queenstown stargazing tour

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Skyline Stargazing

Take the journey up the Skyline Gondola to experience our awe-inspiring Stargazing tour.

The clear, unpolluted skies of Queenstown are the perfect setting for Skyline Queenstown's stargazing experience. Perched high above Queenstown, and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, keen stargazers have the opportunity to access a 'hidden world' not seen by the naked eye, and impossible to see in many other locations around the world. Skyline Stargazing takes visitors to a specially-constructed area high above the Gondola, away from light pollution, allowing for an unbelievably clear view of the night sky. Top-of-the line telescopes give stargazers the chance to view an amazing array of stunning sights, from the iconic Southern Cross, to nebula, planets, the Milky Way and other galaxies. Stargazing tours are available daily after dark.

Brecon Street

Queenstown, 9348

• Holiday hours: Please check our website for current open hours.
• Months of Operation: June, July, August, September
• Group Info: Available for groups and private events, up to 22 people.
• Group Reservation Email: [email protected]
• Group Capacity: 35

Skyline Queenstown - Stargazing

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SKYLINE QUEENSTOWN - STARGAZING - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Queenstown Stargazing

Our guide to the stargazing options in the Queenstown region

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With its iconic alpine setting in the South Island, Queenstown is well known for being the 'adventure capital of New Zealand'.  The four season resort has been built on its huge range of thrilling activities combined with breathtaking scenery.  Less well known, is the town's growing stargazing reputation.  The opportunity to avoid light pollution, and observe dark skies surrounded by incredible mountain and lake scenery, means Queenstown is an ideal stargazing region.  We've picked out the main stargazing options for visitors to experience.  1.  Skyline Gondola Stargazing Enjoy an evening gondola ride with the sprinkling lights of Queenstown far below as you head up the mountain to experience a fascinating stargazing tour.  With the stunning backdrop of the mountain and lake scenery, a professional Stargazing Guide will enable you to explore the hidden skies not seen by the naked eye, and impossible to see in many other locations of the world.  Learn about Maori starlore and observe constellations, nebulas, far away galaxies and our neighbouring planets.  

• Pricing:  Gondola & Stargazing - Adult - $119 / Child - $79 (As of March 2022)
• Tour Duration: 45 mins
• Start Time: 7.00pm check-in at the Stratosfare Bar at the top of the Gondola.  Grab the gondola ride at least 30 mins before the tour to allow enough time.
• Check Skyline Queenstown  for latest operating times and pricing including dinner options.

• Pricing: Adult - $175 (dinner package). $100 (tour only)
• Tour Duration: 90 mins
• Start Time:  7.30pm (June 12- September 27) & 8:30pm (September 28- October 16) in the Ticket Office. Dinner in Mezz at 7pm (June 12- September 27) & 8pm (September 28- October 16)
• Transport is available from Wanaka and from the bottom of the Cardrona mountain road.
• More Info   - check for latest operating times and pricing.

• Pricing: Adult - $107.50 (Feb 2021).  Pricing includes a glass of wine or beer and a choice of ice cream, crisps or chocolate. 
• Duration: 1 hour
• Start Time: Every 30 minutes up to 10.00pm
• More Info  - check for latest operating times and pricing.

• From Queenstown, drive along the road to  Glenorchy  for about ten minutes before turning off on the right for the road signposted 'Moke Lake Road'. 
• More Info  

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Skyline Queenstown - Stargazing

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

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Skyline Queenstown - Stargazing - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Stargazing Tour & Skyline Gondola Queenstown

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*** Please note, this tour is currently unavailable. Check out more Queenstown activities HERE ***

Description.

The clear and unpolluted skies of Queenstown are a great setting for Skyline Queenstown's stargazing tour.

Nestled on Bobs Peak high above Queenstown, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, stargazers have the opportunity to access a 'hidden world' of the nights sky not seen by the naked eye and impossible to see in many other locations around the world.

Skyline Stargazing takes visitors to a specially constructed area high above the Gondola, where there is no trespassing light, allowing for an unbelievably clear view of the night sky.

Top-of-the line telescopes give stargazers the chance to view an amazing array of stunning sights, from the iconic Southern Cross, to nebulas, planets, the Milky Way and other galaxies.

Stargazing will be outdoors when conditions allow, otherwise guests will embark on “A Journey through the Night Sky” in the indoor Theatre Space, using state-of-the-art technology and projection to replicate our Night Sky here in Queenstown. A Journey through the Night Sky is presented by professional Stargazing Guides and features recent photos and videos from current NASA missions.  This experience comes with a complimentary house drink (beer/wine/soft-drink) and snacks in the comfort of the theatre. If the tour is to be run indoors, you are welcome to re-book to another night to await favourable viewing conditions for an outdoor tour, at no extra cost.

For an unforgettable night combine stargazing with dinner at the Stratosfare restaurant for some delectable dining.

Skyline Dinner Menu

Trip Includes

• Return gondola ride
• Stargazing through telescopes
• Chinese & Japanese tours available on request
• Optional buffet dinner
• Stargazing - allow 2 hours
• Stargazing & Dinner - allow 4 hours
• Stargazing - 7pm in winter (Jun-Sep) & 9pm in October
• Stargazing & Dinner - 5pm in winter  (Jun-Sep) & 7pm in October
• Skyline Gondola Terminal, Brecon St, Queenstown
• Operates winter months (Jun-Oct) only due to daylight hours

Other Information

• Operates June-October only due to daylight hours
• Child rates apply for kids aged 5 - 14 yrs. Kids under 5 years old travel free
• Meet at the base of the gondola building at least 30 minutes before your stargazing tour. You can go up as early as you like to enjoy the views, grab a drink before your tour, have a go on the luge or watch the Bungy & paragliding
• There is free parking at the Gondola base
• Please come dressed for a light walk & for being outside. Warm clothing & comfortable walking shoes are advised. We provide complimentary use of Canada goose down jackets for the duration of the tour
• Session times vary depending on the sunset
• Check out our other activities available at the Skyline Gondola

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Latest Questions about Skyline Stargazing Tour

Hello, If it is a cloudy night is the stargazing part refunded? Kate

Hi Kate, if it's cloudy, Skyline actually offer an indoor interactive program so you would have this option or you can choose to reschedule or get a refund.

Comment by: The Everything Travel Group (Sally) on 28th Oct 17 at 09:35

1 comment - Post a Comment

There are six of us traveling and would,very much like to do is. We will be there the nights of Dec 4,5,6 and wondering if we need to book in advance or if we could book when we arrive? Thank for you help.

Yes you will definitely need to book well in advance for the star gazing in Queenstown as it does book up often several days/weeks in advance.

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Callum) on 17th Nov 16 at 15:33

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Top 10 stargazing experiences

There are just 17 Dark Sky Reserves in the world and New Zealand is home to five of them.

Find out more where to get a billion star view of some of the clearest skies from earth.

Take a look at the best places to stargaze in New Zealand.

1. Dark Sky Project, Takapō (Tekapo)

Night sky from Mt John Observatory, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Tourism New Zealand

Mt John Observatory, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Julian Apse

Dark Sky Project (formally Earth and Sky) (opens in new window) , based in Takapō (Tekapo) offer an astro-tourism experience within Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. 

Embark on an interactive journey delivering insight into the world of tātai aroraki  (Māori astronomy) and partake in the Dark Sky Project stargazing experience at Mt John Observatory. 

Using immersive visual displays, visitors can explore the science-based narrative of how living beings came to be. Delve into the depths of the Milky Way with the impressive 125-year-old recently restored Brashear telescope.

Explore Lake Takapō (Tekapo)

2. Big Sky Stargazing, Aoraki / Mt Cook

Big Sky Stargazing, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Big Sky Stargazing

Big Sky Stargazing, New Zealand

By Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

Located within the Hermitage Hotel, Big Sky Stargazing (opens in new window) treats you to a 60-90 minute tour of the crisp night sky of Aoraki / Mt Cook.  

Near New Zealand's highest mountain, on a clear night, you'll be shuttled to Star Base where your expert Big Sky Stargazing guides share their knowledge of the solar system and  celestial wonders. 

Sit back and relax with a hot drink and admire the stars above. 

At the end of the tour your guides will present you with a digital photo of yourself against the night sky. 

Explore Aoraki Mt Cook

3. Tekapo Springs Star Gazing, Takapō (Tekapo)

Soak and stargaze , Christchurch - Canterbury

By Tekapo Springs

Tekapo Springs in Canterbury., New Zealand

The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is the largest Dark Sky in the world. At a whopping 4,300 square kilometres and with minimal light pollution its no wonder people visit from all over the world. 

The ultimate in stellar relaxation, Tekapo Stargazing (opens in new window) is the only guided hot pools and star gazing experience in New Zealand. 

Firstly, your guide will escort you to the best stargazing spot nearby to entertain and educate you using a  combination of astronomy and storytelling. 

Followed by exclusive use of the 38-degree hot pool. Simply lie back on a floating hammock and relax under the stars. Your guide is poolside to share local stories about New Zealand myths and legends combined with the science behind constellations, planets and galaxies. Bliss! 

4. Twinkle Dark Sky Tours, Stewart Island

Masons Bay Dunes, Stewart Island - Rakiura

By Great South

Auroras over Southland, Southland

By James Myers

Explore Stewart Island's Dark Sky Sanctuary. With the chance to view craters on the moon and the centre of the galaxy, a Twinkle Dark Sky Tour (opens in new window) will show you some of the most stunning sites in our solar system.

Due to its remote southern location, Stewart Island/Rakiura is virtually free of light pollution. 

In 2019 Stewart Island/Rakiura officially became an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. At nearly 47º south, this is possibly the southernmost astrotour in the world, and one of the best places to observe the magical Aurora Australis (Southern Lights). 

Explore Stewart Island

5. Stonehenge Aotearoa, Wairarapa

Stonehenge Aoteroa and Milky Way, New Zealand

By Richard Hall

View over Lake Wairarapa, Wairarapa

Stonehenge Aotearoa Wairarapa, Wairarapa

By Jet Productions

Set in the countryside in the Wairarapa region, Stonehenge Aotearoa (opens in new window) is an open-air astronomical observatory which showcases a modern version of the mysterious ancient monument of Stonehenge and adapted to New Zealand's conditions. Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve is recognised as the only internationally recognised Dark Sky Reserve in the North Island and is the most accessible of the 20 protected Dark Sky Reserves in the world. 

A daytime guided tour aims to educate you about the henge, Māori starlore, Polynesian navigation and archeoastronomy (how people and cultures in the past have read the skies).

Under the stars on the guided night tour  expert stargazing guides provide informative stargazing tours of the Wairarapa night sky. At the end of the tour you will know how to navigate the visible solar system, know the difference between stars and planets and have gained knowledge about the science of space.

Towns in Wairarapa region

6. Horizon Tours, Dunedin

Horizon Tours, Dunedin, Dunedin

By Horizon Tours

Hot chocolate while stargazing, Dunedin

The Otago Peninsula coastline surround Dunedin provides a clear, breathtaking view of the night sky and a magical backdrop of coastal bird calls echoing across Hoopers Inlet. In the right conditions, this rural coastal area is a prime location for viewing the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights). 

Join a unique star gazing journey with Horizon Tours (opens in new window) to learn about celestial features of the Southern sky while sharing stories and waiata (song) about how Māori viewed the night sky.

Learn celestial points of significance and listen to stories detailing Māori myths of creation, of how Te Ao Marama (the world of light) emerged. Learn about how Māori relied on detailed astronomical knowledge, or tātai arorangi, to navigate the ocean.

Enjoy manaakitanga (hospitality) with a light supper and hot beverage as you marvel at the skies above.

Things to do in Dunedin

7. Good Heavens, Great Barrier Island

Matariki rising over Great Barrier Island, New Zealand

By Mark Russell

Stargazing on Great Barrier Island, Auckland

By Carmen Bird/Good Heavens

ateed-james-photo-cropped.jpg, Auckland

By James Rua

Great Barrier Island is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary and the first island sanctuary in the world.

The island owes it's dark skies to minimal light pollution perhaps also due to the island being off-grid.

Join a stargazing tour with Good Heavens (opens in new window) and sit back in the comfortable ''moon chairs'' as the waves lap against the shore while gazing up and learn about the constellations and galaxies above. 

The high-powered telescope gives great views of the Milky Way, planets and the starry night sky. 

Make a night of it and package the tour with a meal on the ‘Dining with the Stars’ tour.

Explore Great Barrier Island

8. Adrift Tongariro, Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Tongariro Alpine Crossing with Adrift Tongariro , Ruapehu

By Zhi Yuen YAP

Sunset over Tongariro, Ruapehu

By Adrift Tongariro

View Mt Ngauruhoe, Ruapehu

By View Mt Ngauruhoe with Adrift Tongariro

Have you ever thought of stargazing in the early morning? Stargazing is not just for the late night hours. 

Experience a guided Sunrise Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike with Adrift Tongariro (opens in new window) . 

The tour begins sometime between 1am - 3am (weather and sunrise dependant) and your experienced guide leads the way to a special part of the spectacular Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Hike under the Milky Way, the Southern Cross and enjoy the dark starry skies without the crowds. If you're lucky you may even see some shooting stars. 

Breakfast is served at the Red Crater as the stars slowly disappear and the orange hues of the sunrise appear. 

Things to do in Ruapehu region

9. Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory, Lake Pukaki

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat stargazing, Christchurch - Canterbury

The tastiest way to view the Southern skies is with a wine and nibbles at Pukaki Observatory and Wine Cellar (opens in new window) .

Located at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat at Lake Pukaki, in the heart of the Aoraki International Dark Sky Reserve, the observatory is set in a rural location with absolutely no light pollution.

The roof of the observatory slides back to reveal the dark night sky for both naked eye and telescopic viewing.

Included in the tour, your guide can teach basic tips and tricks to capture some great night sky photos. 

A private astrophotography session with a professional photographer can also be booked in advance. The photographer will meet you on site for a personalised workshop to develop your astrophotography knowledge and technique. 

Located just a short drive from Twizel.

Visit Twizel

10. Skyline Stargazing, Queenstown

Stargazing laser, Queenstown

By Skyline Queenstown

Telescopes and the Milky Way, Queenstown

Night Luge, Queenstown

From the centre of Queenstown take the gondola for an awe-inspiring Skyline Queenstown Stargazing Tour (opens in new window) . 

Once at the top, your knowledgeable stargazing guides will lead you up Bob’s Peak to a specially-constructed platform. High above the city lights and in the darkness the platform allows for an epic stargazing experience using both the naked eye and telescopes. 

Using the Southern Cross as a base, your guide will teach you how to navigate the solar system, galaxies, clusters and nebulae. 

After the tour enjoy a complimentary cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine in Stratosfare Bar before taking the gondola back down to the town. 

Things to do in Queenstown

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