Tekapo Star Gazing Tour - Soak in the Stars

4.3(121)1 h 30 minFree cancellationBy Tekapo Star Gazing

About this activity

Soak in the Stars is Tekapo Springs' signature 90-minute experience — the only guided hot pools and stargazing tour in New Zealand. Set within the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, expert guides use high-powered telescopes to reveal planets, galaxies and southern stars, weaving in astronomy and Māori star stories (if clouds roll in, guides switch to an immersive VR journey through the Tekapo night sky, with stunning 360° imagery and interactive visuals exploring constellations and galaxies beyond what a telescope alone can show). Guests then soak in an exclusive hot pool at 37.5–38.5°C, drifting on hammocks under the stars while guides keep sharing stories poolside. Runs in all weather; children under 10 not permitted.

What's included

✓Exclusive use of the hot pools at night in a group of no more than 32
✓Pick up/drop off from Lake Tekapo Township (subject to availability and upon request only)
✓A warm woolen blanket to use whilst outside exploring the universe.
✓A floating hammock to use whilst floating in the hot pools
✓Professionally guided tour of the largest dark sky reserve.

Not included

✕Food and non-alcoholic drinks (some hot drinks provided on the tour)
✕Alcoholic drinks (cannot be brought to the premises)
✕Swimwear, robes and towels available to borrow

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age to join the tour is 10 years old.
Dress accordingly to the weather conditions. A warm blanket will be provided but temperatures can be very low in our alpine environment.
Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required due to limited availability
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather (snow, extreme ice, lightning storms), you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund. Tours go ahead regardless if some or none of the night sky is visible. If the sky is not visible an informative indoor tour takes place to highlight the significance of the Aoraki MacKenzie Dark Sky Reserve and local Maori understanding of the night sky. Regardless of the weather, the relaxing hot pools as the second half will still go ahead.
Limited Telescope Viewing, if weather conditions result in less than 30 minutes of telescope viewing, a 25% refund of the ticket price will be granted. The refund adjustment will be processed and sent to Viator within 48 hours of the tour. The remainder of the guided stargazing experience will continue indoors using Virtual Reality. The hot pool portion of the tour will continue as normal, with a guide poolside.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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