for your Inspiration
star safari-stargazing
Open extra times over the school holidays
Reconnect with the Universe, recharge your batteries, get the cosmic perspective!
Come to the beautiful Wairarapa! We will take you on a space and astronomy experience, called Star-Safari.
star safari
Stargazing. Big Telescopes. Space Shop. Astrophotography. Space Science Communication. Virtual night sky tours.
Star Safari is more than a stargazing experience: we share our knowledge about the night sky, space, astrophysics and astrobiology; you look at the sky through big telescopes, and we use Astroreality 3D printed planet models to learn more.
You will not "just" look through the telescopes
key features of star safari
We have two 405mm reflecting telescopes we use for stargazing and by 2023 we will have an enormous addition to our telescope collection, so watch this space.
We use top of the range equipment for our customers – our telescopes are high quality large instruments.
This means we can see a huge range of objects in the night sky such a star clusters, galaxies and beautiful gas clouds.
- 2 x 16" telescopes (400 mm aperture)
- Some of the darkest skies easily accessible in Wairarapa
- Professional space science communicators
- Top quality astronomical gear
- Elevated site with fantastic horizon
- 10 minutes from Martinborough and Carterton
What we do
WHEN THE STARS ARE VISIBLE
WHEN THE SKY IS CLOUDY
We operate under the Traffic Light Orange conditions
Covid - 19 info
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When inside you must wear a mask and maintain 1m distance from people outside of your bubble.
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Masks are not required outside but we recommend you wear one.
Outside you must maintain a 1m distance from other people outside of your bubble.
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If you are feeling unwell or have any symptoms of COVID or Flu then it is important you do not attend.
THE science communicatorS
Space Science Communicators
Hari Mogosanu & Sam leske
Get a fun, inspiring night with our elite science communicators: Hari, a TEDx-featured astrobiologist who interned at NASA and trained for Mars and Sam, an accomplished astrophotographer who is pursuing his passion for astrophysics and the stars.
Space Sciences Communication Professionals
Hari and Sam: communicating space sciences with the public since the turn of the century.
With Space Sciences Background
And Experience of manually operating a full range of telescopes
We know our night sky. You're in good hands when it comes to a safari among the stars.
We are stargazing
We finished the shop and are currently working at our display area.
FREE for 15 and under
Fridays
Saturdays
Sundays
and on Public Holidays
Check our opening hours on the ticket, they vary with the sunset. Bookings essential.
Private Star Safari
Get an exclusive Star Safari just for you.
Minimum two people, kids are still FREE - under the same terms and conditions.
Please contact us to arrange a time outside of the regular schedule.
important things
We will be outside for most of the session. Please bring warm clothing, it gets cold at night. Dress as if you would go hiking in winter. Hats, gloves, and boots are highly recommended. Even in summer it can get cold.
Yes. You don’t need any knowledge about the night sky to attend a Star Safari.
If you are an advanced stargazer you will enjoy in depth exploration of the night sky from a fabulous location.
We have telescopes, binoculars and augmented reality models of the planets but you can bring your own camera and a tripod if you wish to take photos of the night sky.
Yes. In fact, anyone 15 and under is free when accompanied by adults.
The site is within short walking distance from the carpark and we have seating available.
Yes. You can join us for private Star Safari and look at any objects you are interested in, if they are visible that time of the year.
We are also soon reopening our weekend courses in stargazing, introduction to astronomy, astrophotography and the very famous telescope course.
Get a shuttle from Wai Tours. Call Pamela on 028 410 2614 or email info@waitours.co.nz
If you have not been there already, among the great places to stay that Wairarapa offers, on Glen Eden is the stunning Whitimanuka Retreat. This is an amazing self contained retreat set amongst rolling hills and native bush and minutes close to Star Safari.
