Greet the stars: Dark Sky Project
by Metropol | July 23, 2025 8:30 am
As you journey through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Takapō, there’s one celestial detour you simply can’t miss.
Right on Tekapo’s lakefront and at the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, sits an experience unlike any other. With some of the clearest and darkest skies on Earth, Dark Sky Project offers the chance to reconnect with the universe in one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking locations. By day, visitors can explore the interactive astronomy and cultural experience inside Dark Sky Project’s base. Here, the stories of the stars unfold through the lens of both Māori and Western scientific perspectives, offering a fascinating insight into how people have understood and navigated the cosmos for centuries.
As night falls, the magic begins. Choose from two stargazing experiences designed to inspire wonder:
The Crater Experience: Set within purpose-built observation craters, this 75-minute tour offers sheltered, intimate stargazing using powerful telescopes and expert guiding.
The Summit Experience: Travel to the summit of Mount John for an exclusive stargazing adventure at New Zealand’s largest professional research observatory. With sweeping alpine views and access to a private observatory dome, this is stargazing at its most spectacular.
Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or simply curious about the night sky, Dark Sky Project delivers an unforgettable encounter with the universe. It’s a must-do for anyone visiting Tekapo, offering moments of beauty and perspective you’ll carry with you long after the stars fade.
Plan your night beneath the stars now at the website or call 0800 680 6960.
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/greet-the-stars-dark-sky-project/