Mount John Observatory Stargazing Experience, Tekapo

Truly special experience! The guide, Oscar, was very knowledgeable, engaging and passionate. Learned about constellations, star distance measuring and visibility! Was incredibly fortunate to have a clear sky and saw a shooting star through one of the fantastic telescopes! They prepare you well for the weather. Overall, would recommend to anyone - expensive, but worth the price!

If you have never seen the night sky before this tour was ok. However if you have ever looked up, this tour was lackluster at best. Too many people for too few outdated telescopes pointed to things that were not impactful. We took family and I was so disappointed. I am sorry to say this as I thought this was the premier star gazing company at Tekapo. Last year we did star gazing with Chameleon. Do yourself a favor, go there instead. Their Telescopes are state of the art, you will see incredible Nebulas star clusters, and planets. All images are emailed to you for memories with a photo of you with the night sky. At the end you around a bonfire for stories while basking in the drama of the Milkyway. I was blown away. As a side note, both tours were with a full moon. Try to not do this, but if you do, no worries Chameleon pulls if off anyway.

Very well organised visit to the stars. Fascinating and interactive experience given by astronomers. Incredible views.

To be honest- it rained that night so, no, we did not get to the actual observatory; we had the 2 am showing (tried to time our trip here with the waning moon that month). BUT we got a partial refund because we did the 'inside tour' and it was awesome. The astronomer guides took their time (okay- we were the only 2 people there...it was 2 am) but clearly really, really know their stuff. WE had all kinds of great discussions about stars, the universe, and planets. The star exhibit at the end was extremely helpful and I now know how to look for the Southern Cross for the next time I am in the southern hemisphere. Couple this with a bit of a brush up on the south pole explorers (who had only the stars to navigate by!) and you will really be impressed with human exploration and curiosity.

The trip was cancelled by the operator due weather they said. The refund was Minus 8.18 dollars which TripAdvisor kept back. Not a good look and don't use them.

The tour guide was excellent - she knows her stuff and can present it in a very approachable way. The event went off perfectly - a solid experience in every way.

Great tour with knowledgeable guides who were very enthusiastic, entertaining and engaging. I learned quite a bit too.

Unfortunately, the event could not take place due to bad weather..... Nevertheless, we were super enlightened and everything worked out great in advance. All totally fair with money return without any problems.

Awesome stargazing experience with a wonderful tour guide and knowledgeable. Final weather check was done on check in as the summit maybe different. It can be chilly but they provide coats to wear.

An amazing experience worth being awake at 2am for! Informative and knowledgeable guides, a well organised tour and the most amazing view of the night sky. An unforgettable and must do activity when in Tekapo. Highly recommended.