Dark Sky Experience: Tekapo and Mt John
Tour Description
Viva's nights under the dark sky...one billion stars, the moon, planets and galaxies far, far away!
Join us at Lake Tekapo (Takapō) and Mt John Observatory on a 3 day, 2 night Dark Sky Experience; star gazing, astronomy and astrophotography.
Staying near the shores of Lake Tekapo, there is time to explore, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, go for a walk, or soak in the Tekapo hot springs. At the Dark Sky Project we take a thought provoking guided tour. We enjoy nightly dinners as a group before heading up Mt John, to the world-renowned astronomical centre; UC Mt John Observatory each night. Here expert guides will educate us on the night sky, as we gaze through telescopes, try our hands at astrophotography or simply grab a bean bag and enjoy a prime view on the mountain top under the stars.
Nā te pō, ko te ao, ko te ao mārama. From the darkest depths of the night we become enlightened
*Itinerary and rates for 2023 subject to change**
This bespoke astronomy tour at the observatory at Tekapo is bought to you by Viva Expeditions in conjunction with the Dark Sky Project.
*Tekapo has its own unique alpine micro-climate and can change without notice. Weather predictions are often inaccurate. What we will see is weather dependent. Our guides tailor content to what is visible on a given night.
Viva's Best Bits...
"Designed to combine with our Southern Lights by Flight, this makes for the perfect astronomy & night sky long weekend! Not going on our Southern Lights Flight? You are still welcome to join us!" Tara, Team Viva
A bespoke mountaintop stargazing experience at the world-renowned astronomical centre; UC Mt John Observatory, great for all levels, whether you want to learn a little about our night sky, or a keen to do a little astrophotography.
As part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, Mount John is one of the best places in the world to observe the planets, stars, galaxies and solar systems, and you will have fantastic guides with you as well!