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 after your tour
Careful planning around weather and conditions
Price
NZD $699 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
Discover the Southern Night Sky
One of Queenstown's greatest attractions is the night sky. Have you ever wanted to see the structure and colour of our galaxy with your own eyes, or view planets, nebulae, and distant galaxies up close? This is your chance. We will help you capture these moments through professional photography while you enjoy an unforgettable experience.
We love the night sky. The Starry Night Adventure is our way of sharing what we experience exploring the Wakatipu Basin after dark. We guide you to serene locations where the stars truly come alive.
Simon holds a BSc(Hons) in Physics with Astrophysics, so astro is in our DNA. During the tour we point out stars, planets, and constellations, sharing stories that reveal the vastness and beauty of the Universe. Many guests find that standing under a dark night sky for the first time is life changing.
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.
Aurora Australis Hunting
Kā Kurakura o Hinenuitepō otherwise known as the Southern Lights do visit the Southern Lakes.
Their intensity and colours can range from a feint 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, your experience and photographs will be incredible — the magic is in seeing, understanding, and connecting with the Southern Night Sky.
Incredible Experience!
5* Tripadvisor review: AuthenticAs Star Gazing -Nightscape Portrait Photography Tour during Full Moon
We came to New Zealand on our honeymoon and the night we spent stargazing was a true highlight of the trip. Simon is a true expert on both the stars and the history of their relationship to and influence on Māori culture. We learned so much, feel more grounded in our position on the planet, and had a great time doing it!
Would highly recommend spending an evening learning from Simon. And to top it all off, we have some incredible photos to remember it by!
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.