Astronomy Bites

The ONLY Day-to-Night Cosmic & Culinary Journey in New Zealand.

Experience the universe like never before: a unique 3-hour journey from the dazzling sunlight to the wonders of Akaroa’s dark sky, complemented by a luxurious local grazing platter.

Book NOW

From Sun to Stars, A Feast for your Senses. This is the Taste of Akaroa.

  • elescopes and a picnic table set up on a grassy hill overlooking Akaroa harbour at sunset, ready for stargazing.

    THE ONLY EXPERIENCE OF ITS KIND IN NEW ZEALAND

    This tour is truly unique. It is the only experience in all of New Zealand that combines safe, daytime solar observation (Sungazing) with night-time viewing (Stargazing) and a premium culinary element in one 3-hour seamless experience. Don't miss this singular opportunity to see the cosmos from day to night.

  • wo people seated at a wooden picnic table with a charcuterie grazing platter and drinks, pointing towards a scenic Akaroa harbour and hills at dusk.

    LUXURIOUS & LOCALLY-SOURCED GRAZING PLATTER

    Elevate your evening with a true taste of the Banks Peninsula. Included in your experience is a gourmet grazing platter crafted with the finest local ingredients: Barry's Bay Cheese, cured meats from the Akaroa Butchery, Deli + Pantry, bread from A la Baguette and healthy goods from Nomad Wholefoods. This curated spread turns stargazing into an unforgettable culinary indulgence.

  • A photograph of the Orion Nebula, with bright stars and colorful gas clouds, taken by Seestar S50 telescope on April 25, 2025, showing the nebula's intricate structure and star formation.

    COMPREHENSIVE STARGAZING

    Witness celestial wonders in breathtaking detail. We begin by safely viewing the Sun, then seamlessly transition to the night sky, where your expert astronomy guide will use our powerful 10-inch Dobsonian telescope and the innovative ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope to reveal planets, galaxies, and nebulae like the Orion Nebula - as pictured above. Your guide will bring the cosmos to life with accessible and fascinating commentary.

  • Silhouetted figures of two people sharing a grazing platter at a picnic table against a vibrant Akaroa sunset over the harbour and hills.

    CAPTURE YOUR OWN SOUVENIRS

    Take home more than just memories. You will have the unique opportunity to capture stunning photos of the Sun and the night sky using your own smartphone connected to our telescopes. Plus, you will receive a digital photo of you under the stars and a complimentary high-resolution digital photo package of the stunning objects viewed during your tour.

  • People stargazing at night outdoors with a telescope, under a clear, starry sky, sitting on chairs and a bench, with a table holding drinks and a thermos.

    INTIMATE & EXCLUSIVE INDULGENCE

    This is an experience defined by intimacy and refined comfort. Our tours are limited to 6 guests, ensuring a personal connection and bespoke attention from your astronomy guide. Relax into our premium seating, enveloped in cozy blankets, setting the stage for a luxurious and restorative evening under the stars.

Check availability and book

Tasting the Cosmos: Astronomy Bites Reviews

PRICING

Child (5 - 15) $199

Adult (16+) $379

DEPARTURE TIME

Departure times vary with sunset, see below schedule for estimated starting times.

April: 5:00PM

May-June: 4:00PM

July: 4:30PM

August: 5:00PM

September: 5:30PM

October: 6:30PM

November: 7:30PM

December-January: 8:00PM

February: 7:30PM

March: 7:00PM

MEETING POINT

Akaroa Heritage Park, 280 Long Bay Road, Akaroa 7583

Google Maps link

DURATION

3 hours

GROUP SIZE

Maximum 6 participants - Please inquire for larger groups.

INCLUDED

  • State-of-the-art 10-inch Dobsonian telescope and solar telescope

  • Local grazing platter

  • ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope

  • High-quality binoculars for enhanced wide-field viewing

  • Digital souvenir photo of you under the stars

  • Hot drink to keep you warm and cozy

  • Comfortable outdoor seating area to relax and gaze

  • Blankets for snuggling up

NOT INCLUDED

  • Transfers, pick-ups, & drop-offs

WHAT TO BRING

  • Comfortable shoes

  • Warm clothing

  • Water bottle

  • Camera and smartphone

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for further details, including our cancellation policy.

We have an experience designed for you.

  • Silhouette of two people observing the sunset with a telescope on a mountain, at Akaroa Heritage Park.

    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.

    Explore Evening Tours
  • A young woman with long blonde hair looking through a solar telescope on a mountain observation deck during daytime, at Akaroa Lighthouse.

    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!

    Explore Daytime Tours
Book Now