DETAILS

Join us in the Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory for a unique dark sky experience under the glittering stars of the southern hemisphere.  Enjoy a drink in the wine cellar before our experienced astronomer takes you on a tour of the night sky with a high-powered laser pointer and our pier-mounted telescope.  Learn more about the constellations and their mythologies, stars, star clusters, nebulae, planets, the Moon and more!  We will also attach a camera to the back of the telescope to show you incredible views of some of the wonders of the cosmos on a big screen!

If you would like the opportunity to attach your camera to our telescope, and have the chance to take your own amazing photos of deep sky objects, please contact us for private bookings. (Currently restricted to Canon and Nikon DSLRs only)

The Retreat and purpose-built Pukaki Observatory is perfectly located to explore one of the darkest, clearest skies in the world. This is a stellar experience and is a unique opportunity to stargaze in the world-famous Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

Includes: A glass of wine or tot of whisky. Shared group sessions, with a minimum charge of 4 guests to operate this experience.

Please note, this experience is heavily weather dependent. We will contact you if the weather won’t allow this activity to go ahead, there is an alternative option for a reduced rate that can be offered if you would still like to experience the observatory and learn about the dark sky.

Private group bookings are also available, please contact reservations@mtcookretreat.nz to book.