Stargaze Mackenzie

Science-Focused Stargazing Tours

Twizel

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Explore the universe from the world-famous Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve in Twizel with our small scale professionally guided tours

Learn the science behind the stars and walk away with a new appreciation for the night sky, one that will stay with you forever

Space News - Whats up in the sky ?

Space News - Whats up in the sky ?

Feb - March 2026

- Jupiter in the Night Sky
Jupiter is now rising higher into the night sky, offering a stunning view through the telescope. Our tour will prioritize observing this fascinating planet.

-Orion Nebula

The famous Orion Nebula is rising back into our summer skies - a great target for observers. Learn more on the tour!

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Twizel’s clear, dry climate and low light levels make it a top choice for stargazing in the South Island.

Thanks to its open landscapes and lack of urban glow, Twizel provides excellent conditions for observing the night sky.

Stargazing tours

  • Laser guided stargazing in twizel

    The Cosmos Explorer - Twizel

    A 75-minute guided stargazing experience under the dark, clear skies of Twizel. See stars, planets, and nebulae through a telescope.

    Learn the night sky with a laser-guided tour. Quiet, simple, unforgettable

    -🌌 Small group size (10 max)

    - 🕒75 minutes

    - 🔭 10” telescope

    Learn More
  • Group astrophoto - stargazing twizel

    The Star Party (Private Stargazing)

    Private stargazing at Twizel’s beautiful Lake Ruataniwha for groups of up to 10. Your personal guide will lead you through the southern sky, pointing out constellations, planets, and distant deep-sky objects. Enjoy a personal experience and more time with the telescope.

    Perfect for families, friend groups, or small tour parties

    -🌌 Private group (4-10 max)

    - 🕒90 minutes

    - 🔭 10” telescope

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  • Stone church under starry night sky with Milky Way

    The Backyard Stargazer Tour

    Let the stars come to you. We bring the telescope and laser-guided sky tour directly to your accommodation. You’ll explore planets, star clusters, and deep-sky wonders — all from the comfort of your own backyard.

    -🌌 Hire an astronomer to you (2-10 max)

    - 🕒75 minutes

    - 🔭 10” telescope

    Learn More

Where to Stay in Twizel

Stay Mackenzie

If you're planning a visit to Twizel, we recommend staying with Stay Mackenzie.

They offer a range of high-quality holiday homes and boutique accommodations throughout the area. We partner with Stay Mackenzie to deliver our Backyard Stargazing Tours—a private and relaxed experience right at your accommodation. It’s the perfect way to explore the night sky without needing to leave your doorstep.

Night sky filled with stars and the Milky Way galaxy, viewed from a backyard with a house illuminated by interior lights and a few people sitting outside.
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Why Choose us?

At Stargaze Mackenzie, you’re not just looking at stars — you’re guided by an astronomer with 10 years of real-world experience in astronomical observations, guiding and outreach, astrophotography and even research.

Our tours offer authentic scientific insight into the cosmos. Your guide has studied professional astronomy and will provide you with facts grounded in real science.

The tour:

  • Guided by a laser-equipped astronomer you will explore the night sky like never before learning the true nature of stars, clusters, nebulae, galaxies and planets.

  • Observe legendary stars and constellations and then peer into deep space through a large aperture telescope.

  • Learn about the latest scientific discoveries and how they impact our understanding of the universe.

  • Get your complimentary astro photo taken beneath the beautiful dark skies of Twizel

Every tour is designed for those who want genuine knowledge, delivered in an easy-to-understand manner. The tour is not just a view through a telescope, it’s a view into the nature of the cosmos.

The Stargaze Mackenzie Difference:

✅ 10 years of astronomical field experience
✅ Science-led tours — ideal for curious minds of all ages
✅ Real explanations that are easily accessible
✅ Learn how astronomers actually observe, discover, and measure the universe

If you want more than just pretty stars — if you want to understand what you’re seeing — then Stargaze Mackenzie is your perfect guide to the night sky.

Reviews

  • It was perfect! From the booking to the evening to the email afterwards, Daniel and Reika made it a very special experience. Beforehand, we spoke on the phone to make sure the weather was playing along and I got a guarantee that I would get my money back in case it was too cloudy. Thank God that wasn't the case. Daniel had a super lot of interesting information and the view into the sky and through the telescope was unique. In retrospect, I received photos and information about a rocket by e-mail that we saw launch that evening. I can only recommend it to anyone!!!:)

    Trip Adviser - 19ha88la - 4 contributions - 1 Jul 2025

  • Absolutely great tour. Daniel was very knowledgeable about astronomy and was able to answer questions that I had throughout the tour. The views were absolutely amazing too. Do watch for the moon phase the fuller the moon the less stars are going to be visible.

    Trip Adviser - Stargazing with a knowledge guide. May 2025 -Alex M

  • Our group enjoyed a wonderful Stargazing experience with Dan on the banks of Lake Ruataniwha. Dan was very knowledgeable and opened our eyes to the cosmos

    Trip Adviser - So many things I didn't know about the night sky- Road64577993002 - Aug 2025

  • This star gazing experience was just what we were looking for- scientific, informational, and fun! Daniel was flexible and accommodating, full of knowledge, and answered every question we had with enthusiasm. His knowledge is very impressive and his love of the sky is contagious. Comfy chairs and great technology- dress warm :)

    Trip Adviser - Daniels love of the sky is contagious

    Caroline H

    5 contributions

  • Amazing night! Aug 2025 What a fabulous night - totally enthralled by the knowledge of our guides. Definitely recommend, was great having a small group of people and easy to visit the South Island Rowing complex. Good parking and easy access

    Trip Adviser - Woodsy1973

    Rangiora, New Zealand 27 contributions