Where to find us
Welcome to Akaroa Stargazing! We have multiple unique locations for our tours, each chosen to provide the best possible experience. Below you'll find clear directions and details for where to meet your guide for each of our experiences.
Getting to Akaroa: Your Gateway to the Stars
Akaroa is a picturesque harbour town, and the perfect base for your stargazing experience. We're proud to be the closest dark-sky stargazing experience to Christchurch, just a scenic 90-minute drive away on State Highway 75. Enjoy the beautiful Banks Peninsula landscape on your journey!
Shuttle Service for Evening Stargazing Tours
For guests needing return transport from Christchurch for an evening tour, we highly recommend this service. They can arrange transport to Akaroa for your stargazing experience and a return trip to Christchurch afterwards.
Steve's Shuttle:
Phone: +64 21 232 4294
Website: stevesshuttles.co.nz
Daytime Shuttle Service
Akaroa French Connection offers a daily scenic shuttle from Christchurch to Akaroa, but their last service departs Akaroa in the afternoon. This is a great option for day visitors who are staying overnight and would need a local taxi for evening transport.
Akaroa French Connection:
Phone: 0800 800 575
Website: akaroabus.co.nz
Local Taxi Services (Within Akaroa)
For transport within Akaroa, we recommend the following taxi service. Please book in advance to ensure availability, especially in the evening.
Akaroa Taxi:
Phone: +64 27 220 9718
Email: akaroataxis@gmail.com
Meeting Point 1: Akaroa Heritage Park
Associated Tours: Night Awe, Date Night, Astronomy Bites
Address: Akaroa Heritage Park, 280 Long Bay Road, Akaroa 7583, New Zealand
Our primary outdoor stargazing location, Akaroa Heritage Park, offers exceptionally dark skies just a short 5-minute drive from Akaroa township. This location is on a grassy, slightly uneven surface, providing vast, unobstructed views of the night sky. Plenty of free parking is available in the carpark.
Meeting Time: Please meet your guide in the carpark 10 minutes before your scheduled tour departure time.
Meeting Point 2: Akaroa Stargazing Space
Associated Tours: Space Voyager, Cosmic Quest
Address: Akaroa Stargazing Space, 2/8 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand
This is our dedicated astronomy shop and indoor Space Voyager theatre. For Cosmic Quest, this is where your guided walk begins. You'll find us conveniently located in the heart of Akaroa township. Parking is available nearby on street.
Meeting Time: Please meet your guide here 10 minutes before your scheduled tour departure time.
Meeting Point 3: Akaroa Lighthouse
Associated Tours: Solar Explorer
Address: Akaroa Lighthouse, 145 Beach Road, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand
For our unique Solar Explorer tour, we meet at the iconic Akaroa Lighthouse. This historic landmark provides a fantastic backdrop for observing our Sun safely. Limited parking is available near the lighthouse.
Meeting Time: Please meet your guide here 10 minutes before your scheduled tour departure time.
Important Information for Your Visit
Always check your booking confirmation for specific tour details and exact meeting times.
Arrive on time: Please ensure you arrive at your designated meeting point at least 10 minutes prior to your tour's scheduled departure.
Getting Lost? If you have any trouble finding your meeting point, please call us immediately at +64 210 243 0328
What to Wear: For all outdoor tours, Akaroa's weather can be unpredictable. We strongly advise wearing multiple warm layers, a hat, and enclosed shoes.
