Omaka Observatory Tour and VR Experience
Discover the Southern Skies at our purpose built Crater Observatory at Omaka in Marlborough! The design minimises light pollution and the effects of the wind and allows our Astronomy Tours to take place under the canvas of the night sky. Our professionally trained guides will take you on a tour of the solar system with their hand held laser pointers before giving you hands on experience with our telescopes. Through our range of telescopes you will be able to view planets, galaxies, star clusters as well as view the moon in close detail. We will have astro-photography equipment available for you to capture your own photos from your evening. The content of the tours will vary throughout the year as the sky changes with the seasons and will run from March through to November.
One of the wonderful things about an outdoor observatory is you can enjoy the beauty of the land as well as the sky. Journey through our tī kōuka (cabbage tree) reserve to our purpose built crater and enjoy the incredible deep sky objects seen through our range of telescopes.
Our bus will pick you up at the tour time from the Blenheim Railway Station (opposite the i-site) with a second pick up point at the Runway Cafe ** (on Friday’s and Saturdays) opposite the airport on Middle Renwick Road approximately 10 minutes later. Total journey time to / from Blenheim Railway Station to the site is approximately 25 minutes.
** We are partnering with The Runway Cafe on Friday and Saturday nights as our first dining partner. They have guest food trucks on-site from 4:30. Perfect to grab some dinner before heading out for an Observatory tour. Our bus will pick you up and drop you off. Check out whats on offer at the Runway Cafe here.
Once at our Observatory you will be met by one of our Astro-Tour guides who will give you a one hour Observatory Tour of the night sky and our VR Tour.
The tour includes guided tour of the night sky, time exploring space through our telescopes and a 10 minute Virtual Reality Experience.
Prices are $90 for an adult, $40 for a child (under 18) and children attending a Marlborough school are free.
Note children need to be accompanied by an adult on a no less than a one adult per four children ratio.
Our Crater Observatory has been designed with a low environmental footprint, it assists in cutting out light pollution and provides shelter from the wind. It is located in the Omaka Valley.
This is an out-door experience so please wrap up warm (hat and gloves recommended) good foot wear is required (don’t come in your best high heels).
The Observatory is located on a working farm, please follow your tour guides instructions. Note there is limited toilet facilities on-site.
We are proud to have been awarded a Qualmark Silver Award for our Observatory Tours.
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