Private Stargazing in Queenstown
We go out every clear night. Just your group - nobody else. Private stargazing and astrophotography from Tāhuna Queenstown, under some of the darkest skies in Aotearoa.
The Southern Night Sky is one of the least understood and most underestimated things about this part of the world. Most people who visit Queenstown never see it properly - a glance upward from a lit street, a photo attempt that doesn't quite work, and then back inside.
The authenticAs Starry Night Adventure is something different. We drive you away from the lights, into the dark, and spend two unhurried hours helping you actually understand what you're looking at. Stars, planets, constellations, the structure of our galaxy - and the stories that Māori have been reading into this sky for centuries.
Simon holds a BSc (Hons) in Physics with Astrophysics, but what guests consistently tell us isn't about the credential - it's that everything he explains actually lands. The night sky stops being overwhelming and starts making sense. A dedicated astrophotography session is woven through the experience - wide field astro portraits of you under the Southern Night Sky, and images through the telescope of the objects you're seeing with your own eyes.
“I took my 75yr old parents on this trip as their Christmas present, and was not disappointed. They had done other Stargazing trips, but were buzzing at the end of this one. Simon was the perfect host - engaging, and full of knowledge of not only the stars, the astrophysics, but also Te Ao Māori.”
Technology and photography
We use a mix of tools to bring the night sky closer to you.
Laser pointers help identify celestial objects
Binoculars reveal clusters, the Magellanic Clouds, and nebula
Unistellar Equinox telescope allows detailed views of planets, nebulae, and galaxies for small private tours
8-inch Dobsonian telescope is perfect for larger groups, younger guests, or tours run directly from dark sky accommodation
Astrophotography captures both the stars and you under the heavens
Our photography is natural and immersive. Wide-field shots of you under the stars create unforgettable keepsakes. Images collected through the telescopes reveal colours and details invisible to the naked eye.
“It never felt like a ‘tour’; it felt intimate, personal and really special. To top it all off, Simon captured the most beautiful photos for us that we’ll treasure for a lifetime. As an added bonus, we were lucky enough to see the Southern Lights, which made the night feel even more surreal and unforgettable.”
“Simon was so knowledgeable and passionate, and he made the whole experience feel really special. ... We also loved learning more about the stars, astronomy, and Māori culture throughout the tour. It honestly opened up our interest in astronomy so much more.”
Aurora Australis Hunting
Ngā Kurakura o Hinenuitepō otherwise known as the Southern Lights do visit the Southern Lakes.
Their intensity and colours can range from a faint glow to bright greens and magentas.
Rest assured, we monitor forecasts closely.
If it looks like conditions will align during your tour, we will ensure we’re in a great place to make the most of it.
For more in-depth advice on timing, locations, and what to expect, see our full Aurora Hunting guide.
Flexible &
personalised experience
Tours are designed to suit you. You can extend your adventure to visit additional locations, spend extra time at the telescope, or chase the Southern Lights. Our DOC concessions allow access to stunning viewpoints within a short distance of Queenstown.
Winter nights are longer and colder, summer nights shorter and milder. The phase of the moon acts like a dimmer switch for the night sky. Each moonlit night offers something different rather than better or worse. A full moon softly illuminates the landscape, making it easy to move around and spot brighter constellations, while a new moon allows countless faint stars and distant galaxies to appear, creating a deep, star-studded canvas.
Our tools and telescopes allow us to explore the night sky regardless of the moon, emphasising stories and learning about the universe in a way that simply gazing with the naked eye cannot. If you are mainly after a hero shot of a star-filled sky, you can check the moon calendar or get in touch with us for advice, but either way, you'll come away understanding the sky above you, with photographs of you beneath it.
The magic is in seeing, understanding, and connecting with the Southern Night Sky.
“Best experience of our lives! ... His warmth and welcoming nature as well as stories he told made the experience unforgettable. Not to mention the best photos I have ever seen delivered the next day. A telescope, binoculars, warm coats and hot chocolate and cookies are also provided. Simon thinks of everything and makes you feel so special as well as so connected to the land you are standing on.”
“Simon is a very observant, attentive and patient guide explaining how the cosmos intertwined with [Māori] culture. Simon was able to cater to the itinerary as some of my family members were not able to stand the cold for so long. ... We were super lucky to catch the Aurora Australis during our tour and Simon captured the best photos for us during the trip. A high quality tour, away from the big tour groups. Highly recommended!”
Queenstown Starry
Night Adventure
Queenstown’s premier private stargazing & astro-portrait guided tour
At a glance
A private experience for just your group
Priced per tour, not per person (up to 4 people)
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Professional photography included
Pickup from Queenstown
What this experience includes
Time under a dark southern sky with a knowledgeable local guide
Thoughtful, unrushed stargazing using professional astronomy equipment
Astro-portraits of your group in the landscape
A curated set of professionally edited images delivered the next day
Careful planning around weather and conditions
Hot chocolate & cookies
Warm adult jackets
Price
NZD $799 per tour
(for up to 4 people - ideal for couples, families, or small groups)
Good to know
This experience is weather dependent - we monitor conditions closely
If conditions aren’t suitable, we’ll work with you to reschedule
Operated under DOC concessions, Qualworx audited safety systems and a Qualmark Silver Operator
Start times vary through the year
Please select the 7:30pm appointment to book - approximate start times are;
January - 10:30pm
February - 10:30pm
March 9- 9:30pm
April - 7:30-9pm
May - 7pm
June - 6:30pm
July - 6:30pm
August - 6:30pm
September - 7:30pm
October - 9pm
November - 9:30pm
December - 10:30pm
If you can't select the date you're looking for, or there are more than 4 of you please emailus@authenticAs.org and we'll do our best to fit you in
Safety and comfort
Your journey is in our 2015 Land Rover Defender, a rugged classic with modern comfort. Vehicles are safety audited, insured, and certified to carry passengers. Simon is your driver, guide, and photographer, with the relevant passenger endorsements and Outdoor First Aid certification.
We transport you from your accommodation to viewing locations and back safely, allowing you to relax and immerse yourself in the experience.
What you’ll take home
Professional photographs of the night sky, planets, nebulae, and galaxies
Wide-field shots of you and your companions under the stars
Images suitable for social media and keepsakes
The option to purchase fine art prints
The AuthenticAs Starry Night Adventure is more than stargazing. It is a private, immersive astronomy experience guided by locals who know the Southern Lakes intimately, combined with professional photography that captures both the universe and your time under it.
An unforgettable night photographing one of the strongest auroral displays I've witnessed at 45° South. From the science of solar wind predictions to the cultural knowledge woven into our night sky, this is the story of Kā Kurakura o Hinenuitepo dancing above Whakatipu Wai Māori—and why protecting our access to darkness matters now more than ever.