Manuka Skies Stargazing: Sanctuary Astronomy Experience
5.0
14 Ratings

Experience the magic of stargazing in Hanmer Springs’ Manuka Skies, surrounded by native forest and wildlife. Discover a sanctuary for astronomy and nature, guided by passionate guardians.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 900 Woodbank Road - Join us for an evening under the stars.
    Our guides will take you on a tour first using the naked eye, where we discuss different stars and constellations such as the Southern Cross as you learn to navigate the night sky.
    Get up close with our quality Celestron electronically guided telescope. This scope is great for looking at…
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What's Included
  • Complimentary tea and coffee
Additional Information

Manuka Skies offers a truly exceptional stargazing experience. With very little light pollution and surrounded by native forest and wildlife, it serves as a sanctuary for both astronomy enthusiasts and nature lovers.
While exploring the cosmos with our variety of equipment, enjoy the soothing sound of our spring-fed stream cascading down the mountain….

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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(14 Ratings)
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F404dlcelestes
Jun 21, 2026
100% recommend this tour! - Hands down amazing experience! Worth every penny in our books. The views were incredible and our guide Brent was full of knowledge and insight which made for a wonderful evening. Pickup was super easy to figure out and communication about the evening was a breeze. Having such a clear uninterrupted area for the viewing made for such a magical evening. We were even provided photos of the galaxies and cluster we viewed which makes for a wonderful talking point to show friends and family.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
938carissah
May 12, 2026
A magical night 🌟 - We were one of the first trips to go up to the new viewing platform and wow it didn’t disappoint. Brent & Kara had so much knowledge about astronomy & you could sense how passionate they are towards it which was refreshing. We definitely left the site happy & more educated on the universe. Don’t let a cold night put you off, as the sky will be clearer plus you get a hot chocolate & there’s a wee heated caravan! Highly recommend, Carissa & Nathan :D
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Sharon
May 9, 2026
Interesting - Well we had a very interesting night. Lots of activity in the sky . We both really knew nothing about the night sky. Brent was very knowledgeable. It was very cold up on the mountain so dress accordingly. Hot chocolate always helps
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Dayna_w
Nov 13, 2025
Worth a Visit - We didn't actually get to do this as the weather wouldn't co-operate but the communication was wonderful and a refund was issued. If we had time to stay and wait for the weather to clear it would have been amazing as the Hanmer Springs area as awhole was just beautiful.
Review provided by Viator
Mobile46150661527
Aug 31, 2025
Truly awesome experience - it was a truly awesome experience that I’m sure will stay with me forever. If I’m back in Hanmer, I’d happily do it again and again! The experience was incredible, we saw so much, learnt so much about the nihht sky. The equipment used to see the hight sky was impressive....so was the hot choccy :) It was an amazing time. Highly recommend for the whole family. Thanks Brent and Kara. The Salmi family
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T2688wtcalebs
Jun 29, 2025
Would highly recommend - Was an amazing spot. Brent had so much knowledge and an awesome guide. We had a perfect night for it and were able to see everything. 10/10
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Chriscam350
Apr 12, 2025
You won't regret it ! - This was a fantastic experience. From start to finish even got some hot chocolate which was a bonus. The technology In their telescopes were amazing - it made everything so clear. Would definitely recommend for people of all ages. Even if you don't know much about the stars or science behind it all, the beauty and scenery will take your breath away. Huge thanks to Brent and Kara!! Their delivery of information was easy to understand, enjoyable and interactive. Highly recommended!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scenic61759950477
Apr 10, 2025
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - Wow!! The tour starts with a 10 minute shuttle from the village. The guide (Brent) was very informative throughout the drive there. Once we arrived we were offered complimentary hot chocolates and snacks YUMM!!. The moment I stepped out of the shuttle my breath was taken away. The location is incredible, surrounded by mountain rangers with hints of snow, then to look up and see the stars was something out of movie. 10/10 for Brent and Kara's passion and knowledge. They gave us the opportunity to interact with the telescopes. They used high technology equipment to show real time images that we can't see with the naked eye. Kara and Brent answered all our questions with ease. Its very clear, they really know their stuff and love their job. Growing up I could never spot constellations in real life because they would always blur together in my eyes. We'll that all changed because Kara & Brent had registered lazers that could point to specific stars. For the first time in my life I could clearly see the constellations. It was an incredible thing to experience for the first time. For that reason I will cherish this memory forever. Thank you so much Manuka Skies!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janesk4268gm
Mar 22, 2025
10/10 experience!! - This was SUCH a cool experience!! I learned sooo much and the views were actually breathtaking! The vibes were really personal and so cozy, loved the hot chocolate too.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jonathan_c
Dec 22, 2024
Brilliant Sky at Night Tour with Manuka Skys - Fantastic sky at night tour to star gaze in Hanmer Springs. Pick up from the centre of town into the surrounding hills for a fantastical star gazing experience. Brent the guide was passionate and knowledgable about all that could be seen in the sky. Showing us galaxies, planets, nebulas, and stars using a range of manual, digital and computerised telescopes and a pair of astrobinoculars. South Hemisphere specials. Fantastic experience.
Review provided by Viator
Check Availability
From $75
From $75
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
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Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).