Hot Pools And Stargazing

Tekapo Star Gazing Tour - Soak in the Stars

★ 4.3 121 reviews

from $101.55 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Meeting point: Lake Tekapo
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
On board: Hot drinks included
Run by: Tekapo Star Gazing

Overview

This tour pairs two things Lake Tekapo does well: a guided look at the night sky from inside the Aoraki MacKenzie Dark Sky Reserve, and a soak in hot pools that you use exclusively after dark. It runs for 1.5 hours, starting and ending at Tekapo Springs on Lakeside Drive. Groups are capped at 34 travellers, and the pool portion is limited to no more than 32 people at a time.

The shape of the evening is straightforward. A guide leads the stargazing portion, with telescopes set up on a deck and commentary covering the southern sky and Māori understanding of the stars. Floating hammocks are available in the hot pools, where you lie back in the warm water while the guide continues the storytelling poolside. Warm woolen blankets are handed out for the outdoor stretches, and some hot drinks are provided, though food is not.

It suits travellers who want structure and interpretation rather than a solo trip to a dark field. Several reviewers said the guides were knowledgeable and the combination of soaking and stargazing felt unique. Others felt the price was high for what is delivered, particularly when cloud cover limits the sky, so it helps to go in knowing that weather is the wildcard and that the tour runs regardless.

Steam rises from an outdoor hot pool at dusk, snow-dusted peaks behind and a couple of people sitting in the water.

What's Included

Included

Exclusive use of the hot pools at night in a group of no more than 32
Professionally guided tour of the largest dark sky reserve
A floating hammock to use whilst floating in the hot pools
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

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

Itinerary

Meet at Tekapo SpringsThe tour starts at Tekapo Springs & Stargazing, 300 Lakeside Drive, Lake Tekapo. Pickup from Lake Tekapo Township is available on request and subject to availability.
Guided stargazingThe first portion is a professionally guided tour of the dark sky reserve, with telescopes set up on the viewing deck. If cloud blocks the sky, this portion moves indoors with a presentation on the reserve and local Māori astronomy, or uses virtual reality.
Hot pools soakThe group then has exclusive nighttime use of the hot pools, with a floating hammock for each person to lie back on while the guide continues the commentary poolside.
Return to meeting pointThe activity ends back at Tekapo Springs. The full tour lasts 1.5 hours.

GuideIncluded

PickupIncluded

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the evening go more smoothly, from alpine cold to moonlight and what to pack.

Dress for cold. The booking page warns that temperatures in this alpine environment can be very low, even though a warm woolen blanket is provided. The booking page advises dressing according to the weather conditions, so plan for cold nights.
Check the moon. One reviewer found a bright moon washed out the stars and suggested avoiding nights close to a full moon. Another described clouds clearing just in time to see the Milky Way. A quick look at the moon phase and cloud forecast before booking helps set expectations.
Bring swimwear. Swimwear, robes and towels are not included but are available to borrow on site. A reviewer noted the changing and shower facilities were good.
Group feel. Tours carry up to 34 travellers and the pool session takes no more than 32. Expect a shared experience rather than an intimate night, with time at the telescopes divided among the group.
Drinks and snacks. Some hot drinks are provided, but food and non-alcoholic drinks are not included, and alcohol cannot be brought to the premises. Eat beforehand if you will want more than a warm cup during the evening.

Where this tour sits among 6 tours in Stargazing Tours listed here (from-price per person, USD)

Silver River Guided Alpine Stargazing$55
Shared Stargazing, English$72
Cowan's Private Observatory$80.88
Hot Pools And Stargazing (this tour)$101.55
2-Hour Stargazing$124.24
Mount John Summit Stargazing$133

Floating hammocks. The water hammocks are part of the pool session. One reviewer described sitting on them, straddling them, or lying back fully to see the stars better while staying immersed in the warm water. Worth trying rather than sitting at the edge.

Ready To BookCheck availability →

Common issues. Weather is the main risk. The tour goes ahead whether or not the sky is visible, with an indoor presentation or virtual reality substituting for live stargazing, and some reviewers were disappointed with the VR fallback or felt the price was steep when clouds rolled in. If telescope viewing drops below 30 minutes because of conditions, a 25% refund of the ticket price is granted, processed within 48 hours of the tour. One reviewer reported trouble cancelling or rebooking, which sits against the booking page's stated policy of a full refund for cancellations at least 24 hours ahead. The tour also requires a minimum number of travellers to run, and if that minimum is not met you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Pickup from the township is on request only and subject to availability.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Tour?

The price covers exclusive nighttime use of the hot pools in a group of no more than 32, a guided stargazing experience in the dark sky reserve, a floating hammock in the pools, a warm woolen blanket for the outdoor section, and some hot drinks. Pickup and drop off from Lake Tekapo Township may be available, but only on request and subject to availability.

What Is Not Included?

Food and non-alcoholic drinks other than the hot drinks provided, and alcoholic drinks, which cannot be brought to the premises. Swimwear, robes and towels are not included but can be borrowed on site.

Where Does The Tour Meet?

At Tekapo Springs & Stargazing, 300 Lakeside Drive, Lake Tekapo. The tour ends back at the same point. Pickup from the township is offered on request only and is subject to availability, so check the booking page for details.

Is The Tour Suitable For Kids And Wheelchair Users?

The minimum age is 10 years old. The venue is wheelchair accessible and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, but wheelchair assistance has limited availability, so advise at the time of booking if it is required. The tour is not recommended for pregnant travellers.

What Happens If The Weather Is Bad?

The tour runs in almost all conditions. If the sky is not visible, the guided portion moves indoors to cover the dark sky reserve and Māori astronomy, or uses virtual reality, and the hot pools still go ahead with a guide poolside. If less than 30 minutes of telescope viewing is possible, a 25% refund of the ticket price is processed within 48 hours of the tour. Tours are only cancelled for snow, extreme ice or lightning storms, in which case you can take an alternative date or a full refund.

Can I Cancel Or Change My Booking?

Yes, for a full refund you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour's local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before start time are not refunded or accepted. If the operator cancels because the minimum traveller number is not met, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.