Astro Tekapo — Attraction in South Island

A couple of days ago I joined Astro Tekapo for a stargazing tour in Tekapo, and let me tell you it was absolutely amazing! Our guide Sang was super knowledgeable and had this awesome way of explaining things. I probably have asked a million questions, and Sang answered every single one with patience and a smile, even the silly ones :-). You could tell he really loves sharing his passion for the stars.

The location was perfect—totally dark, so we could see everything, it was a beautiful night under the stars, Sang provided comfy chairs, blankets and even a warm and delicious hot chocolate while we sit to contemplate the immensity of the night sky. We got to check out some deep sky objects through impressive telescopes, even one where you could see in colours all the details!! and the most recognizable constellations through naked eye too. It was so cool to hear about how different cultures view the stars, too, it's a really nice touch and really added a whole new layer to the experience (I have done stargazing before and this is the first time that a guide mentions a cultural aspect).

If you’re in Tekapo, you have to do this! It’s not just looking at the stars; it’s about learning and connecting with the universe in a way that feels truly special. Don’t miss out on this...

We had a fantastic evening at Astro Tekapo. Our guide (Sang) was great. We did a mixture of naked eye and telescope based stargazing.

The naked eye stargazing was interesting and easy to follow. We have tried in the past to learn a little about the stars, but it has never stuck. Sang used stories from different cultures to add ‘colour’ to the things that he was pointing out. We learned lots from this and even seem to have retained it.

The telescopes were very impressive. We were able to see planets in detail, as well as images of nebulae that I never thought possible to see through a telescope.

Otherwise, Sang took very good care of our group. Comfortable chairs and hot chocolate were provided, and Sang even took a photograph of each group in front of the Milky Way. The experience also represented excellent value when compared to other, better known, local options. We haven’t tried any of these, but we can’t imagine their offerings are much different. We would thoroughly recommend...

We had the most incredible stargazing experience! Our host went above and beyond to make the night truly unforgettable. Not only was he knowledgeable and passionate about the stars, but he also showed such kindness and dedication by staying back with us until midnight to make sure we could enjoy the full beauty of the night sky. His enthusiasm was contagious, and he explained everything with so much patience and detail that even beginners like me felt completely immersed in the wonders above.

It wasn’t just a tour, it felt like a magical journey through the universe. We left with full hearts, inspired minds, and memories we will cherish forever. Thank you Sang for making the night so special with your extra effort and generosity. Highly highly recommend to anyone who wants a once in a lifetime...