Akaroa Stargazing

30/06/2025

We've just had an exciting delivery of new board games at Akaroa Stargazing Space! Get ready to explore space and make incredible discoveries.

First up, we have Galileo Galilei, a fantastic Euro-style game that puts you in the shoes of a pioneering astronomer. You'll use your telescope to discover new planets, find unknown star systems, and make groundbreaking scientific discoveries in a difficult age. Be wary of inquisitors as they might arrive unwelcomed and ruin your fame in no time—it's better to find a way to profit from their visit instead! This one is a must-have for any astronomy fan.

We're also thrilled to bring you Solar Sphere, the 2023 UK Games Expo Best Dice Game People's Choice & Judges Award Winner! This is a brilliant dice placement and manipulation game where you command a mothership to build a Dyson sphere and save humanity. It's an award-winning adventure that will challenge your strategic mind.

And the good news doesn't stop there! We have a whole galaxy of new arrivals and restocks, including:
✨Stella Dixit Universe
✨Catan Starfarers Duel
✨...and many more incredible games!

Come visit us at the shop to see our full range and find your next game night obsession.

Which of these new arrivals are you most excited to play? Let us know in the comments below!

18/06/2025

Wow, that came around quickly – Matariki is already tomorrow! 🌌✨

It feels like just yesterday we were talking about it, and now the Māori New Year is almost here! If you're looking to connect with the stars this Matariki, we've got you covered right here at Akaroa Stargazing Space.

Pop into the shop today to grab some essentials for your own Matariki viewing:

🧐Binoculars: Hands down the best tool for observing the beautiful Matariki cluster and other celestial wonders.
✨Star Charts: We have Matariki star charts and location maps to help you easily find your way around the night sky.
🚀Space Gifts: Discover our range of cool, space-themed board games and fascinating books – perfect for curious minds of all ages!

And for a truly guided journey under Akaroa's incredible dark skies, we have a VERY FEW SPOTS LEFT on our Night Awe stargazing tour TONIGHT!

Come say hi and get ready for a magical weekend!

Here's a beautiful photo of Matariki taken by Luca back when we were living in Tekapo. It's stunning, but I told him he'll need to take a new one from Banks Peninsula! 😉

01/06/2025

✨🌌 MAJOR AURORA ALERT! G4 Geomagnetic Storm Forecasted! 🌌✨

Get ready to look up, Akaroa! We have incredible news for tonight, June 1st, and/or tomorrow, June 2nd: a G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm is forecasted, meaning there's a very high chance of witnessing a spectacular display of the Aurora Australis from our skies!

And with clear skies expected in Akaroa, conditions couldn't be better!

To maximize your chances of seeing the Southern Lights:

🌌Find your darkest spot: Get away from town lights for the best contrast.
🧭Look South: The aurora typically appears low on the southern horizon.
⌛Patience is a virtue: It can be a waiting game, but worth it!
📱Use your phone camera: Often, your phone's camera can pick up colours the naked eye struggles with in low light.

Want to experience this magical night and explore the cosmos with expert guidance and powerful telescopes? We have ONLY A FEW SPACES LEFT on our Night Awe stargazing tours tonight (June 1st) with departures at 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM! It's the perfect way to truly immerse yourself under a potentially auroral sky!

Don't miss this incredible opportunity! Secure your spot now:
📞 Give us a call: +64 210 243 0328
💻 Book online: akaroastargazing.com
📍 Or simply pop into our shop: 2/8 Rue Balguerie

30/05/2025

Celebrate International Tabletop Day with us next week! 🎲✨

Join us for a FREE board game session at Akaroa Stargazing Space (2/8 Rue Balguerie) on Saturday, June 7th, from 2 PM - 5 PM. We'll have a variety of games to choose from, from strategy to party games! Limited to 6 spots, so book yours ASAP!

Comment, DM, or pop in to secure your place. Feeling like a gambler? Just rock up on the day and hope there's still room!

28/05/2025

Meet the Akaroa Stargazing team! 🌠👋

We're 100% family-owned and operated, sharing our passion for the Universe.

Luca: Dad and astronomy guide extraordinaire who brings the laughs and starry stories! 🤣🔭

Manon: Mum and multi-tasking mastermind who keeps our stargazing dreams afloat! 🌟

Eros: Our almost-3-year-old mini-star who's learning the ropes and will soon be guiding you through the universe in 4 languages - English, Te Reo Māori, French, and Italian! 🌠👦

Ever been on a tour with Luca? Share your favourite stargazing moment with us!

25/05/2025

Thanks Jesse Mulligan from nzherald.co.nz for this fantastic article! Our little seaside town of Akaroa is truly a hidden gem, with so many things to see, do, and taste.

And this winter, we're making it even easier to experience Akaroa and the Bays's beauty! Check out our exclusive Winter Package:

Partnering with Akaroa Waterfront Motels and Pōhatu Penguins/plunge, this package includes:

💤 2 nights at Akaroa Waterfront Motels (with late 11 am check-out!)
🐧 An amazing Pōhatu Penguins Evening Tour
✨ An incredible Night Awe, stargazing tour

Available from June 4th – August 31st, 2025 (excludes Matariki weekend). From just $649 per couple. Don't miss out on these unique Akaroa winter experiences for your family!

From cheese-tasting to star-gazing, there’s something for every age in this spot.

21/04/2025

April 21-28, 2025. International Dark Sky Week is a worldwide celebration of the
dark and natural night.
For many, the dark night is often misunderstood, unfamiliar, and
frightening. But the night is filled with wonder and awe and is
critical to the health and well-being of our planet.
As lighting options become more inexpensive and brighter, we are
illuminating the night more and more. Today, 80% of the world's
population lives beneath light-polluted skies. 8 out of 10 children
will grow up never seeing the Milky Way. / /

18/04/2025

EASTER SALE!

Hop into savings at Akaroa Stargazing Space (2/8 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa) this Easter weekend!

Swipe to see some of our amazing deals!

Hape Space Explorer Sand Ship Set: Fuel your little astronaut's creativity with this 6-piece set, featuring 5 spaceship molds and a handy storage backpack! Perfect for developing fine motor skills and encouraging sensory exploration.

Glow-in-the-Dark 3D Planets: Bring the magic of the universe to your home!

Matariki Books by Scholastic: Explore the stories and science behind Matariki with our selection of individual books!

Visit us in-store today and blast off into Easter savings!

05/04/2025

Our new Seestar S50 telescope is taking our stargazing tours to the next LEVEL! With its advanced technology, you'll be able to explore the night sky like NEVER before.

Last night, Luca used the Seestar S50 to capture these stunning images during our Night Awe:

Swipe to see:

🔭 The Orion Nebula
🔭 The Carina Nebula
🔭 Centaurus A galaxy

Join us on a tour to experience the thrill of stargazing with our new Seestar S50 telescope. And Luca's excitement!

28/03/2025

Revisit the wonders of the universe at our shop!

When was the last time you explored Akaroa Stargazing Space, the only astronomy-themed shop on Banks Peninsula? We're excited to share that, due to popular demand, our exclusive Akaroa Stargazing merchandise is now available!

Pop in to check out our new range of T-Shirts, Hoodies, and Crew Neck sweatshirts. We're really proud of how they've turned out, and I think you'll love them too!

You can find us at 2/8 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa. We can't wait to catch up and share our passion for the Universe with you!

21/03/2025

Swipe through to get a sneak peek of what we've been up to yesterday evening! From sungazing to stargazing, with a grazing platter in between... and S'mores!

This was a bespoke experience, tailored just for our guests. At Akaroa Stargazing, we're all about crafting unique and unforgettable experiences. With expert guides and state-of-the-art equipment, a truly out-of-this-world adventure awaits you!

Ready to explore the wonders of the universe? Visit our website to discover our range of astronomy tours or contact us to create a bespoke experience tailored just for YOU!

19/03/2025

LAST CHANCE TO SAVE!
Don't miss your opportunity to capture the stunning night sky of Akaroa! Our Early Bird Special for the Akaroa Astrophotography workshop is expiring in just 4 days!
Book now and receive 15% off with code EARLYBIRD15! Don't let this amazing deal slip away!

Secure your spot and take your astrophotography skills to new heights with expert guidance from Joseph Pooley!

When: 23rd-25th of May
Where: Akaroa
What to bring: Your camera, tripod, and enthusiasm!

NEED ACCOMMODATION?
We've got you covered! Akaroa Waterfront Motels is offering 15% off the total amount of stay exclusively for our workshop attendees! Book our workshop to receive the promo code and enjoy a comfortable stay with stunning waterfront views!

Don't wait - book now and start preparing for an unforgettable astrophotography experience!
👉https://akaroastargazing.rezdy.com/693315/akaroa-astrophotography-workshop