Hot Pools, Stargazing Combo

Hot Pools and Stargazing (Soak in the Stars)

★ 4.3 121 reviews

from $102.63 per person

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Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Meeting point: Tekapo Springs, 300 Lakeside Drive, Lake Tekapo
Cancellation: Free cancellation on every tour listed
Run by: Tekapo Springs and Tekapo Stargazing

Overview

Ninety minutes at Tekapo Springs splits into two halves: a guided look at the night sky from one of the world's largest dark sky reserves, then exclusive nighttime use of the hot pools. The pools are reserved for tour guests only. While you float, a guide stays poolside to point out constellations and share Māori stories about the sky.

Outside on the deck there are telescopes trained on whatever is visible that night, plus a warm wool blanket for each guest because alpine temperatures drop fast after dark. In the pools, floating hammocks let you lie back in the water with your face turned upward. Some hot drinks are provided, and robes and towels can be borrowed.

This suits travellers who want an introduction to southern skies without standing in a cold field all night. The minimum age is 10, the experience is wheelchair accessible if advised at booking, and it is not recommended for pregnant travellers. If cloud blocks the sky, an indoor session with virtual reality and reserve interpretation replaces the outdoor portion, and the pool portion still runs.

At night, two bathers in silhouette from behind sit in steaming outdoor hot pools, mist rising into a starry sky above faint mountains.

What's Included

Included

Exclusive use of the hot pools at night
Professionally guided tour of the largest dark sky reserve
A floating hammock to use whilst floating in the hot pools
Pick up/drop off from Lake Tekapo Township (subject to availability and upon request only)
A warm woolen blanket to use whilst outside exploring the universe

Not Included

Food and non-alcoholic drinks (some hot drinks provided on the tour)
Alcoholic drinks (cannot be brought to the premises)
Swimwear, robes and towels available to borrow

Itinerary

Meet at Tekapo SpringsThe meeting point is Tekapo Springs & Stargazing, 300 Lakeside Drive, Lake Tekapo. Pickup from Lake Tekapo township is possible on request and subject to availability.
Guided stargazingThe first portion of the 90 minutes is the guided tour of the dark sky reserve, with telescope viewing outside when conditions allow.
Hot pools soakThe group then moves to the hot pools for exclusive nighttime use, with floating hammocks and a guide poolside. Towels and robes can be borrowed.
Return to meeting pointThe activity ends back at the meeting point at Tekapo Springs.

GuideIncluded

PickupOn request

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what to know before booking, drawn from the booking page and from traveller reviews.

Dress for cold. The booking page warns that temperatures can be very low in the alpine environment, and it advises dressing according to the weather conditions. A warm wool blanket is provided for the outdoor portion. Warm clothing is the practical choice for a night outside.
Swimwear and robes. Swimwear is not included, so bring your own. Towels and robes are available to borrow, and reviewers mentioned changing and shower facilities on site. Water hammocks in the pools can be sat on, straddled or laid back on.
Group feel. Expect a shared, social evening rather than an intimate session. Telescope viewing is shared across the group.
Food and drink. Food and non-alcoholic drinks are not included, though some hot drinks are provided on the tour. Alcoholic drinks cannot be brought to the premises. Eat beforehand if you want a full meal.
Weather luck. Clear skies are never promised. Several reviewers noted cloud, bright moonlight or VR substitutes, while others watched the sky clear just in time. If fewer than 30 minutes of telescope viewing are possible, the booking page grants a 25 percent refund of the ticket price and continues the session indoors with virtual reality.

Where this tour sits among 5 tours in Small-Group Stargazing listed here (from-price per person, USD)

Down Jackets, Private Farm Site$56
Hot Chocolate, Moon Chair$59
Chameleon Shared Stargazing$73
Hot Pools, Stargazing Combo (this tour)$102.63
Premium 2-Hour Stargazing$125.56

Beginner level. Guides explain constellations, planets and Māori sky stories in plain terms. Most reviewers praised the guides as knowledgeable and friendly. One reviewer with existing knowledge of the southern sky wanted more depth, so the tour is best treated as an introduction.

Ready To BookCheck availability →

Common issues. Weather is the main gamble: the tour runs on a cloudy night, and if the sky is hidden the stargazing moves indoors with virtual reality and the reserve presentation, while the hot pools still run. One reviewer found the VR substitute did not work, and another was unhappy that a cloudy-night booking could not be cancelled or rebooked, so read the cancellation terms carefully before booking. A minority of reviewers felt the price was high given that the pools can be visited without the tour and that visible stars depend entirely on the night. The experience also requires a minimum number of travellers, and if that minimum is not met the operator offers a different date or a full refund.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Tour?

The tour includes exclusive nighttime use of the hot pools, a professionally guided tour of the largest dark sky reserve, a floating hammock for the pools, a warm wool blanket for the outdoor stargazing, and some hot drinks. Towels, robes and swimwear are not included but towels and robes can be borrowed.

Is Pickup From My Accommodation Included?

Pickup and drop-off from Lake Tekapo township is available on request only, subject to availability. Ask when booking or contact the operator ahead of time to arrange it. Otherwise the meeting point is Tekapo Springs & Stargazing at 300 Lakeside Drive.

Can Children Join The Stargazing Tour?

The minimum age is 10 years old. Children under 10 cannot take part. Most travellers can participate according to the booking page.

Is The Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

Yes, the booking page states the tour and its surfaces are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair assistance has limited availability, so advise the operator at the time of booking if it is needed.

What Happens If The Weather Is Bad?

The pool portion still runs on a cloudy night; snow, extreme ice or lightning can cancel the tour for a new date or a full refund. If the night sky is not visible, the guided portion moves indoors with an informative presentation on the Aoraki MacKenzie Dark Sky Reserve and local Māori understanding of the sky, plus virtual reality. If weather conditions such as snow, extreme ice or lightning storms force a cancellation, you can choose an alternative date or a full refund.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted, and cut-off times follow the local experience time. The tour also needs a minimum number of travellers; if it is cancelled for that reason, you are offered a different date or a full refund.