Stargazing Experience at Cowan's Private Observatory
Overview
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.
What's Included
- Stargazing is within secluded, private craters, sheltered from wind and light
- Return transport to the stargazing location from the Dark Sky base
- Discover the dark skies of the largest International Gold Standard Dark Sky Reserve
- Private facility with powerful telescopic viewing technologies
- Explore the endless Southern skies, observe planets, galaxies, and the depths of the Milky Way
- 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
Meeting Location
Dark Sky Project
1 Motuariki Lane, Lake Tekapo 7999, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Dark Sky Project
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
1 hour 15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 22 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Stargazing Experience at Cowan’s Private Observatory?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-105977P2
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.39 out of 5 stars based on 69 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Stargazing is within secluded, private craters, sheltered from wind and light.
- Return transport to the stargazing location from the Dark Sky base.
- Discover the dark skies of the largest International Gold Standard Dark Sky Reserve.
- Private facility with powerful telescopic viewing technologies.
- Explore the endless Southern skies, observe planets, galaxies, and the depths of the Milky Way.
- 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.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 5. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Stargazing Experience at Cowan's Private Observatory is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Stargazing Experience at Cowan’s Private Observatory will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Stargazing is within secluded, private craters, sheltered from wind and light
- Return transport to the stargazing location from the Dark Sky base
- Discover the dark skies of the largest International Gold Standard Dark Sky Reserve
- Private facility with powerful telescopic viewing technologies
- Explore the endless Southern skies, observe planets, galaxies, and the depths of the Milky Way
- 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
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 22 travelers
