Stargazing Queenstown

Stargazing Queenstown

Evening tours available during winter months!

Telescope pointed at the milky way with person looking through the lens

Experience a Hidden World

Just a short Gondola ride away from central Queenstown, join us for an incredible journey into the stars. High atop Bob’s Peak, 480 metres above the town and away from light pollution, you’ll find yourself immersed in the breathtaking beauty of the Southern Hemisphere’s night sky. Our astronomy guides will take you on a 60-minute tour, opening your eyes to the Milky Way, distant galaxies and constellations through high-powered 11” Celestron telescopes.

Two people looking through telescopes, with a starry sky in the background

A telescope pointed out towards the sky at twilight

Two people using a laser to point out stars in the background standing next to 2 telescopes

Two people smiling while next to a telescope, with a starry sky in the background

The milky way in the sky over Queenstown

A telescope being pointed up towards the nights sky

Explore the Southern Sky

In the Southern Hemisphere, the South Pole aligns with the heart of the Milky Way, giving us access to a dazzling array of bright stars and constellations that you can’t see anywhere else in the world. From Bob’s Peak, you’ll be treated to an unforgettable stargazing experience, with the entire Southern Sky above you – a perfect way to end your day in Queenstown.

As you gaze into the night, you’ll see celestial wonders like the iconic Southern Cross, the Magellanic Clouds, and countless star clusters that are unique to this part of the world. Our astronomy guides will help you navigate the stars, and discuss the mythology, history, and science behind the constellations.

Stargazing guide using a green laser to point out stars in the nights sky with telescope next to her

" We carefully chose a night with a new moon, and were fortunate to have a cloudless sky. We’ve done stargazing tours in the northern hemisphere, so we’re particularly interested in how the southern sky is different. The tour was appropriate for someone who has never gone before, and we had a great time as well. Ashley did a great job! "

TravelingEgr – Trip Advisor
Beautiful view of southern lights from Skyline Queenstown

Your Stargazing Journey: What to Know

Tour Times: Start times can vary, and our Stargazing tours run seasonally from March to October.

Meeting Point: Head up the Gondola to meet your guide and start your journey into the Southern Sky.

Jackets: We’ll loan you a specifically designed high-quality insulation jacket to keep you warm.

Length of Tour: 60 minutes of exploring our universe.

Warm Beverage: Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine in our Stratosfare Bar to warm up afterwards. 

Tour Languages: We offer English and Mandarin Chinese speaking tours.

End the tour at Stratosfare Bar

After your tour, enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate or mulled wine in Stratosfare Bar.

Whether you’re admiring the glittering lights of Queenstown below or reminiscing about your journey through the Southern Sky, Stratosfare offers the perfect, cosy setting to end your evening and warm up in style! 

Milky Way positioned over the Remarkables mountain range

Frequently Asked Questions:

Yes, bookings are essential and can be made online.

If the weather is unsuitable, you’ll be notified on the day and can reschedule or receive a refund.

There is a minimum age of 6 for Stargazing tours. (Please note, the tour is not recommended for small children due to cold temperatures).
We offer reduced child rates for those aged between 6 and 14 years old.

Currently, we offer tours in English and Mandarin Chinese. We ask that guests refrain from extensive translations during the experience. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the tour seamlessly and fully immerse themselves in the experience.

Yes, if you have a combo ticket for Gondola + Dinner + Stargazing and would like to upgrade to the Premium Dinner, please contact our reservations team directly for assistance with the upgrade.

Please dress very warmly. The tour takes place outside in alpine conditions. Hats, gloves, and closed shoes are recommended. Goosedown coats are provided for guests who would like them.

Ready to explore the Southern Sky?