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Venture beyond Earth on a Star Safari!

Give yourself some space this weekend with Star Safari. Discover the universe with their powerful telescopes, planetarium and space science communicators.

Take a Star Safari in Wairarapa

 Connect with the fabulous Southern night sky looking through top flight stargazing equipment including two 16" telescopes, at Star Safari Observatory. Hari (an astrobiologist) and Sam (an astrophysicist) will answer your questions during this personalised science communication experience. Kids 15 and under are free.

Learn more, check timings (which can vary) and book on their website here .  

Be sure to check out their family deal where kids 15 and under are FREE when accompanied by adults.

Star Safari

Top ways to experience Star Safari and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

STAR SAFARI: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• (9.52 km) Parehua Resort
• (10.35 km) Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park
• (11.23 km) The Claremont Motel & Apartments
• (8.14 km) Oak Estate Motor Lodge
• (10.27 km) The Martinborough Hotel
• (9.62 km) Tirohana Estate
• (10.22 km) Karahui Wine Bar & Restaurant
• (9.53 km) Poppies Martinborough
• (10.21 km) Neighbourhood Coffee House
• (10.19 km) Tōhi Gin Room

Star Safari

Top ways to experience Star Safari and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Star Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

• (9.52 km) Parehua Resort
• (10.35 km) Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park
• (11.23 km) The Claremont Motel & Apartments
• (8.14 km) Oak Estate Motor Lodge
• (10.27 km) The Martinborough Hotel
• (9.62 km) Tirohana Estate
• (10.22 km) Karahui Wine Bar & Restaurant
• (9.53 km) Poppies Martinborough
• (10.21 km) Neighbourhood Coffee House
• (10.19 km) Tōhi Gin Room & Eatery

Star Safari

Top ways to experience Star Safari and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Star Safari - Things You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (9.52 km) Parehua Resort
• (10.35 km) Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park
• (11.23 km) The Claremont Motel & Apartments
• (8.14 km) Oak Estate Motor Lodge
• (10.27 km) The Martinborough Hotel
• (9.62 km) Tirohana Estate
• (10.22 km) Karahui Wine Bar & Restaurant
• (9.53 km) Poppies Martinborough
• (10.21 km) Neighbourhood Coffee House
• (10.19 km) Tōhi Gin Room & Eatery

Looking for deals

Our expert science communicators, Hari and Sam. With backgrounds in astrobiology and astrophysics, they've got the universe covered.

Family friendly environment and we cater for all ages.

Star trails from Star Safari showing the stunning views of the Southern Sky and the impeccable dark skies with have in the Wairarapa.

The view of one of our massive 16" telescopes through the other 16" telescope. With both of these in operation and our two amazing science communicators you will see unique and stunning objects deep into the universe.

If you wish to learn more about astrophotography, we provide introductory (or advanced) lessons on photographing the night sky. Here is a quick photo of the Eta Carinae nebula with a Canon Ra, taken through our LX 200 telescope.

We are stargazing from a stunning place on top of a hill on Ponatahi Road, 10 minutes from Martinborough. In this photo, you can see the Ponatahi Valley.

When the Moon is out you can see stunning features on it, craters and mountains and dark patches called 'mare'. We would love to visit the Moon in person but seeing it through the telescope is just as good.

The stars are very beautiful. From Star Safari, you can see the Milky Way very clearly. We operate from the world's 21st International Dark Sky Reserve. Here is the region of the Southern Cross, coalsack (dark patch) and Carina.

Join us for a Star Safari in the heart of Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve, 10 minutes from Martinborough

2024 A Star Safari Year

Star Safari

1169 Ponatahi Road , Carterton , New Zealand .

Star Safari is a stargazing and astronomy, science-based experience using large telescopes in the Wairarapa International Dark Sky Reserve. We created Star Safari out of our love for the night sky and the joy of sharing the marvels of the Universe.

Pricing and Conditions

Booking fees and transaction costs

Bookings are essential. The sessions are 90 minutes long and include viewing night sky objects through our 16" telescopes. If cloudy, we use our virtual reality headsets and planetarium display to explore the universe. Children are free if they are aged 15 and under and must be accompanied by an adult with a purchased ticket. Maximum of two children per adult. Gift cards are available for purchase and are valid for one year.

Tickets can be cancelled up to one hour before the start time of a session for a refund of the ticket price. We can also move tickets to other sessions up to one hour prior to the start of the originally purchased session. In the case of severe weather, we may have to cancel a session, in which case refunds will be given, or we will have the option of rebooking to a different session.

We are Hari and Sam, an astrobiologist and an astrophysicist. Welcome to our page. We personally ensure you have the best possible experience. Our groups are small to give you enough time to look through the telescopes. Our night sky experience is grounded in science. We use the best possible equipment, including enormous 16" reflecting telescopes and high-quality optics. When it's cloudy, we take you on a virtual tour of the universe with our virtual reality headsets and advanced science-based planetarium. Experience the amazing dark skies of New Zealand in the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve. Close to Wellington and the iconic towns of Martinborough and Greytown, Star Safari is easy to access, with many Wairarapa accommodation options nearby

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The content on this page was created by Star Safari

This website helps visitors connect with providers of great New Zealand tourism experiences. It is not intended to give any assurance that any particular provider meets certain quality standards or legal obligations. Please contact this business for more information. See also: newzealand.com terms of use (opens in new window) .

Star Safari Stargazing Experience, Martinborough

• All children 15 and younger for free, with no age limit. Maximum 2 per paying adult.
• Professional Instructors. Hari is a TEDx featured astrobiologist, Sam is an astrophysicist
• 2x 16" (inches) very large telescopes per group and other telescopes and binoculars.
• Coffee and/or Tea
• All Fees and Taxes
• Free cancelation up to 24 hours before session start time.
• VG48+C6 Ponatahi, VG48+C6F Ponatahi, Wellington, New Zealand Look out for the email with driving instructions. Follow the signs from 1169 Ponatahi Road along the gravel driveway and then to the right. You will end up going up a hill and we will meet you in the carpark. CAMPERVANS - we pick you up at the bottom of the hill. Please see email instructions.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Please call us at the phone number below.
• Please dress up warm and as if you would go hiking. It gets very cold at night.
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Star Safari

Similar experiences

• philliprS5770VI 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 10/10 Excellent! Brilliant! Wowed! Really cool people, gear and experiences in a beautiful field FULL of stars. Real science that filled me and my kids with awe. Just Awesome and we found a hidden gem that was easy to get to from Wellington. Read more Written January 6, 2024
• Global23630466913 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Incredible experience Very fun. The people who run it are incredible. The opportunity to view some amazing stars that look just like a spot with your eyes but with the telescope, you can see the rings of Saturn and Jupitur so close up which is just a magical experience. (Bring some warm clothes) (You might get hot chocolate after) Read more Written January 6, 2024
• Backpacking_Wallaby 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Lovely stars and lovely people Fantastic night out in a field. Really glad that getting this place certified as a dark-sky reserve has worked out, because it was definitely worth venturing out here as a couple of newbie stargazers. The people running it (sorry, forgot your names), are enthusiastic and dedicated, ready to answer all your burning questions - while offering you hot chocolate. We had a very nice clear night and used the telescopes, which was just amazing! Thanks for also teaching me how to use my own camera for night-time photography. Read more Written November 26, 2023
• MillyAliceF 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A five-star experience... even with no stars! So, we did the impossible... we went on a stargazing tour, saw no stars, and still had an amazing time! We'd planned a fairly busy trip to the Wairarapa over Easter weekend, so only had the one night with an opportunity to do stargazing. We were stoked that the Wairarapa had been recently designated a Dark Sky Reserve and wanted to get in on the early action, so booked even with a cloudy forecast. The day came and lo and behold, the Met Service predicted clouds, clouds and more clouds. There was communication from Star Safari on the day, advising us of the lack of visibility, but we were curious and went along anyway. The directions and signposting were clear and thorough. Their place is situated on a working farm, and parking is up a fairly steep hill. If you're used to NZ driving and/or are safe and sensible, then this shouldn't be an issue. It might have been challenging for very low-to-the-ground cars, but our Subaru Legacy managed it and I'm sure a small car would be fine, too. When we got there, we were treated to an incredibly interesting talk about the night sky (including what we would have seen!). Hari and Sam are so lovely and enthusiastic, you can really tell that this is what they're most passionate about- and it's infectious! We then retreated into their cool, rustic barn for a look at some digital representations of the stars and a VR experience. I'll admit to long being a sceptic of VR, but it was incredibly fun! My husband and I are both science communicators/educators as part of our working lives; I don't tend to yell about this because I really don't want people to think we're being snobs!! However, Hari and Sam are really top-notch educators- there were folks from young children to older adults, and I'm sure everyone left entertained, awed and having learned something new. In short- if you're considering Star Safari, do it! We had an amazing time, and I'm sure you will, too. Read more Written May 7, 2023

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Star Safari Stargazing Experience, Martinborough provided by Star Safari

Star Safari

Top ways to experience Star Safari and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

STAR SAFARI: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• (5.95 mi) Parehua Resort
• (6.47 mi) Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park
• (7.02 mi) The Claremont Motel & Apartments
• (5.09 mi) Oak Estate Motor Lodge
• (6.42 mi) The Martinborough Hotel
• (6.01 mi) Tirohana Estate
• (6.39 mi) Karahui Wine Bar & Restaurant
• (5.95 mi) Poppies Martinborough
• (6.38 mi) Neighbourhood Coffee House
• (6.37 mi) Tōhi Gin Room & Eatery

Star Safari Night Sky Tours, Wairarapa

Explore the night sky from the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places for stargazing in the world, and discover New Zealand’s most famous constellations.

• 2 x 16″ telescopes (405 mm aperture)
• Some of the darkest skies easily accessible in Wairarapa
• Professional space science communicators
• Top quality astronomical gear
• Elevated site with fantastic horizon
• 10 minutes from Martinborough and Carterton

Wairarapa Stargazing and Astronomy Tours

Share an evening of space and astronomy with Hari and Sam using the best telescope equipment in Wairarapa.

We stargaze from a fabulous location on top of a hill where you can admire a panorama of Ponatahi Valley.

Stargaze, look through our telescopes, take photos of the night sky, learn about astronomy or simply come with us for a virtual trip to the edge of the Cosmos if the weather is cloudy.

Discover the Night Sky Outside

Star Safari is a 90-minute night sky experience where we talk about astronomy, space, astrophysics, astrobiology, telescopes, Mars, life in the universe and even aliens.  

Our connection with the night sky started billions of years ago. It is that connection, looking back at the Universe from our special planet that we seek to show you firsthand.

Embark on a celestial adventure in Wairarapa’s awe-inspiring night skies, where top-tier telescopes and expert guides provide unrivalled stargazing experiences.

Proudly operating from within the world’s 21st Dark Sky Reserve, the Star Safari Observatory is nestled between Martinborough and Carterton, offering a perfect retreat from light pollution and revealing a dazzling array of celestial wonders.

Access State-of-the-Art Equipment and Immersive Experiences

Marvel at the heavens through the largest telescopes for public use in Wairarapa, boasting the finest eyepieces on the market. When clouds obscure the skies, embark on a virtual journey with our planetarium software and VR headsets, transporting you to the Moon or the International Space Station.

Savour the Night Sky in Comfort and Style 

Relax on a Moon chair or cozy bean bag as you indulge in hot chocolate or tea, contemplating humanity’s future and our connection to space exploration.

Bring your 15 and under for free.

At Star Safari, we believe inspiration should be free – that’s why everyone aged 15 and under enjoys complimentary access to the wonders of the cosmos!

Our stargazing start times vary throughout the year, based on sunset. We usually hold multiple sessions per night.

Special Occasions

Have something special to celebrate? Why not do it under Wairarapa’s amazing stars with us? Get a night sky experience just for you with Star Safari.

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Contact Info

• 1169 Ponatahi Road, Ponatahi Carterton Wairarapa 5792 New Zealand

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Star Safari, Wairarapa

Operating from within the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve, Star Safari Observatory offers a perfect retreat from light pollution and reveals a dazzling array of celestial wonders. This is one of the darkest locations accessible in Aotearoa.

Contact details

1169 Ponatahi Road, Carterton, Wairarapa  

+64 21 66 3808

Send them an email

Visit the website

Opening hours

Every weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and other days by arrangement during school term and daily during school holidays, session start varies with the sunset.

What's on offer

Two 16” telescopes, solar telescopes, we also have a 12” telescope, a 10” and an 8” telescope and some other small refractors.

When clouds obscure the skies, embark on a virtual journey with our planetarium software and VR headsets, transporting you to the Moon or the International Space Station. 

Hari, an accomplished astrobiologist, and Sam, a seasoned space science communicator, share their passion for the cosmos.

Price: from $75.

15 years and under free. No minimum age limit.

Duration: 1.5 hours  

Find it on the map

New Zealand Astronomy Directory supported by VENZ – Visitor Experience NZ Disclaimer: NZ Astronomy makes every effort to keep this directory accurate. However, we accept no responsibility for errors or omissions. If you wish to update a listing or have suggestions for the website, please contact us .

STAR GAZING / ASTRONOMY EXPERIENCES

Under the stars, in wairarapa dark sky reserve.

We come to you with all the equipment needed for a memorable night stargazing. Under The Stars offers the only award winning nomadic astronomy experiences in the Wairarapa, providing private stargazing sessions and school space education wherever you are in the region.

Wairarapa, New Zealand

Under The Stars is proud to be the winner of the ANZ Emerging Business at the Wairarapa Awards! If you'd like to know how you can benefit from this Contact Us now.

Everyone loved it and we were captivated by your knowledge and passion. It has certainly brought a greater awareness of our environment. I’ll be definitely recommending you to others.

The students and teachers had an amazing time and have been buzzing about it ever since! Thanks for making it happen!

Best night in my back yard - EVER! This was one of the most memorable experiences I have had in a very long time. Sitting around a fire with friends, Chris took us on a journey around what I have clearly taken for granted for so many years. Seeing Saturn from my back yard was AMAZING.

Amazing guided tour of the southern night sky experience Chris set up while we waited inside, we then got to lie back on comfy reclining bean bags with hot water bottles and blankets while Chris took us on a guided tour of the southern night sky, from Alpha Centauri to Canopus, through the southern Cross to Scorpio and the Maui fish hook and off to Galaxies far away. From old red giants to new nebula. Using naked eyes, binoculars and an amazing telescope.

Fabulous tour of the Milky Way This is such a great experience - sitting comfortably at our holiday accommodation, being lead on a tour of the night sky. Chris is very knowledgeable but keeps it relatable. Learning, awe and fun, all wrapped into one!

Under the Stars Astronomy introduces and explores the universe in real, personable and down to earth language, that never waivers in enthusiasm or excitement. Viewing the dark sky with UNDER THE STARS, is like seeing the Ocean for the first time – only, there is a LOT more to see!

We had an amazing time with Under The Stars. A super birthday experience with participants aged from 7-70+ who all loved it (even the teenager!) Thanks, it was wonderful.

See what we do when we're under the stars

We show off the night sky, pointing out constellations, stars, solar system objects and enjoy close up views of deep sky objects through binoculars and telescopes all in an entertaining and educational way.

"What's in the sky" with Hari and Sam. Our programmes are supported by Arrow FM Wairarapa. https://www.arrowfm.co.nz/programmes/show/224/star-safari/ We are space science communicators. Hari is an astrobiologist, analog astronaut and NASA intern, and Sam is an astrophysicist and former NZ Air Force pilot. We run stargazing from www.Star-Safari.NZ in Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve and space and education programmes www.spacewardbound.nz throughout New Zealand. In our free time we design courses and space education materials, stargaze, make Moon gardens and build mini-Perseverance replica robots.

Star Safari Star-Safari.NZ

February 2024 in the sky from wairarapa new zealand.

We look at what's in the sky in February and what you see when you're stargazing.

• 10 AUG 2021

Star Safari goes to Mars with Mitch Schulte

We interviewed Mitch Schulte, Mars Exploration Program Scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington DC and our NZ Astrobiology Network official adviser.  Mitch talks to us about Perseverance, Mars regolith, asterisms, working from home and we are listening to sounds from Mars and try to find out how our voices would sound like if we were on Mars. You can do this too at https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/participate/sounds/ Simply record yourself and then play it back.  The interview was taken in July 2021 by Hari Mogoșanu and Sam Leske. 

• 16 MAY 2021

Star Safari in May and June 2021

A tour of our favourite celestial objects in the night sky that you can see in May and June 2021 from Wairarapa, New Zealand one of the darkest places in the world, where the Milky Way stretches from one horizon to the other.  A favourite this month, quasar 3C - 273 and other space oddities, Omega Centauri, Gem Cluster, Eta Carinae. Scorpius is rising and Orion is slowly disappearing. Brightest stars, when to avoid the Moon and why and what did the ancient Egyptians think of the circumpolar stars.  Clear skies and enjoy

• © Star-Safari.NZ

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Star Safari

• Duration: 90 Minutes (approx.)
• Location : Carterton , Wairarapa
• Product code: *Safari

EXPERIENCE THE WONDERS OF THE COSMOS AT STAR SAFARI OBSERVATORY

Embark on a celestial adventure in Wairarapa's awe-inspiring night skies with top-tier telescopes and Hari and Sam, as they provide an unrivalled night sky experience. Proudly operating from within the world's 21st Dark Sky Reserve, the Star Safari Observatory is nestled between Martinborough and Carterton, offering a perfect retreat from light pollution and revealing a dazzling array of celestial wonders.

MEET YOUR STARRYTELLERS: HARI AND SAM

Join Hari, an accomplished astrobiologist, and Sam, an astrophysicist, as they share their passion for the cosmos. Hari's impressive résumé includes Mars Desert Research Station training and European Space Agency Astronaut Selection, while Sam's expertise is rooted in his time as an airforce pilot and intelligence officer. Together, they form an extraordinary duo dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of the Universe.

ACCESS STATE-OF-THE-ART EQUIPMENT AND IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES

Marvel at the heavens through the largest telescopes for public use in Wairarapa, boasting the finest eyepieces on the market. When clouds obscure the skies, embark on a virtual journey with our planetarium software and VR headsets, transporting you to the Moon or the International Space Station. 

Savour the Night Sky in Comfort and Style 

Relax on a Moon chair or cosy bean bag as you indulge in hot chocolate or tea, contemplating humanity's future and our connection to space exploration.  

We're not here to tell your fortune – we're here to share the marvels of the Universe through the lens of science.  

Bring your 15 and under for free. .

At Star Safari, we believe inspiration should be free - that's why everyone aged 15 and under enjoys complimentary access to the wonders of the cosmos! 

___________________________________________ 

Join us for an unforgettable stargazing experience in the heart of Aotearoa, within the prestigious Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve. Visit https://star-safari.nz/contact/ for directions and https://star-safari.nz/stargazing-in-wairarapa/ for additional information.

Star Safari Observatory: Home to Giant Telescopes, a Space Shop, Astrophotography, Space Science Communication, and Virtual Night Sky Tours! 

Important information .

We operate on a farm. Therefore, for everyone's safety, including the people who live on the farm, bookings are essential. The road is not signposted during the day, and we also want to avoid customers disturbing other residents of the area. If you are passing by and have any questions, contact us via phone at 021663808 or 0212692908 - DO NOT VISIT without a booking, and DO NOT drop in to ask the neighbours for directions. 

Once you have booked, an email with the exact address and instructions will be sent, so please make sure you check you entered the correct email.

The location is on a working farm, so please drive slowly and be cautious of any animals. 

The last part of the drive is on a gravel road. Again, drive gently and consistently and stick to the road. Dress warmly for outdoor activities in an exposed environment. A good jacket, hat, gloves, and warm footwear are advised. 

You can bring up to two under 15 for the sessions, and you must register each when you book the ticket.

Start booking now.

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Enter Number of Stargazers *

Choose a date *, choose a time *.

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• Courts & Law

TV star arrested after alleged court no-show

A former Home and Away actor who allegedly failed to show up to court on assault charges has been arrested.

A former TV star who failed to appear in court on serious assault charges has been arrested.

Orpheus Pledger, a former Home and Away actor, was due to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday to confront allegations he assaulted a woman.

But he allegedly failed to show up, with police issuing a warrant for the 30-year-old man.

“Please be advised that Orpheus Pledger, who was wanted on warrant, has been arrested,” police said in a statement on Thursday.

Mr Pledger starred in the popular soap opera Neighbours in 2011.

He then joined the cast of Home and Away in 2016 where he played Mason Morgan for three years.

Mr Pledger also appeared on the reality show SAS Australia in 2022.

Chris Isaak Auckland show review: Rock ’n’ roll star woos music fans

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Chris Isaak performs sultry love songs and rock n' roll to an adoring crowd in Auckland at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre. NZ Herald Photograph by Ben Dickens

Chris Isaak arrived at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre as a full-on, proto-American, bonafide 1960s rockstar. With his tailored blue bedazzled suit and his Southern American charm, he transported me into an alternative American age that as a Kiwi, I have never known.

He made me long for sitting all night in ‘60s diners, driving low and slow through America and feeling a heartache like Isaak has.

He has the face and charisma of a true clean-cut American. A straight-up showbusinessman, he wants every single person to feel seen and to have a good time at his show.

His first song up was American Boy , and straight off the bat we got our smooth-talking American boy all right. With a five-piece tight as can-be blues band, the groove of the night was set.

Early in the set, he knocked into his most popular song, Wicked Game . His sultry baritone, pitch-perfect notes and the quiet but iconic understated lead guitar riff raised hairs as the crowd leaned forward from their seats.

Some people may think Wicked Game is Isaak’s only successful song and from this concert, I can tell you that any nay-sayers are certainly wrong. However, Wicked Game does strike a chord of melancholy mixed with ecstasy that is hard to find in this day and age.

Straight after it, Isaak bellowed: “You’ve been sitting too long, it’s rock ‘n’ roll time!” He then proceeded straight into Go Walking Down There and busted out some old-timey rock moves, akin to the king of rock ’n’ roll, Elvis.

To my surprise, Isaak is really funny. Throughout the night, he stopped and told stories and quips that consistently got laughs from the audience. I couldn’t believe it, this man could do it all, the looks, the voice, the moves, the humour. I certainly wasn’t the only one who thought so too. All night long from different parts of the audience I heard the one, solitary word shouted at Chris. “NAKED!” And to be honest, I didn’t blame them; his sex appeal was off the charts.

To make us all fall in love with him even more, Isaak then rolled into a string of downbeat songs, saying “If you like sad songs, you’ve come to the mother lode.”

Toward the end of the main act, he grinned to the crowd and said: “My whole career I’ve only done what has made me happy, that’s what kept me off the charts.” This made me realise he is truly a man who makes songs from the soul, irrespective of music industry expectations, a true musician’s musician.

Soon after, like an Elvis reborn, he sang Can’t Help Falling in Love and dedicated the song to love and how quickly life can pass by without us even realising it had gone. This is a song made for a man like Isaak to sing, his voice oozed passion and romance and as he finished the song and the lights dimmed, he said “Now’s the time to kiss her”.

Isaak was the man in blue all through the night. Blue suit, the blues and a performance of the song Blue Hotel . Notice the Ring absolutely soared with key solos and then we rolled straight to San Francisco Days , followed by the show-stopping Big Wide Wonderful World to finish the set.

With his encore lasting a very civilised length of time, Isaak returned wearing an even sparklier suit and took us in a stinking groove. Voice low and long notes singing Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing , Isaak had the audience wrapped around his little finger. When he offered a few audience members the chance to come onto the stage and dance with him and the band, several literally jumped at the chance.

As the song came to a close, he smoothly segued into a sensual jam of the James Bond theme song like he was Sean Connery himself. It was here I realised this man truly is a modern-day rock ‘n’ roll James Bond.

All good nights must come to an end and Isaak closed with The Way Things Really Are ; a bittersweet farewell with harmonies from his drummer of 40 years that carried us down from the rock ’n’ roll high and out into the night.

• Entertainment

Duke of Edinburgh leads commemoration of Australia and New Zealand’s war dead

Edward paid his respects to the Antipodean fallen on behalf of the nation.

The Duke of Edinburgh has led the nation in commemorating Australia and New Zealand’s war losses during a poignant dawn service marking Anzac Day.

Edward laid a wreath at Hyde Park Corner in London, which is home to war memorials for both southern hemisphere countries.

Hundreds of Australians, New Zealanders, and military personnel watched as the duke left a floral tribute of red poppies and white flowers in the early morning light.

The royal family also paid their respects to the New Zealand and Australian fallen on social media.

Later on today, Edward will lay an Anzac wreath on behalf of the King at the Cenotaph.

He will also attend the annual Gallipoli Association wreath-laying ceremony in the crypt at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Anzac Day, April 25, marks the anniversary of the start of the First World War Gallipoli landings and is a national day of remembrance for Australia and New Zealand.

Thousands of Anzac troops, Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, died alongside British allies in the ill-fated 1915 campaign.

Waves of Allied forces launched an amphibious attack on the strategically important Turkish peninsula, vital to controlling the Dardanelles straits and the crucial route to the Black Sea and Russia.

However, the plan backed by Winston Churchill, then first lord of the admiralty, was flawed, and the campaign, which faced a heroic defence by the Turks, led to a stalemate and withdrawal eight months later.

Its legacy is the celebration of the “Anzac spirit”, courage, endurance, initiative, discipline, and mateship shown by the Antipodean troops.

Today, the Anzac Day service in London has become an important moment for thousands of New Zealanders and Australians.

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Thousands mark Anzac Day in Australia and New Zealand

Thursday, 25 Apr 2024

Young girls lay a wreath during the Coogee Anzac Day Dawn Service at Coogee Beach in Sydney, Australia, April 25, 2024. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Thousands gathered across Australia and New Zealand on Thursday at Anzac Day services to commemorate those who fought and died in major conflicts in the nations' history.

Anzac Day originally commemorated a battle on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey during World War One. At dawn on April 25, 1915, thousands of troops from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) were among a larger Allied force that landed on the narrow beaches of the Gallipoli peninsula, an ill-fated campaign that would claim more than 130,000 lives.

Today, Anzac Day, a public holiday, honours all Australian and New Zealand troops from all conflicts.

"We hold to the solemn promise our countries made to the fallen all those years ago: We will remember them," Australian Prime Minster Anthony Albanese said in the town of Isurava, Papua New Guinea, the scene of heavy fighting against the Japanese in World War Two.

"Anzac Day has never asked us to exalt in the glories of war. Anzac Day asks us to stand against the erosion of time, and to hold on to their names. To hold on to their deeds," Albanese said, according to a transcript.

In Canberra, some 39,200 people attended a dawn memorial service at the Australian War Memorial, a spokesperson for the memorial said in a statement.

Along with marches by war veterans and their descendants, Anzac Day in Australia is known for dawn vigils, memorial services, reunions, and "two-up", a gambling game popular with returned World War One soldiers.

Across the Tasman Sea in New Zealand, the National Anzac Day commemoration service in Wellington was cancelled due to strong winds, the New Zealand Herald reported.

Thousands of New Zealanders attended dawn services in other parts of the country including Auckland, the country's most populous city, according to the news site.

"Lest we forget", Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on social media platform X, alongside photos of him at a memorial service at Auckland's War Memorial Museum.

(Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney; Editing by Stephen Coates)

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