From immersive stargazing adventures and dining under the stars to relaxed, dark sky friendly accommodation, these trusted operators offer memorable ways to experience Kaikōura’s night skies—responsibly and in style.
Photo credit to Rachel Gillespie & jwpkphotography
Discover
The below operators offer awe-inspiring ways to connect with our pristine night skies and natural environment. Experience the night like never before with guided stargazing, astrophotography tours, night walks, and even ziplining under the stars.
Kaikoura Stargazing & Astrophotography – Part of the Southern Skies Experience Trail
Kaikōura’s dark skies are among New Zealand’s most dramatic — where mountains meet the Pacific and the Milky Way fills the horizon. Owner Rachel Gillespie and her team of guides know exactly where to take you, so your night under the stars is nothing short of extraordinary. Your tour consists of a night of storytelling, wonder and stargazing – spotting constellations with the naked eye, laser pointer, and telescope on some tours. Chairs, blankets and refreshments are included, plus a star photo to take home or get involved and bring your camera and make your own night sky photos, small groups or private picnic options available. 4 Tour options – 10 years experience – Qualmark Silver
SKYKOURA
Discover the Magic of the Night Sky with SKYKOURA. Create unforgettable astronomy experiences for your guests with SKYKOURA’s professional guided night sky tours. Perfect for tourism businesses, hospitality providers, and organisations looking to offer something unique.
Each experience includes a guided night sky talk, telescope viewing, and digital telescope use. Guests can capture images directly on their own smart devices as a special memory.
Explore The Cosmos with Moana Skies
Discover constellations, planets, and deep sky wonders from within the Kaikōura International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Your adventure begins with a shuttle pickup, followed by a scenic 15-minute drive up to Moana Skies’s private stargazing location nestled in the foothills. An experienced astronomer will lead you on a captivating stargazing adventure using state-of-the-art astronomy telescopic equipment as well as a laser pointer for highlighting naked-eye objects and teaching star navigation. You’ll be kept cosy and warm with blankets and a hot drink.
Star Flight Zipline & Star Gazing Experience
Your journey begins at twilight crossing the Kahutara River into the International Sanctuary. Enjoy your first zip as dusk settles and by the time you reach the second zipline’s landing deck celestial darkness will have fully set in. Pause for a warming drink whilst your guide points out celestial marvels and take an astro selfie. You’ll then experience the thrill of riding three more ziplines in inky blackness under the Milky Way.
Dine
Enjoy an evening meal or picnic under the stars at venues that embrace low impact lighting and a natural night-time ambiance.
KAI WAHO – Private Stargazing Picnic
Enjoy a magical evening picnic under the stars, hosted by professional astrophotographer Rachel Gillespie. Rachel will choose a special dark sky location with interesting night scape vistas and guide you through the wonders of the night sky.
Capture unforgettable memories with astro-selfies and learn how to create your own breathtaking night sky images—no experience required. This is a relaxed experience perfect for couples, families, or small groups seeking something truly personal.
KAI PŌ – Luxury Stargrazing Dining Experience
Indulge in a truly unforgettable evening of dining under the stars. This exclusive experience features a top local chef preparing a gourmet feast using fresh, locally sourced ingredients cooked over an open fire—perfectly paired with premium local wines.
Relax beside a roaring fire as you take in the beauty of the night sky with world-class stargazing in a stunning setting within the Sanctuary.
Available for private group bookings of 12 to 24 guests.
Stay
Stay in places designed to enhance your stargazing experience, with thoughtful lighting, uninterrupted views, and a commitment to dark sky preservation.
HAPUKU LODGE + TREE HOUSES
Hapuku Lodge sits peacefully at the base of the Kaikoura Seaward Mountain Range, offering luxurious accommodation along Kaikoura’s rugged and beautiful coastline. Designed for relaxation, the lodge blends seamlessly into its intimate indoor/outdoor surroundings, creating a haven of comfort and natural beauty.
Located within an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, Hapuku Lodge also provides exceptional nighly stargazing opportunities as part of your stay, allowing guests to enjoy the night sky directly from the property. Find out more
Kaikoura Wilderness Experience – Puhi Peaks Station
Sharing the Wonder of Puhi Peaks Station – 8,000 acres of New Zealand’s highest privately owned property, nestled deep in the awe-inspiring Puhi Puhi Valley. A vast wilderness where conservation, adventure and tradition intersect. Set within a QE2 covenanted conservation area and rising to 2,600m above sea level, this sub-alpine haven is home to endangered species, rare native flora and fauna, and extraordinary geology.
From scenic walking experiences and immersive educational tours to dark sky stays and off-grid accommodation enjoy a truly unique chance to reconnect with nature in one of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes.
MANGAMAUNU RETREAT
Mangamaunu Retreat offers boutique coastal accommodation just north of Kaikōura, with ocean-view suites, cottages, and studios set among landscaped gardens and native bush. A short stroll from the world-famous surf break, it’s the perfect base to relax, reconnect, and enjoy both the mountains by day and the star-filled skies by night. Also available for retreats, events & weddings. Find out more
LYNTON DOWNS FARM STAY
Lynton Downs Station, set in the heart of the Kaikōura Dark Sky Sanctuary, invites you to unwind in its beautifully renovated East Wing or The Quarters while surrounded by the history and working life of a sheep and beef farm. More than a place to stay, it’s an authentic experience of rural hospitality where guests are welcomed to relax, connect with the land, and carry a little piece of Lynton Downs in their hearts. Find out more