Aurora Peak Observatory

Southern Alps · Aotearoa

Aurora Peak
Observatory

Experience the darkest skies in the Southern Hemisphere. Our mountaintop observatory offers guided stargazing, astrophotography workshops, and private cabin stays under the Milky Way.

Explore experiences
The Aurora Peak Observatory sits at 1,200 metres above sea level in the Southern Alps. The starfield shows the Milky Way as it appears from this altitude on a clear night.

Our story

The stars have never felt closer

Perched at 1,200 metres above sea level in the Southern Alps, Aurora Peak Observatory was founded by a collective of astronomers, photographers, and dreamers who believed that the night sky should be accessible to everyone. Our location offers some of the lowest light pollution in the country — a window into the cosmos that few places on Earth can match.

Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or someone who has never looked through a telescope, our guides meet you where you are. We blend traditional Māori astronomy with modern observational science, creating an experience that is both deeply rooted in this place and expansive in its reach.

"The Southern Alps are my observatory. The sky here doesn't just reveal stars — it reveals time itself." — Dr. Hana Tāne, Lead Astronomer

Our experiences

Three ways to explore the night

Guided · 2 hours

Night Sky Tour

Explore the Southern Cross, Magellanic Clouds, and deep-sky objects through our 36-inch telescope.

Night Sky Tour

Begin with a warm drink and a briefing in our glass-walled lounge. Your guide will orient you to the night sky before moving to the main telescope deck. Using a green laser pointer and our computerised telescope, you'll tour nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters visible only from the Southern Hemisphere. Includes hot beverages and a digital star chart to take home.

Learn more

Workshop · 4 hours

Astrophotography Workshop

Learn to capture the Milky Way with your own camera. From composition to post-processing.

Astrophotography Workshop

Bring your own DSLR or mirrorless camera and tripod. Our instructor will guide you through camera settings, focusing in the dark, stacking techniques, and post-processing in Lightroom. We'll provide a tracked mount for long-exposure shots. Limited to 6 participants per session. Includes a memory card loaded with your best images.

Learn more

Overnight · 1–3 nights

Private Cabin Stay

Sleep under the stars in a glass-roofed cabin. Wake to alpine sunrise over the Southern Alps.

Private Cabin Stay

Our three off-grid cabins feature floor-to-ceiling windows facing the night sky. Each cabin has a king bed, wood-burning fireplace, en-suite bathroom, and a private deck with a hot tub. Breakfast and dinner are included, prepared by our on-site chef using local ingredients. A personal guide is available for night-time walks.

Learn more

The Planetarium

The Planetarium

The whole sky, indoors

Our digital planetarium seats 24 beneath a 10-metre dome. Custom projection software renders the night sky in real time — from any date, any location on Earth. Guided shows run hourly, or book a private session for your group.

2,000,000+ stars catalogued 36-inch reflecting telescope
View dome schedule

Book your experience

Reserve your place under the stars

Fill in the form below and we'll respond within 24 hours with availability, pricing, and options. All experiences include transfers from Queenstown.

Thank you!

We'll be in touch within 24 hours.

Please enter your name (at least 2 characters).

Please enter a valid email address.

Please select a future date.

Please select an experience.