Star Safari offers stargazing experiences in the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve, one of New Zealand’s most pristine night-sky locations. Our guided astronomy tours take you under the Milky Way to explore planets, nebulae, and galaxies through large research-grade telescopes. Whether you’re a first-time stargazer, a curious traveller, or a family seeking inspiration, you’ll discover how extraordinary our universe looks from this corner of Aotearoa.
Join us for an evening of cosmic discovery at our solar-powered observatory near Carterton.
During your Wairarapa stargazing experience, our team made of an astrobiologist, an astrophysicist, and passionate amateur astronomers will guide you through the stories of the southern sky. You’ll see Jupiter’s moons, Saturn’s rings, glowing nebulae, and the dense star fields of the Milky Way — all through telescopes among the largest available to the public in New Zealand.
Most visitors come for the stars but leave inspired by the science. Every session blends storytelling with real astronomy, highlighting how starlight connects to life on Earth. Star Safari operates entirely on solar power, keeps its footprint light, and welcomes children under 16 for free to ensure the next generation can experience the wonder of a truly dark sky.
For a preview of the reserve that surrounds us, visit the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve website.
We strive to offer the best possible experience for all attendees and hope that this information helps you make an informed decision about which session to attend.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for considering Star Safari for your cosmic adventure.
