Star Safari Stargazing Experience, Martinborough
Overview
Did you know that the Wairarapa International Dark Sky Reserve has one of the darkest and clearest skies in New Zealand? Only 80km from the Wellington Airport, you get a personal astrobiologist and an astrophysicist to show you the Universe.
We are Hari and Sam, and we created Star Safari out of our love of the night sky. • We invested in the best equipment for stargazing, with powerful telescopes and top-quality optics.
We know our night sky - both our 16" telescopes are manual, and you can learn it too! • Advanced stargazers, bring your observing list. • Beginner stargazers, we will show you where to start. By the end of the session, you will know what's in the sky and how to orient yourself to the stars.
Star Safari is a 90-minute experience with the Universe while seeing the best the amazing southern sky offers. If the weather is unsuitable for stargazing, we explore our sky in virtual reality.
You get to ask questions. We deliver a learning experience just for you.
What's Included
- Tea and coffee Coffee and/or Tea
- All children 15 and younger for free, with no lower age limit. Maximum 2 per paying adult.
- Free cancelation up to 24 hours before session start time.
- All Fees and Taxes
- 2x 16" (inches) very large telescopes per group and other telescopes and binoculars.
- Professional Instructors. Hari is a TEDx featured astrobiologist, Sam is an astrophysicist
Meeting Location
VG48+C6F Ponatahi
Wellington, 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
Expect an evening filled with space science. When stars are visible, we stargaze. When they are not, we entertain you with an e-astronomy experience.
- Stargazing: We meet you on arrival. Then, grab a blanket or jacket through our reception area. The telescope viewing area is 25 meters away, tucked inside our Moon Garden. We spend the next 60–90 minutes viewing the fantastic deep-sky objects of the Southern Sky with our powerful telescopes.
You have non-stop Q&A opportunities with an astrophysicist (Sam) and an astrobiologist (Hari). • Up to 10 people groups. • With 3-4 telescopes available, you will get plenty of telescope time: • See the Milky Way • Wish on a shooting star (or many) • Catch the ISS when it passes overhead or any of those satellites • Use astronomy binoculars.
Both of us are licensed to operate a laser pointer.
- E-astronomy: Tour the Universe with our state-of-the-art planetarium software and explore the Solar System in virtual reality. We have a unique collection of astrobiology-relevant rocks from across New Zealand. They are relevant to the search for life on Mars, of which we are part.
Enjoy a complimentary hot drink - a well-established tradition.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Please dress up warm and as if you would go hiking. It gets very cold at night.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Please call us at the phone number below.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Star Safari Stargazing Experience, Martinborough?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-444952P2
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.57 out of 5 stars based on 7 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).
- Tea and coffee. Coffee and/or Tea.
- All children 15 and younger for free, with no lower age limit. Maximum 2 per paying adult.
- Free cancelation up to 24 hours before session start time.
- All Fees and Taxes.
- 2x 16" (inches) very large telescopes per group and other telescopes and binoculars.
- Professional Instructors. Hari is a TEDx featured astrobiologist, Sam is an astrophysicist.
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 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. 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 Star Safari Stargazing Experience, Martinborough is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Please dress up warm and as if you would go hiking. It gets very cold at night.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Star Safari Stargazing Experience, Martinborough 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
- Tea and coffeeCoffee and/or Tea
- All children 15 and younger for free, with no lower age limit. Maximum 2 per paying adult.
- Free cancelation up to 24 hours before session start time.
- All Fees and Taxes
- 2x 16" (inches) very large telescopes per group and other telescopes and binoculars.
- Professional Instructors. Hari is a TEDx featured astrobiologist, Sam is an astrophysicist
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Please dress up warm and as if you would go hiking. It gets very cold at night.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Please call us at the phone number below.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
