The Backyard Astronomer Tour 

Astronomy to you

Stargazing tours from the comfort of your backyard

We bring the telescope to you!

In selected accommodation - Enquire for more info

Many amateur astronomers begin their journey from the comfort of their backyard. Looking up in wonder and curiosity is the foundation of modern astronomy. This tour offers that same authentic experience with plenty of time to look through telescopes and ask questions. All from the comfort of your accommodation.

Tour includes:

🔦Laser-guided tour of the stars and constellations

🔭Observations through a high-powered telescope and wide-field binoculars

📷Complimentary personal astrophoto of you under the stars

-Led by an experienced expert astronomy guide

Duration - 75 minutes

Max capacity - 10

Location - Twizel/Tekapo

Pricing per person (min 2)

Prices start at $398 for 2 guests

-$99 for additional guests (up to 10)

Enquire below

Where to Stay

We’re proud to partner with Stay Mackenzie to offer our Backyard Stargazing Tours at these select accommodation properties.

Twizel

Spacious living room with large windows, blue sofas, a wooden coffee table, a carpet, and a view of an outdoor patio.

Perfect Combination

Modern house with stone exterior, sliding glass doors, surrounded by a lawn and patio furniture, with a blue sky and distant mountains in the background.

The Schist Cabin

Open field with small trees, wooden fence, house, and distant mountains with snow under a clear blue sky.

Stunning 360-Degree Views

Naked-eye Backyard Stargazing

No crowds, no driving—just the stars above. At selected accommodations, I bring the telescope and a guided star tour right to your doorstep, so you can enjoy an authentic Kiwi stargazing experience in total comfort.

Telescope Observations

Get a closer look at the universe through a high-quality telescope. This session offers a clear, science-based exploration of the Moon, planets, star clusters, and nebulae. Your astronomer will guide you through each object—explaining what it is, how far away it lies, and why it’s important—using simple, accessible language. It’s a practical, engaging way to learn about space.

Astrophoto

To wrap up the night, you’ll get a beautiful photo of yourself beneath the stars—a lasting memory of your time under New Zealand’s spectacular skies.

Night sky filled with stars and the Milky Way over a modern house with a patio and outdoor furniture.

Small group, stellar comfort

Enjoy the stars in comfort with provided seating and warm blankets. In the privacy of your own backyard, skip the crowds and take in the night sky—perhaps with a hot drink from your kitchen in hand.