Dark Sky Project

Go on a stargazing journey in the Mackenzie Basin, discovering hidden celestial wonders with an astronomy guide and telescopes at Cowan’s Observatory.

Relax under the stars with round-trip transfers to Cowan’s Private Observatory, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable stargazing adventure.

Learn to spot iconic constellations, distant nebulae, and elusive celestial bodies with 14-inch powerful telescopes and handheld laser pointers at the observatory.

Let your seasoned astronomy guide offer fascinating insights and captivating stories about the cosmos as you stargaze at the Southern night sky.

Did you know? Cowan Observatory is located in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, the world’s largest dark sky reserve.

Gaze at the cosmos on a 2-hour stargazing tour with expert astronomers and round-trip transfers from Mt. John Observatory. 

Enjoy hassle-free round-trip transfers between Dark Sky Project Base and Mt. John Observatory while winding through rugged alpine landscapes.

You can use high-powered 16-inch telescopes to look at Jupiter and Saturn and pick out stars with the naked eye using hand-held laser pointers.

Listen to your astronomy guide share the secrets and facts behind constellations, planets, and deep-space phenomena.

Fun fact: Mt. John Observatory houses the MOA Telescope, New Zealand’s largest optical telescope used for detecting planets outside our solar system.