Date Night

Just YOU, the stars, and the Universe.

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The Date Night Experience: What Our Guests Say

Your Cosmos, Your Way: Akaroa's Ultimate Private Stargazing Tour

  • A couple in warm clothing standing embracing under a star-filled night sky with the Milky Way galaxy visible, next to a white telescope on a grassy area.

    A TRULY PRIVATE EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR GROUP

    Whether it’s a romantic anniversary, a family birthday, or a small group of friends, your party of 2 to 10 guests has our complete, undivided attention. Your astronomy guide dedicates their time and focus entirely to you, creating a relaxed, exclusive atmosphere. You set the pace, ask every question you have, and enjoy a deep connection with the cosmos without any distractions from other guests.

  • A clear night sky filled with numerous stars and the Andromeda galaxy visible as a large, bright, oval-shaped galaxy.

    CUSTOMIZABLE TO YOUR WISHES

    Every detail of the tour is tailored to your group's specific interests. We don't follow a rigid script; you tell us what excites you—whether it's seeing the rings of Saturn, hunting for distant galaxies, or exploring the mythology of the Māori night sky. We customize the objects viewed and the commentary provided, ensuring the night is exactly what you dreamed of and making it truly unique to your party.

  • Two women observing the night sky with binoculars, standing on a grassy field under a star-filled sky with the Milky Way galaxy visible.

    PREMIUM EQUIPMENT, PERSONALLY GUIDED

    Your private guide comes equipped with our powerful 10-inch Dobsonian telescope and the stunning ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope. This advanced equipment is solely for your use, ensuring you get maximum viewing time and access to the best objects visible on your chosen night. We handle all the technical details and equipment operation; your group just relaxes and enjoys the wonders of the night sky together.

  • A nebula taken with a Seestar S50 telescope.

    POWERFUL STARGAZING IN AKAROA

    Our stargazing site is chosen for its superior dark sky views, minimal light pollution, and easy access in the Akaroa area. This location is perfect for capturing high-resolution photos of celestial objects, which your guide will happily share with you. This setting provides the ultimate convenience if you prefer to meet us at a designated, proven spot.

  • A person is giving a stargazing tour to two seated individuals at night, with a telescope, under a sky filled with stars.

    BRING THE COSMOS HOME: ON-SITE PRIVATE STARGAZING

    For the ultimate in convenience and exclusivity, we can bring the entire experience to you! This private tour can be held at your accommodation, whether you're staying in Akaroa or almost anywhere on the wider Banks Peninsula. Imagine stepping straight from your lounge into a universe of stars. Please note there is an additional travel fee added to the price for off-site bookings to cover travel time and complex setup across the Peninsula.

    Contact us directly before booking to confirm suitability - a clear view of the sky is required.

    Recommendation: Contact us for recommendations if you need help finding the best stargazing-friendly accommodation in the region!

PRICING

  • 2 guests: $379

  • 3-4 guests: $549

  • 5-6 guests: $769

  • 7-10 guests: $1090

Please note that children under 5s join us for free!

DEPARTURE TIME

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

  • December-January: 10:30PM, 12:30AM

  • February: 10:00PM, 12:00AM

  • March: 9:30PM, 11:30PM

  • April-August: 7:30PM, 9:30PM

  • September: 8:00PM, 10:00PM

  • October: 9:30PM, 11:30PM

  • November: 10:00PM, 12:00AM

MEETING POINT

Akaroa Heritage Park, 280 Long Bay Road, Akaroa 7583

Google Maps link

DURATION

90 minutes

GROUP SIZE

Minimum 2, Maximum 10 guests

INCLUDED

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

  • ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope

  • High-quality binoculars for enhanced wide-field viewing

  • High-resolution celestial images captured by the Seestar S50 (shared at the end of the tour)

  • Digital souvenir photo of you under the stars (shared the following day or so)

  • 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

  • Food

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.

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