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Star Safari Stargazing Experience, Martinborough
Select Date and Travelers
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn More
1 Hours 30 Minutes
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English, French
Overview
Did you know that the Wairarapa International Dark Sky Reserve has one of the darkest and clearest skies in New Zealand? Only 80km from the Wellington Airport, you get a personal astrobiologist and an astrophysicist to show you the Universe.
We are Hari and Sam, and we created Star Safari out of our love of the night sky. • We invested in the best equipment for stargazing, with powerful telescopes and top-quality optics.
We know our night sky - both our 16" telescopes are manual, and you can learn it too! • Advanced stargazers, bring your observing list. • Beginner stargazers, we will show you where to start. By the end of the session, you will know what's in the sky and how to orient yourself to the stars.
Star Safari is a 90-minute experience with the Universe while seeing the best the amazing southern sky offers. If the weather is unsuitable for stargazing, we explore our sky in virtual reality.
You get to ask questions. We deliver a learning experience just for you.
What's Included
- All children 15 and younger for free, with no lower age limit. Maximum 2 per paying adult.
- Free cancelation up to 24 hours before session start time.
- Professional Instructors. Hari is a TEDx featured astrobiologist, Sam is an astrophysicist
- All Fees and Taxes
- Coffee and/or Tea
- 2x 16" (inches) very large telescopes per group and other telescopes and binoculars.
Meeting And Pickup
Meeting point
Look out for the email with driving instructions. Follow the signs from 1169 Ponatahi Road along the gravel driveway and then to the right. You will end up going up a hill and we will meet you in the carpark. CAMPERVANS - we pick you up at the bottom of the hill. Please see email instructions.
End Point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Expect an evening filled with space science. When stars are visible, we stargaze. When they are not, we entertain you with an e-astronomy experience.
- Stargazing: We meet you on arrival. Then, grab a blanket or jacket through our reception area. The telescope viewing area is 25 meters away, tucked inside our Moon Garden. We spend the next 60–90 minutes viewing the fantastic deep-sky objects of the Southern Sky with our powerful telescopes.
You have non-stop Q&A opportunities with an astrophysicist (Sam) and an astrobiologist (Hari). • Up to 10 people groups. • With 3-4 telescopes available, you will get plenty of telescope time: • See the Milky Way • Wish on a shooting star (or many) • Catch the ISS when it passes overhead or any of those satellites • Use astronomy binoculars.
Both of us are licensed to operate a laser pointer.
- E-astronomy: Tour the Universe with our state-of-the-art planetarium software and explore the Solar System in virtual reality. We have a unique collection of astrobiology-relevant rocks from across New Zealand. They are relevant to the search for life on Mars, of which we are part.
Enjoy a complimentary hot drink - a well-established tradition.
Additional Info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Please call us at the phone number below.
- Please dress up warm and as if you would go hiking. It gets very cold at night.
Operated by Star Safari
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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