Hertiage Festival - Maori Celestial Navigation and Solar System Tour

Our bus will pick you up at the tour time from the Runway Cafe** (opposite the airport) on Middle Renwick Road and take you to the Observatory. Travel time to / from site is approximately 15 minutes.

** We are partnering with The Runway Cafe on Friday and Saturday nights as our first dining partner. They have guest food trucks on-site from 4:30. Perfect to grab some dinner before heading out for an Observatory tour. Our bus will pick you up and drop you off. Check out whats on offer at the Runway Cafe here.

Once at our Observatory you will be met by one of our Astro-Tour guides who will give you a one hour Observatory and VR Tour.
The tour includes a 20 minute guided tour of the night sky with an introduction to Maori Celestial Navigation and then 30 minutes exploring space through our telescopes with 10 minute Virtual Reality Experience from Buzz Aldrin on journeys to Mars.

Our Crater Observatory has been designed with a low environmental footprint, it assists in cutting out light pollution and provides shelter from the wind. It is located in the Omaka Valley.

This is an out-door experience so please wrap up warm (hat and gloves recommended) good foot wear is required (don't come in your best high heels).

Note children need to be accompanied by an adult on a no less than a one adult per four children ratio.

The Observatory is located on a working farm, please follow your tour guides instructions. Note there is limited toilet facilities on-site.