Solar Explorer

SEE THE SUN LIVE! AKAROA'S UNIQUE 30-MINUTE DAYTIME EXPERIENCE.

We are the ONLY stargazing operator in New Zealand running daily, expert-led sungazing tours! Witness the Sun's surface and dynamic activity like never before.

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Why Solar Explorer is Your Must-Do Daytime Tour

  • Lighthouse on a rocky cliff next to a body of water, with sailboats and a pier, mountains in the background, and a cloudy sky.

    NZ'S ONLY DAILY SUNGAZING EXPERIENCE

    You won't find this anywhere else! We are the only operator in New Zealand that runs dedicated, daily, expert-led tours for safe solar observation. We don't just wait for the night; we explore the Sun every day using specialized, professional-grade solar telescopes.

    This guarantee of daily viewing means you can easily fit this unique experience into your Akaroa itinerary.

  • A group of five people, including two children, are gathered around a camera on a tripod, smiling and looking at the camera. They are outdoors on a terrace overlooking a body of water with sailing boats, hills, and a partly cloudy sky in the background.

    THE PERFECT, HIGH-IMPACT 30-MINUTE TOUR

    Looking for a unique, quick activity? This tour is your answer. In just 30 minutes, you will be guided through an expert discovery of our star, making it a perfect, high-impact experience to easily fit into your busy day of exploring Akaroa. It's great for all ages and all fitness levels.

  • Photograph of the sun taken with a PST solarscope, showing a bright pinkish red illuminated sphere against a black background.

    CUTTING-EDGE EQUIPMENT FOR SUPERIOR VIEWS

    Go beyond the basics with our dedicated solar telescopes and the cutting-edge ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope, specially adapted for solar viewing. Your expert guide will use this state-of-the-art equipment to reveal features like prominences and sunspots on the Sun’s surface, ensuring you get the sharpest, clearest views possible.

  • Person observing through a yellow telescope mounted on a black stand outdoors.

    CAPTURE YOUR OWN COSMIC SOUVENIR

    This tour isn't just about looking; it's about capturing. Using our advanced smartphone adapters connected to the telescopes, you'll have the opportunity to take your own incredible photos of the Sun. You'll walk away with a truly unique digital souvenir of your Akaroa adventure, straight from your device!

  • Photograph of the sun taken with a Seestar S50 telescope, showing a bright orange sphere against a dark background.

    SEE SOLAR MAXIMUM ACTION LIVE

    The Sun is currently in a period of Solar Maximum—a time of intense activity. This means your chances of seeing breathtaking features like sunspots, solar flares, and prominences are higher than ever! Our specialized equipment guarantees a safe and awe-inspiring view of this live, dynamic activity in stunning detail.

What to Expect

DURATION

Approximately 30 minutes

WHAT TO BRING

Your smartphone (for photos!), Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), comfortable shoes.

GROUP SIZE

Small groups for a personal experience (Max 8)

IDEAL FOR

Families, curious individuals, photography enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a unique Akaroa activity.

MEETING POINT

Akaroa Lighthouse 145 Beach Road, Akaroa

PRICE

Child (5 - 15) $19

Adult (16+) $39

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

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

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Amazing Feedback from our Solar Explorers

Your Journey to the Stars Continues...