could then enjoy the rest of the night. Jill was great, and so enthusiastic - it's like it's her first time seeing the spectacular skies - every time over. Daniel was wonderful, took amazing pictures, and helped me take some of my own. Had a night we'll never forget.