Manuka Skies

31/08/2026

Today marks the final day of Winter for 2026 and what a Winter it has been!

We've had our biggest tours yet under some stunning Hanmer Springs nights, hosting local children from Hanmer Springs School, large corporate groups and international students seeing their first ever Milky Way!

We're proud to share our amazing site opened this year at 650mtr elevation with views rivalling some of the best locations around the country.

As we move into Spring tomorrow, our tour times begin to shift to later in the evening and the skies start to reveal different stellar experiences for our amazing guests.

We also celebrated our third Winter operating this year, something we're incredibly proud of achieving. There have been challenges along the way but we've loved every minute of our time up on Mt Rodney.

A big thank you to those that have joined us on our tours so far. We've had a blast sharing our southern skies with everyone.

Bring on the next chapter. We can't wait to see more of you up the mountain!

14/07/2026

Stargazing Party 15 July - Update

With the forecast for cloud and some possible showers this evening we have made the decision to cancel tonights Stargazing Party at Queen Mary.

The weather has tested us these School Holidays although we had some amazing nights on the weekend with groups of 17 and 11 up on the Mountain under some stunning skies.

Fingers crossed for next year!

10/07/2026

Extra Seats opened up for Saturday Nights newly opened up mountain tour!

Due to the Special Matariki event not going ahead tomorrow evening, the skies expected to be clear 😍 and with demand high, we're putting on a second shuttle for a tour up the mountain. That means we have 6 seats remaining and would love for you to join us!

To book, hop onto our website or give us a call on 0277514124 and let's have a special evening under a blanket of Stars ✨

01/07/2026

It's not every night I find a neighbour's sheep trying to join a tour but there's a first for everything 😆

26/06/2026

An evening to remember ✨️✨️

19/06/2026

We've had a blast over the last couple of weeks taking students from Hanmer Springs School up onto our site on Mt Rodney for a tour around the Milky Way and beyond.

So cool to see young minds experiencing their first look at some amazing stellar objects through a telescope for the first time!

Hopefully we've ignited a passion in some of you and you can start looking towards getting your very own telescope to continue your explorations.

Keep looking up, there is a whole different world out there 🌌

14/06/2026

Ka ara mai a Matariki ka ara mai a Puanga, ka mānawatia a Puanga, ka mānawatia a Matariki.✨️✨️

Matariki rises, Puanga rises, celebrate Puanga, celebrate Matariki

8pm Friday the 10th of July to celebrate during the MainPower Alpine Winter Festival - Hanmer Springs

Ngā mata o te ariki o Tāwhirimātea - The eyes of the God Tāwhirimātea for a Matariki to remember.

Join us as we pay our respect to each star with a 9 course menu as we gaze at the night sky in the ashes of Tamateas fire 🔥

Tickets available via website @ Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa

12/06/2026

✨️✨️ Each dish inspired by a Matariki star with a thermal soak and a stargazing experience to be remembered ✨️✨️

Looking forward to a stellar event!

Matariki falls right in the heart of Alpine Winter Festival this year.

Welcoming the Māori New Year immersed in the warmth of our thermal pools, gazing into the night sky with a beautiful grazing platter just seems right.

This experience is truly unique, so if you’re looking for more information. Please check out the Alpine Winter Festival website. The link is in our bio.

08/06/2026

Have you been waiting for a great night to come up the mountain? Well wait no more. Tonight is looking lovely and clear. Under a blanket of stars is where we'll be. Why not join us?

Book now and let us take you on a journey to remember 🤩

06/06/2026

Special deal Sunday 🤩

From today until the end of June we're launching 15% off all Sunday bookings!

Book direct on our website, use the promo code sunday15 and save on your next tour.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience our premium Astronomy experience on My Rodney.

See you up the mountain!