Where to find us
Welcome to Akaroa Stargazing! We have multiple unique locations for our tours, each chosen to provide the best possible experience. Below you'll find clear directions and details for where to meet your guide for each of our experiences.
Getting to Akaroa: Your Gateway to the Stars
Akaroa is a picturesque harbour town, and the perfect base for your stargazing experience. We're proud to be the closest dark-sky stargazing experience to Christchurch, just a scenic 90-minute drive away on State Highway 75. Enjoy the beautiful Banks Peninsula landscape on your journey!
Transport & Shuttle Services
If you aren't driving yourself, there are several reliable ways to get to Akaroa and back to Christchurch.
Return Transport to Christchurch (Evenings)
For guests needing return transport from Christchurch specifically for an evening stargazing tour, we highly recommend Steve's Shuttle. They can arrange a dedicated trip to Akaroa and a return journey after your tour.
- Steve's Shuttle
- 📞 +64 21 232 4294
- 🌐 stevesshuttles.co.nz
Daytime Scenic Shuttle (One-Way / Overnighters)
The French Connection offers a daily scenic route. Note that their last service departs Akaroa in the afternoon, making this a great option if you are staying overnight in the village.
- Akaroa French Connection
- 📞 0800 800 575
- 🌐 akaroabus.co.nz
Local Taxi Services (Within Akaroa)
If you are staying in Akaroa and need transport to our meeting point at Akaroa Heritage Park, we recommend booking a local taxi in advance.
- Akaroa Taxi
- 📞 +64 27 220 9718
- ✉️ akaroataxis@gmail.com
Pro Tip: Evening taxi availability is limited in Akaroa. We strongly suggest booking your ride at least 24 hours in advance to ensure you arrive 10 minutes before your tour departure.
Meeting Point 1: Akaroa Heritage Park
Associated Tours: Night Awe, Date Night, Astronomy Bites
📍Akaroa Heritage Park, 280 Long Bay Road, Akaroa 7583, New Zealand
Our primary outdoor stargazing location, Akaroa Heritage Park, offers exceptionally dark skies just a short 5-minute drive from Akaroa township. This location is on a grassy, slightly uneven surface, providing vast, unobstructed views of the night sky. Plenty of free parking is available in the carpark.
⌛Please meet your guide in the carpark 10 minutes before your scheduled tour departure time.
Meeting Point 2: Akaroa Stargazing Space
Associated Tours: Space Voyager, Cosmic Quest
📍Akaroa Stargazing Space, 2/8 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand
This is our dedicated astronomy shop and indoor Space Voyager theatre. For Cosmic Quest, this is where your guided walk begins. You'll find us conveniently located in the heart of Akaroa township. Parking is available nearby on street.
⌛Please meet your guide here 10 minutes before your scheduled tour departure time.
Meeting Point 3: Akaroa Lighthouse
Associated Tours: Solar Explorer
📍Akaroa Lighthouse, 145 Beach Road, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand
For our unique Solar Explorer tour, we meet at the iconic Akaroa Lighthouse. This historic landmark provides a fantastic backdrop for observing our Sun safely. Limited free parking is available near the lighthouse.
⌛Please meet your guide here 10 minutes before your scheduled tour departure time.
Important Information for Your Visit
- Check Your Status: Before heading out, please visit our Daily Tour Status Page for live weather updates and tour confirmations.
- What if it's cloudy? If conditions aren't suitable for telescopes, we don't cancel—we offer an immersive indoor tour, the option to reschedule, or a gift card/refund.
- Arrive on Time: Please ensure you arrive at your designated meeting point at least 10 minutes prior to your tour's scheduled departure.
- Check Your Confirmation: Always refer to your booking confirmation for specific tour details and exact meeting times.
- Getting Lost? If you have any trouble finding your meeting point, please 📞 Call us immediately: +64 210 243 0328
- What to Wear: For all outdoor tours, Akaroa's weather can be unpredictable. We strongly advise wearing multiple warm layers, a hat, and enclosed shoes.
