A treat for the whole family! Early tour ideally suited for those with children under 10 years old. This tour will usually run during NZ school holidays, and is a fun learning experience for young astronomers! Catch our coach up to Mt John from the booking office in Lake Tekapo Village, take a peek at New Zealand’s largest telescope, then come and take a look through our own powerful telescopes. Depending on the season, you may be able to spot some stars or even perhaps a planet! The tour duration is 45 minutes on Mt John (including transport allow 80-90 minutes). Since it doesn't get dark until very late in summertime, it may not be dark while you're visiting us, but it does mean the family can keep to a regular bed-time routine!

What will I see on a tour?

Every evening can be different - the following images are only an indication:

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What if it's cloudy? Is it cancelled?

We will only cancel our tours if there are high winds, rain, or if Mt. John is too dangerous due to ice or snow. (In which case, customers will have a full refund.) If it's cloudy we'll still be going up Mt. John. You will explore some of the research facilities, and watch a multimedia presentation to learn a bit more about astronomy.