top of page
Fully Certified
Akaroa Stargazing
General Information
2/8 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa 7520
021 02430328
Opening Times - Check before visiting as might change
Office opening hours:
Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Overview
At Akaroa Stargazing, we offer an exceptional stargazing experience in the picturesque town of Akaroa. Established in February 2022, our business provides guided outdoor evening stargazing tours, immersive indoor virtual stargazing experiences, and engaging solar observations.
We offer:
Outdoor Stargazing Tours: Explore the night sky with our expert guides in a stunning, tranquil setting.
Indoor Virtual Stargazing: Enjoy a captivating indoor experience with our state-of-the-art virtual stargazing technology, ideal for any weather conditions.
Solar Observations: Witness the wonders of the sun with our safe and informative solar viewing tour.
Our shop also features a dedicated play area for future stargazers, offering a fun and educational space for children to engage with astronomy through drawing, activities, and imaginative play.
Additionally, our retail section includes a curated selection of astronomy books, space-themed board games, and puzzles for enthusiasts of all ages. Located in the heart of Akaroa township, our shop is the perfect destination for families and visitors seeking a memorable stargazing adventure.
Notes for Cardholders
All cardholders are entitled to a 50% discount off our stargazing tours (Night Awe, Solar Explorer, and Space Voyager) and we offer a free essential companion (+1) ticket
Standing and Queuing
Please present your Hāpai Access Card to the staff, and they will bring you to the front of the queue.
Level Access
Our best entrance is through our main entrance door which has a width of 800mm when open. The small ramp leading into our office has a 23mm high incline. Level access is available throughout our office space.
At the location of our tours, the ground can be uneven, and there are no lifts.
Our outdoor stargazing tours at Akaroa Heritage Park:
Located at 280 Long Bay Road, Akaroa, about a 10-minute drive from town. There is a car park at the entrance of the park. Please note that we do not have accessible parking. If necessary, we could agree to allowing our customers to park their car next to the stargazing site.
Distances
Our building is not large and there is plenty of seating throughout that you are welcome to use. There is off-street parking in front of our shop/booking office. Please note that we do not have accessible parking.
Urgent Toilet Access
Unfortunately, we do not have a toilet on our premises. The nearest toilet is located between the Peninsula War Memorial and the Christchurch City Council office, estimated to be a 100-metre distance from our shop.
Disability Assist Dogs
We comply with the NZ law with respect to Disability Assistance dogs. The staff will offer you water for your dog and will indicate the nearest place for a dog to relieve itself if required.
Essential Companions
For cardholders with this icon we are happy to offer a free companion ticket. In order to book this please send us an email at info@akaroastargazing.com or give us a call on 021 02430328.
Difficulty Accessing Visual Information
While our experience is primarily visual, we strive to provide engaging and descriptive narratives. Our indoor virtual stargazing experience is particularly accessible for customers with visual impairments, offering detailed verbal descriptions and a richer auditory experience. This ensures everyone can appreciate the wonders of the universe.
At Akaroa Stargazing Space, we aim to make every visit memorable. However, due to the visual nature of our outdoor tours, accommodating blind customers is challenging. For a more accessible experience, we recommend our indoor virtual stargazing sessions.
We are committed to providing the best possible experience and will do our utmost to ensure every visit is enjoyable, recognizing the limitations in accommodating certain needs during our night tours.
Difficulty Accessing Audible Information
Through the training that the staff have done with the Hāpai Access Card, they are aware of how they can modify how they communicate with you. This includes making sure you can see their face when speaking, speaking clearly, use of pen and paper and being patient. The staff are aware of the NZ Relay service, so please use this if you think it appropriate when ringing if needed.
Hidden Disabilities
Through the staff's training, they are generally aware of hidden disabilities. Please speak to them about how they can assist in making your time with us extraordinary.
bottom of page