Under the Te Aratipi Sky
a private night sky experience
Set beneath vast, uninterrupted skies and far from the glow of city lights, Te Aratipi offers a night-time experience grounded in place, story and stillness. In collaboration with Bruce Ngataierua, Director of the Holt Planetarium and Hawke's Bay Astro Tours, this is an opportunity to step into the universe from the landscapes of Te Aratipi.
Your evening begins with a journey to one of Te Aratipi's private viewing locations as dusk settles across the landscape. From here, you'll gather beneath the open sky with hot drinks, sweet treats, blankets and uninterrupted views across the surrounding countryside. Bruce will introduce you to the southern night sky through a laser-guided tour, binoculars and telescope viewing, with opportunities to observe planets, star clusters and other celestial objects visible on the night.
Hosted by Ro Palmer alongside astronomy guide Bruce Ngataierua, the experience combines warm hospitality with expert astronomical insight, creating an evening that is both informative and memorable. Designed as a private experience for one couple at a time, this is an opportunity to slow down, draw your eyes upward and experience the extraordinary beauty of Te Aratipi after dark.
For those wishing to extend the evening, the experience can be enhanced with a generous grazing platter showcasing seasonal Hawke's Bay produce, enjoyed as the last light fades across the hills before the stars emerge.
experience details…
Duration: Approximately 1.5–2 hours
Guests: Private experience for 2 guests
Location: A private viewing location within Te Aratipi Station, selected to suit the conditions and guest experience.
Timing: Start times vary throughout the year to align with sunset and optimal viewing conditions.
Under the Te Aratipi Sky: $995 per couple
Sunset & Stars: $1,195 per couple. Includes a generous grazing platter showcasing seasonal Hawke's Bay produce.
Available as part of your Te Aratipi stay or as a standalone experience.
Note - For larger groups, incentive travel, corporate retreats or exclusive-use bookings, bespoke night sky experiences can be arranged.
About Your Guide
Bruce Ngataierua is Director of the Holt Planetarium and founder of Hawke's Bay Astro Tours. A passionate astronomy educator and communicator, Bruce has spent many years helping people connect with the night sky through engaging, accessible and informative experiences. Combining scientific knowledge with a genuine enthusiasm for sharing the wonders of the universe, Bruce brings the southern skies to life for guests of all ages and backgrounds.
Additional Notes
Advance bookings are essential. Guests are encouraged to dress warmly and wear suitable footwear. The night sky changes with the seasons, and visible celestial objects will vary depending on the time of year, moon phase and weather conditions. Every effort will be made to provide the best possible experience, with the evening adapted to suit the conditions. Where possible, alternative timing may be offered for in-house guests.
New for the 2026/2027 Season.