The Soak in the Stars stargazing tour is New Zealand’s only guided hot pools and stargazing experience, located at the award-winning Tekapo Springs in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

This unforgettable 90-minute experience begins with a guided journey through the southern night sky. Depending on conditions, you’ll explore the universe through powerful telescopes beneath some of the world’s darkest skies, or, if the weather limits telescope viewing, enjoy our immersive indoor virtual reality experience featuring stunning 360° imagery, Māori stories, astronomy and science. Either way, our passionate guides bring the cosmos to life through a fascinating blend of astronomy, storytelling and local legends.

The second half of the experience is pure relaxation. Enjoy exclusive access to a 37.5–38.5°C hot pool, where you’ll float effortlessly on a hammock while gazing towards the stars above. With soothing music, warm waters and your guide sharing stories from poolside, you’ll experience the magic of the night sky from one of New Zealand’s most unique viewing locations.

The Soak in the Stars experience is also the only Tekapo Stargazing tour to feature extended Māori storytelling from the comfort of the hot pools. As you soak beneath the stars, your guide shares captivating legends of Matariki, Ranginui and Papatūānuku, Māui, and Te Kapo, weaving together astronomy, culture and history in an unforgettable way.

Located within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve – the largest Dark Sky Reserve in the Southern Hemisphere – Soak in the Stars offers an unforgettable combination of relaxation, astronomy and storytelling beneath some of the clearest skies on Earth.