Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience
Tekapo
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Tekapo
Tickets for this activity are non-refundable. If you are not satisfied with your experience, please contact us to cancel your booking.
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Step into a custom-built, fully indoor planetarium offering a breathtaking 360-degree view of the universe, all year round. Your journey begins with narrations of Māori mythology and Tātai arorangi—the ancient astronomical knowledge. Expert guides tell you how early navigators used the kāpehu whetū—a mental “star compass” incorporating the positions of over 220 stars—to steer their ships across the vast Pacific. Learn how celestial wonders like Matariki (the Pleiades), associated with the deity Tāwhirimātea, not only signaled the Māori New Year but also set the ideal times for planting, harvesting, and gatherings.
This interactive journey reveals traditional storytelling and astronomical observations. Explore how each quadrant of the star compass—divided into distinct "whare" (houses)—was used not only for navigation but also as a spiritual map, linking celestial bodies to atua (gods) and tipua (ancestral beings). Hear legendary tales such as that of Tāne Mahuta, whose journey to the heavens symbolizes the quest for knowledge and wisdom in Māori culture. Learn about pioneering navigators like Hekenukumai Busby, whose construction of voyaging waka reignited ancient practices, and master navigator Jack Thatcher, who translated the star compass into te reo Māori. Whether you’re a space enthusiast or a curious traveler, this immersive tour offers exploration of the cosmos through the lens of Māori heritage.