Ride into the Wakatipu Basin by 4WD and watch the Milky Way fill the sky while award-winning photographers capture portraits with the galactic core behind you. This two-hour tour blends Māori star lore, modern EVScope views and hands-on astrophotography tuition.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step from the Land Rover and the air bites pleasantly at your cheeks—high country cold, the lake below an inky plane. Above, the southern sky is a black stage: the Milky Way drapes itself low, the galactic core leaning like a torch just beyond the mountain ridgeline. Your guide points a handheld EVScope and the dots that looked distant resolve into texture; nearby peaks hold snow that glows faintly under star light.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short, flat to gently sloped walks from the vehicle
Wildlife
History
The Wakatipu Basin was sculpted by repeated glaciation; Māori navigators and seasonal calendars historically used southern constellations to mark planting and travel times.
Conservation
These tours operate on Department of Conservation-approved sites—minimize light pollution by using red lights, follow guides, and leave no trace to protect dark-sky values.
Reserve your spot on the AuthenticAs Star Gazing -Nightscape Portrait Photography Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer for cold nights
Temperatures drop quickly—pack an insulated jacket, warm hat and gloves even in summer.
Bring a tripod
A sturdy tripod is essential if you want sharp night portraits or to take part in astrophotography tuition.
Charge spare batteries
Cold drains batteries faster—bring spares for cameras and phones and keep them warm in an inner pocket.
Expect short walks from vehicle
Sites are chosen for dark skies and accessibility; wear grippy boots for gravel and occasional snow patches.
Insulated jacket
Keeps you warm during long exposures and between shots on cold nights.
winter
Tripod and remote shutter
Stabilizes your camera for nightscapes and portrait exposures with the Milky Way behind you.
Headlamp with red mode
Hands-free light for setup that preserves night vision when switched to red.
Spare camera batteries and memory cards
Cold and long imaging sessions consume power and storage—bring extras.