Free cancellation: Get a full refund of ticket price up to 48 hours in advance
Dark Sky Stargazing at The Pukaki Observatory & Wine Cellar
Experience the southern night sky like never before from the boutique Pukaki Observatory & Wine Cellar. Begin your stargazing experience in The Retreat’s boutique wine cellar observatory with a welcome glass of wine or tot of whisky. Then move to the observatory to explore constellations, stars, planets, nebula and more using a high-powered laser and pier-mounted telescope. Located within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the Observatory offers some of the clearest skies in the world. The session includes runs for approximately 90 minutes and operates as a shared group experience (minimum two guests). Sessions are weather dependent; we will contact you if conditions prevent stargazing. The Pukaki Observatory & Wine Cellar is located approximately: 10 minutes drive from Twizel Town Centre 40 minutes drive from Lake Tekapo 40 Minutes drive from Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park. Note: Guests must provide their own transportation for this experience.
From: NZ$250.00
per person
1 hours 30 minsOn Request: Confirmed within 48 hours, or fully refunded.
Highlights
90 Minute Stargazing Tour
Complimentary Wine, Whisky, or Hot Drink
Complimentary Astrophoto Emailed to You
Blanket and Hot Water Bottles Available
Full Description
Begin your stargazing experience in The Retreat’s boutique wine cellar observatory with a welcome glass of wine or tot of whisky. Then move to the observatory to explore constellations, stars, planets, nebula and more using a high-powered laser and pier-mounted telescope.
Located within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the Observatory offers some of the clearest skies in the world.
The session includes runs for approximately 90 minutes and operates as a shared group experience (minimum two guests)...
Includes
Free Glass of Wine or Tot of Whisky
90 Minute Stargazing Tour
Guest Astrophoto Emailed Within 48 Hours
Finding Us
The Pukaki Observatory is located at 86 Mt Cook Road, Ben Ohau, on the Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat property. We are approximately:
- 10 minutes from the Twizel Town Centre
- 40 minutes from Lake Tekapo
- 40 minutes from Mount Cook Village
You can use the following Google Maps links to find our location:
The Pukaki Observatory Parking Area - Google Maps
The Pukaki Observatory Entrance - Google Maps
- By Car: Turn onto State Highway 80 from State Highway 8. Our entrance is only 860 meters from the turnoff. If you drive more than one kilometre, you have gone too far. Follow the signs on our driveway for 1.5 km to reach the Observatory car park.
- By Air: We have helipads on site and can arrange transfers from nearby airports for private jets.
Please arrive at the Observatory car park approximately 5 minutes before your start time. A team member will meet you there. We ask that you do not arrive earlier than this to ensure the best experience for all guests.
Full refund if cancelled up to 48 hours before activity starts.
Good weather is required for this experience. If we need to cancel due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Stargazing is entirely dependent on clear skies. If the weather is clearly not suitable for viewing, we will attempt to contact you 1 to 2 hours before your scheduled start time to discuss your options.
If we cannot proceed with the outdoor session, you can choose one of the following:
Reschedule: We will first try to move your booking to another night, if your schedule allows.
"Touch the Stars" Experience: You can join our astronomer for a hands-on indoor science and virtual stargazing session. This experience will last for approximately 1 hour and will be at a 50% discount from the regular stargazing pricing.
Cancel: If neither of the above options works for you, you may choose to cancel your reservation with no charge due to inclement weather.
Cancellation Policy
Over 48 hours notice: No fee for changes or cancellations.
Less than 48 hours notice: A 50% fee applies for reduced numbers or cancellations.
Same day: A 100% fee applies for same day cancellations.
All cancellation requests must be sent in writing to [email protected]
Our Products/Services
From
NZ$250.00
per person
1 hours 30 minsOn Request: Confirmed within 48 hours, or fully refunded.
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Dark Sky Stargazing at The Pukaki Observatory & Wine Cellar
Begin your stargazing experience in The Retreat’s boutique wine cellar observatory with a welcome glass of wine or tot of whisky. Then move to the observatory to explore constellations, stars, planets, nebula and more using a high-powered laser and pier-mounted telescope.
Located within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Re...Show More
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