New Zealand: 11 Days Stargazing in Wairarapa
Marvel at New Zealand from day to night during this 11-day tour of Wairarapa’s dark skies, Martinborough’s wine country, and Kawakawa Station’s coastal and bush trek.
New Zealand
11 days / 10 nights
$6,500 /person
$6,500 /person
Your trip at a glance
Top Activities
Playing beekeeper for a day during an immersive beekeeping experience at a local hive
Gazing at constellations in the vast cosmos at Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve
Hiking Kawakawa Station on a three-day trek with stunning coastal views
Tasting the best flavors of Wellington on a guided city food crawl
Visiting a Wairarapa vineyard to try the region's famous Pinot Noirs on a guided wine tasting
Haere Mai to New Zealand!
Wellington by Food and by Forest
Midnight Magic of Martinborough's Dark Skies
A Day in the Life of a New Zealand Beekeeper
A Chasm Hike and Wairarapa's Dark Sky as Your Own Adventure
Show All 11 days
Wonders of Wairarapa on a Whim
Wines of Wairarapa: A Vineyard Visit
The Start of Kawakawa Station
Ascending "The Ant": Day One of Hiking Kawakawa Station
“Double Saddle” Bush Hike: Kawakawa Station Day 2
Haere Gā, Goodbye!
Midnight Magic of Martinborough's Dark Skies
Overview
After two jam-packed days in Wellington, you’ll make your way to your next destination: Martinborough. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel this morning before meeting your driver for a private transfer of about an hour and a half. Upon arrival in Martinborough, you’ll check in to your new hotel and have some to refresh after your road trip. Use this time to walk around the village, grab lunch, or perhaps sample its trademark Pinot Noir wines. Just make sure to head back to your hotel as the sky darkens, as you’re slated to meet your new expert local guide for another tour that’s only possible come nightfall. On tonight’s docket? How about the galaxy, which you’ll gaze at during this celestial adventure with expert astronomer guides. When the sky turns dark, you’ll be transferred to the Star Safari Observatory, nestled on one of the darkest patches of the world’s 21st Dark Sky Reserve. Your expert guides will help decipher the codes of the sky, pointing out glistening constellations on this astro-tourism adventure. (Breakfast)
Highlights
Star Safari Tour
Embark on a personalized stargazing experience — tailored just for you. On tonight’s evening tour, you’ll meet expert astronomical guides, who will introduce you to Wairarapa’s awe-inspiring night skies from the glowing, glittering star haven of the Star Safari Observatory. Alongside your guides, you’ll marvel at the heavens through the largest telescopes available for public viewing in Wairarapa. Should clouds obscure the skies, you’ll take this journey virtual, using planetarium software and virtual reality headsets to experience the solar system.
Martinborough
This charming town ticks all the boxes as not only a dark sky haven but also a major New Zealand wine village, known for its role in the country’s wine trail. Here, you’ll find more than 20 wineries, most of which specialize in Pinot Noir.
Accommodations
Martinborough Hotel (or similar)
The Martinborough Hotel provides sophisticated and elegant accommodations in the heart of the Martinborough wine region. Make yourself at home in the original 1882 building — and make sure to take a walk through the garden blooming with roses. Regardless of your chosen room type, you’ll find the utmost comfort in the property’s details, from plush armchairs and fine-quality bed linens to curated toiletries. Just don’t forget to pay attention to the communal spaces, too; you can relax and unwind in the cozy on-site library, where you’ll find an extensive collection of books, a large gas fireplace and comfortable seating.
Location:
10/12 Memorial Square, Martinborough 5711
Phone:
+6463069350
Transportation
Take a private transfer from Wellington City to Martinborough. The drive takes about an hour and a half.
Wellington
Martinborough, Martinborough Hotel (or similar)
How it works
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Book your trip
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Take-off
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What's included
Included in the final price
- Roadbook with local tips and expert recommendations
- 24/7 on-the-ground support
- On-trip concierge service
- Personalized trip crafting
- COVID entry and exit information and assistance
- Ten nights of accommodations, with daily breakfast included
- All meals mentioned in the itinerary
- All activities, tours, and experiences mentioned in the itinerary
- All expert local guides mentioned in the itinerary
- All transfers mentioned in the itinerary
Not included in the final price
- International arrival and departure flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything listed as optional or not included in the itinerary