Cosmic Quest

A walk of discoveries, in search of te Rā.

A TRULY UNIQUE TOUR

  • Expert guides sharing their knowledge of Māori mythology and astronomy

  • A scale walk replicating the actual scale of the solar system

  • Specially designed 3D planet props for an immersive experience

EMBARK ON A JOURNEY THROUGH THE SOLAR SYSTEM

  • Starting with the icy giant Neptune and working our way inward to Mercury

  • Discovering fascinating facts and anecdotes about each planet

  • Gaining a deeper understanding of the solar system's formation and evolution

OBSERVING TE RĀ

  • State-of-the-art solar telescope for safe observation of the Sun

  • Witnessing the mesmerising dance of sunspots, prominences, and solar flares

  • Perfect souvenir opportunity with our smartphone adapter to snap the Sun

PRICING

Child (5 - 15): $39

Adult (16+): $79

Please note that children under 5s join us for free!

DEPARTURE TIME

Daily: 10:30AM, 1:30PM

Private tours: flexible departure time, please inquire

MEETING POINT

The Quest starts at Akaroa Stargazing Space, 2/8 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa 7520

Google Maps link

DURATION

2 hours

GROUP SIZE

No minimum, Maximum 8 participants

INCLUDED

  • 3D planet props

  • Safe solar observation using a state-of-the-art solar telescope

  • Photos opportunity using our smartphone adapter to snap the Sun

NOT INCLUDED

  • Transfers, pick-ups, & drop-offs

  • Food and beverages

WHAT TO BRING

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)

  • Water bottle

  • Camera and smartphone

Stop and learn some of our Solar System secrets
Finding Mars...
Walk to Akaroa Lighthouse
Trying to get to Mercury
Snap the Sun with our smartphone adapter!

WHAT OUR GUESTS ARE SAYING ABOUT US

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Went on a stargazing tour with Luca at 10pm.
He started right off passionately about light pollution and went on explaining different star constellations, stars themselves and galaxies, as well as nebulas. And all this very visible through his telescope. He even provided blankets and warm tea during the chilly night.
Would book again!”

— Written 27 February 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“My friends and I loved the stargazing tour! We learned a lot of new things and you can really tell that Luca is passionate about this topic. I enjoyed this tour so much that I joined their new daytime Cosmic Quest Tour a week later. You could see the sun through their special telescope and take your own photos with your phone trough the telescope as well. This tour is great for children too, as it is very interactive!”

— Written 21 February 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Stargazing with Luca is one of the best things you can do in New Zealand. As my friend and I did already the planetarium projection at Lucas place and saw how passionate this man is and how much we can learn from him, we decided that we want to come back for stargazing. Best decision, because we had an absolutely amazing night and were so lucky with the completely clear sky. Luca taught us so many things and took a lot of time to answer our questions understandably. The view on the moon, planets and stars through his telescope was just incredible. For warm up there was hot tea and blankets. All in all a perfect night for us.”

— Written 4 February 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“This tour is a must for anyone curious about the stars or the night sky. Luca has an amazing knowledge of the southern sky and makes the experience most impressive. We were lucky that during our tour, not only did we get to see some incredible stars but the Aurora Australis put on quite a show as well. It was remarkable how much we were able to see and learn due to this tour being so well organised. Thank you Luca and Akaroa Stargazing for a night we'll never forget.”

— Written 12 October 2024

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