Star Gazing Christchurch

Nestled on Canterbury’s Banks Peninsula (Te Pataka o Rakaihautū), the charming French influenced village of Akaroa is a popular day trip with Cantabrians and tourists alike. The surrounding bays and the peninsula's distinct shape were created by volcanic eruptions by two now extinct volcanoes, leaving behind a stunning waterfront with sweeping views, spectacular wildlife, and now, a dark sky reserve. 

Just a 90 minute drive from Ōtautahi lies one of Christchurch’s best stargazing experiences. Perfect for those pressed for time but wanting to experience the night sky, Cheeky Kea Travel and Akaroa Stargazing have teamed up to make your New Zealand dreams come true. You will be driven in comfort by our modern Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with extras to make the trip that extra bit special. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this journey is one you will never forget and is ideal for those on a tight schedule. 

*Please note that this tour departs Christchurch in the evening and returns between 11:30pm - 1:30am, with drop offs occurring shortly after. Exact timings will vary from tour to tour depending on the time of year to maximize your stargazing experience. For more information about your exact pick up and drop times, please contact us directly. 

*Please note that this activity is subject to weather conditions. If the weather is unsuitable for outdoor viewing, customers are offered an Indoor Experience (with partial refund for the stargazing portion of the tour only) or a full refund (for the stargazing portion of the tour only). The Indoor Experience is a 60-minute immersive journey using state-of-the-art planetarium software to explore our solar system and the specific night sky of the tour date.

Highlights and inclusions:

• Small group size 
• Carbon neutral return night tour to Akaroa from Christchurch 
• Breathtaking views of Akaroa and Banks Peninsula 
• Little River Township 
• Bottled water and Kiwi snacks 
• 90 minute Night Awe Tour with Akaroa Stargazing 
• WiFi and USB charging 
• Commentary 
• 100% Kiwi as experience 

Itinerary:

Christchurch (evening departure - varies from tour to tour) - We start by leaving Ōtautahi Christchurch, also known as New Zealand's Garden City. As we head towards Banks Peninsula, our knowledgeable guide will point out some of the central city highlights. 

Little River (10-15 minutes) - Before continuing over the hill, you will be greeted by the hidden gem that is Little River. Nestled deep amongst streams, springs, and farms, it is at this delightful small town that you will have the opportunity to stretch your legs. 

Hilltop Lookout (5 minutes) - At the top of the summit, we will stop briefly at the Hilltop Lookout for a photo opportunity of sweeping late afternoon panoramic views of Banks Peninsula and the surrounding bays. 

Akaroa (1 hour 30 minutes - 2 hours approx) - Prior to your tour with Akaroa Stargazing, you will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner at one of Akaroa’s restaurants. Please note that dinner is NOT included. As the sun sets and night falls, our guide will drop you off at the wonderful team with Akaroa Stargazing for the highlight of the tour. 

Night Awe Stargazing Experience (90 minutes) - This personalised stargazing experience (capped at 10 participants) is the ultimate way to spend a Christchurch evening. Relax in comfy outdoor chairs, wrapped in warm blankets, with a delicious hot drink in hand as you gaze at the stars. The spot (located in Akaroa Heritage Park) offers unparalleled views of the Milky Way, distant nebulae, and celestial objects in stunning clarity. Learn about the universe above through storytelling highlighting fascinating scientific insights mixed with Māori mythology. Peer through the incredible details of planets, star clusters, and galaxies using our powerful telescope. For live, vibrant views and stunning astrophotography of deep-sky objects, we also utilize the innovative ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope. This state-of-the-art equipment ensures you get the best possible view. Plus you get to keep all the pictures taken LIVE during your tour! Every Night Awe guest gets a complimentary digital souvenir photo taken under the breathtaking Akaroa night sky, making your experience last long after the tour ends. All souvenir photos are processed and emailed to customers within one week of their tour date.

Christchurch - After an incredible night, we pick you up and return back to Ōtautahi Christchurch. Depending on the tour timings, you can expect to be dropped back to your pick up point between 11:30pm - 1:30am (approx). Your guide will be able to advise you on the day of an exact estimate, and you are welcome to contact us directly prior to your tour for more information. 

Please note additional stops are taken into consideration for toilet breaks. 

We at Cheeky Kea Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey, and all those little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complimentary refreshments, and many other fun surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. 

See More, Do More, Spend Less.

Nestled on Canterbury’s Banks Peninsula (Te Pataka o Rakaihautū), the charming French influenced village of Akaroa is a popular day trip with Cantabrians and tourists alike. The surrounding bays and the peninsula's distinct shape were created by volcanic eruptions by two now extinct volcanoes, leaving behind a stunning waterfront with sweeping views, spectacular wildlife, and now, a dark sky reserve.
Just a 90 minute drive from Ōtautahi lies one of Christchurch’s best stargazing experiences. Perfect for those pressed for time but wanting to experience the night sky, Cheeky Kea Travel and Akaroa Stargazing have teamed up to make your New Zealand dreams come true. You will be driven in comfort by our modern Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with extras to make the trip that extra bit special. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this journey is one you will never forget and is ideal for those on a tight schedule.
*Please note that this tour departs Christchurch in the evening and returns between 11:30pm - 1:30am, with drop offs occurring shortly after. Exact timings will vary from tour to tour depending on the time of year to maximize your stargazing experience. For more information about your exact pick up and drop times, please contact us directly.
* Please note that this activity is subject to weather conditions. If the weather is unsuitable for outdoor viewing, customers are offered an Indoor Experience (with partial refund for the stargazing portion of the tour only) or a full refund (for the stargazing portion of the tour only). The Indoor Experience is a 60-minute immersive journey using state-of-the-art planetarium software to explore our solar system and the specific night sky of the tour date.


Highlights and inclusions: Small group size Carbon neutral return night tour to Akaroa from Christchurch Breathtaking views of Akaroa and Banks Peninsula Little River Township Bottled water and Kiwi snacks 90 minute Night Awe Tour with Akaroa Stargazing WiFi and USB charging Commentary 100% Kiwi as experience


Itinerary:

Christchurch (evening departure - varies from tour to tour) - We start by leaving Ōtautahi Christchurch, also known as New Zealand's Garden City. As we head towards Banks Peninsula, our knowledgeable guide will point out some of the central city highlights.


Little River (10-15 minutes) - Before continuing over the hill, you will be greeted by the hidden gem that is Little River. Nestled deep amongst streams, springs, and farms, it is at this delightful small town that you will have the opportunity to stretch your legs.


Hilltop Lookout (5 minutes) - At the top of the summit, we will stop briefly at the Hilltop Lookout for a photo opportunity of sweeping late afternoon panoramic views of Banks Peninsula and the surrounding bays.


Akaroa (1 hour 30 minutes - 2 hours approx) - Prior to your tour with Akaroa Stargazing, you will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner at one of Akaroa’s restaurants. Please note that dinner is NOT included. As the sun sets and night falls, our guide will drop you off at the wonderful team with Akaroa Stargazing for the highlight of the tour.


Night Awe Stargazing Experience (90 minutes) - This personalised stargazing experience (capped at 10 participants) is the ultimate way to spend a Christchurch evening. Relax in comfy outdoor chairs, wrapped in warm blankets, with a delicious hot drink in hand as you gaze at the stars. The spot (located in Akaroa Heritage Park) offers unparalleled views of the Milky Way, distant nebulae, and celestial objects in stunning clarity. Learn about the universe above through storytelling highlighting fascinating scientific insights mixed with Māori mythology. Peer through the incredible details of planets, star clusters, and galaxies using our powerful telescope. For live, vibrant views and stunning astrophotography of deep-sky objects, we also utilize the innovative ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope. This state-of-the-art equipment ensures you get the best possible view. Plus you get to keep all the pictures taken LIVE during your tour! Every Night Awe guest gets a complimentary digital souvenir photo taken under the breathtaking Akaroa night sky, making your experience last long after the tour ends. All souvenir photos are processed and emailed to customers within one week of their tour date.


Christchurch - After an incredible night, we pick you up and return back to Ōtautahi Christchurch. Depending on the tour timings, you can expect to be dropped back to your pick up point between 11:30pm - 1:30am (approx). Your guide will be able to advise you on the day of an exact estimate, and you are welcome to contact us directly prior to your tour for more information.


Please note additional stops are taken into consideration for toilet breaks.
We at Cheeky Kea Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey, and all those little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complimentary refreshments, and many other fun surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

See More, Do More, Spend Less.