New at LandEscape
StargazingWanaka
Guided nights under Otago’s dark sky
Explore the night sky over LandEscape Wanaka
Far from any light pollution, halfway between Wānaka and Lake Hāwea, our farm sits under one of the clearest night skies anywhere on the planet.
Join our resident host Benny for a 90 minute tour of the breathtaking southern celestial canopy: planets, star clusters, satellites and the bright band of the Milky Way, all through our amazing “Dobsonian” Telescope.
Meet Benny
Benny Liew · Resident host
Benny has spent more nights under the New Zealand sky than almost anyone, and he hasn’t once run out of things to point at (or say). What a character… you’ll love him! Patient with beginners, he will take you on a captivating and memorable journey through the firmament as viewed from the bottom of the world.
What to expect
You will have an immersive 90-minute guided stargazing experience with your guide visually mapping the constellations for you with a hand-held laser pointer. Then, one by one, all the guests enjoy individual “eyes-on” telescope views of planets, star clusters and nebulae while the telescope automatically tracks their movement across the sky. Share the night with an intimate group of 10 guests per session.
Benny will capture your experience with a complimentary time lapse video that you can share with friends and family. All located at LandEscape Farm – a majestic 300 acre slice of New Zealand’s scenic estate.
Add a LandEscape SpaGazer Sunset Session or Overnight Motorhome Site
Lose Your Mind and Come to Your Senses
Tubs are available on our booking site, at the bottom of the page
Aurora Australis
Some nights, the sky shows off
There’s nowhere quite like the far South of New Zealand for viewing the night sky. Ours here at LandEscape Wanaka is amongst the darkest and clearest you will find anywhere in the world. If you are extraordinarily lucky it turns into something even more memorable: the Aurora Australis, the Southern Lights, glowing low on the horizon. We can’t promise it but that’s exactly what makes it special.
Good to know
What’s included in the price?
Laser guided naked eye tour of the night sky PLUS individual viewings through a powerful 10” Sky-Watcher telescope. You will receive a complimentary photo with the night sky.
What telescope is used?
Sky-Watcher 10” Collapsible Dobsonian Telescope.
Cancellations & changes
Free cancellation or reschedule of your tour with 24 hours’ notice of the tour start time.
How should I dress?
Dress for the weather and be prepared for our cold Otago night time temperatures. Blankets are available during tours.
Is there a shuttle from Wanaka or Lake Hawea?
Unfortunately not at this stage.
What if the weather isn’t favourable?
Our guides make every reasonable effort to provide a good night-sky viewing. If conditions prevent a full experience, you may choose a full refund or a free reschedule. The weather conditions in the mountains can change incredibly rapidly and cloudy blustery days regularly turn into crystal clear, wind free nights.
Is there a rate for children?
Yes, children under 12 years are half price.
Where do I go?
We are located at 798 Lake Hawea-Albert Town Road, just 12 minutes’ drive from central Wanaka, halfway to Lake Hawea. Detailed instructions will be issued once the booking has been made.
Contact us
Email: hello@stargazingwanaka.nz
Phone: (+64) 21 944 620