Night Awe Stargazing Tour

Ranked #1 on TripAdvisor for Evening Tours, Night Awe is your intimate journey into the Southern Skies.

Forget the city lights—this is the closest truly pristine dark sky experience to Christchurch, just a 90 minutes drive away.

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Why Night Awe is Akaroa's MUST-DO Stargazing Tour

  • Night sky filled with countless stars and the Milky Way galaxy, with a bright orange moon setting over mountains on the horizon and a silhouette of trees and hills in the foreground.

    PRISTINE DARK SKIES & OUR DARK SKY MISSION

    Escape city lights at our exceptional location in Akaroa Heritage Park. This spot offers unparalleled views of the Milky Way, distant nebulae, and celestial objects in stunning clarity. We are actively working toward gaining Dark Sky Reserve status for Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula. Why? Because a pristine dark sky is essential for true astronomy and the health of our environment. Join us to see the stars as they were meant to be seen.

  • A man with curly hair and glasses stands outdoors against a cloudy sky, wearing a black jacket.

    GUIDED BY EXPERTS

    Our passionate team of guides brings the universe to life with captivating storytelling, fascinating scientific insights, and a sprinkle of Māori mythology. We make complex concepts easy and enjoyable for all, giving you unique insights you won't find anywhere else.

  • Group of six people standing on grass under a starry night sky with clouds and some visible planets or stars in the background.

    INTIMATE & COMFORTABLE

    Enjoy a truly personal stargazing experience with small group sizes (max 10 participants). Relax in comfy outdoor chairs, wrapped in warm blankets, with a delicious hot drink in hand as you gaze at the stars. This setting creates a personal and awe-inspiring atmosphere, perfect for couples or anyone seeking a deep connection with the night sky.

  • A telescope set up outdoors at night, pointed towards a star-filled sky, capturing the Milky Way galaxy.

    EXPLORE WITH POWERFUL TELESCOPES

    Peer through the incredible details of planets, star clusters, and galaxies using our powerful telescope. For live, vibrant views and stunning astrophotography of deep-sky objects, we also utilize the innovative ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope. This state-of-the-art equipment ensures you get the best possible view. Plus you get to keep all the pictures taken LIVE during your tour!

  • A person with a backpack and wide-brim hat looking through a telescope at the night sky, which is filled with stars and the Milky Way, with pinkish aurora near the horizon.

    LASTING MEMORIES

    Every Night Awe guest gets a complimentary digital souvenir photo taken under the breathtaking Akaroa night sky, making your experience last long after the tour ends. In addition to your personal keepsake, you’ll receive the celestial images captured during your tour by our innovative Seestar S50 smart telescope. These high-quality photos showcase the beauty of distant star clusters, galaxies, nebulae and other deep-sky objects witnessed during your stargazing adventure. All images are conveniently delivered to your inbox the next day, allowing you to easily share the memories and stunning skies of Akaroa with family and friends.

Leaving in Awe: What Our Stargazers Say

PRICING

  • Child (5 - 15) $69

  • Adult (16+) $109

  • Senior (65+) $99

  • Student $89

  • Family (2 adults + 2 children) $319

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

Maximum 10 participants

INCLUDED

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

  • ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope

  • High-resolution Deep-Sky 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

  • Camera and smartphone

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

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