Stargaze. Learn.
Be Amazed.
Immerse yourself in the pristine darkness of Banks Peninsula or explore the fiery surface of the Sun by day. From solar flares to deep-space galaxies, discover the wonders of our Southern Skies.
WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY
UNLOCK THE SECRETS OF THE SOUTHERN SKIES IN AKAROA
As a family-run venture – Luca, Manon, and our 4-year-old son, Eros – we at Akaroa Stargazing offer unique astronomy tours that deeply connect you with the wonders of the Universe.
Our passionate team uses state-of-the-art equipment and leads small, intimate groups through the pristine darkness of Banks Peninsula.
Whether you choose a mesmerizing evening under the stars or a fascinating daytime exploration of our Sun, prepare for an unforgettable experience. Only 90 minutes scenic drive from Christchurch!
Choose your Akaroa Stargazing experience
Seeking the magic of a starry night or the wonders of the universe by day? Look no further.
We have an experience designed for you.
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Evening Stargazing under the Southern Skies
Witness the Milky Way, distant galaxies, and dazzling planets through powerful telescopes. Our intimate evening tours are perfect for romantic escapes, family wonder, or a comprehensive cosmic dive.
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Daytime Astronomy: Uncover Hidden Wonders
Discover the active surface of our Sun safely by day, or journey through fascinating cosmic concepts indoors with our digital stargazing experiences. Unique insights for all ages!
A glimpse of our unique taste of Akaroa
Bring the Wonders of the Southern Sky Home
Defy gravity with the NASA Space Anomaly Space Ball! Engineered for extreme performance, this isn’t your average bouncy ball. Designed with a unique "cratered" texture that mimics the lunar surface, this ball is built to reach incredible heights with every bounce. Whether you’re playing in the driveway or testing the physics of bounce-back at the park, it’s a high-energy way to celebrate your love for NASA.
Extreme Bounce: Lightweight and super-resilient material for gravity-defying height.
Lunar Texture: Easy to grip and catch, featuring a "Moon-surface" design.
Classic Branding: Features the official NASA logo.
Perfect Gift: Great for kids, teens, and restless office workers!
Written by Rangi Matamua & Miriama Kamo
Illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White
The Matariki cluster (or Pleiades) is known by many different names and is seen and celebrated by many cultures around the world. This book features 21 stories: 9 of which highlight the Māori Matariki stars, while the others reference the stories about this cluster from different cultures, from the Pacific Islands to Australia, Asia, the Americas, Europe and Africa.
Exploring Outer Space!
Choose your cosmic adventure! Select one 100 pieces puzzle featuring a stunning NASA image of Earth, Moon, Sun, or Jupiter. Price is for a single puzzle—pick your favorite space object!
Discover the beauty of the Southern Hemisphere sky with the official New Zealand's Night Sky map from Stardome Observatory. This isn't just a map; it’s a functional tool designed for the field. The chart features two detailed maps that glow in the dark, allowing you to reference the stars without needing a bright flashlight that ruins your night vision.
Whether you are at a dark-sky site or in your backyard, this durable chart is the perfect companion for identifying the celestial wonders above Aotearoa.
Dual-Map Design: Features two detailed maps covering the seasonal changes in the New Zealand sky.
Glow-in-the-Dark: Specially printed to remain visible in the dark—just "charge" it under a light before you head outside!
Durable & Portable: Printed on heavy-duty card designed to withstand night-time use.
Educational: Includes a comprehensive list of constellations and useful descriptions to help you master the Southern Cross and beyond.
