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Welcome to STARGAZERS Bed & Breakfast, Observatory and Astronomy tours. Nestled in a protected valley in Kuaotunu 16km north of Whitianga on the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula , STARGAZERS offers an ideal dark sky site to observe the stunning southern night sky in all its glory with a range of optical tools on offer.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation options to suit all tastes. These range from the luxury Persian limestone lined rooms in the new purpose built ecologically designed main unit, set on a ridge in native Coromandel bush; to the self contained 3 bedroom historic miner's cottage on the farm or the classic Kiwi family bach in the old 2 bedroom woolshed on the edge of the organically managed macadamia nut orchard. Expansive decks in the main unit offer relaxing birdwatching, sunbathing or night time stargazing possibilities.
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OBSERVATORY
The Observatory features Coromandel Peninsula's largest telescope in a solar powered 3.5m rotating dome housing a research grade state of the art 14" Celestron CGE 1400XLT telescope with accessories including CCD imagers, a professional spectrograph, and dedicated H alpha solar telescope. The telescope and equipment can be remotely controlled from the observatory office in the main building.
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Additional stargazing observing options include giant 6" binoculars and several smaller telescopes which can be deployed as required.
The main observation deck located adjacent to the dome on a terrace overlooking the accommodation building and valley features 2 marble and steel telescope piers with power supplied for guests to mount their own telescopes or binoculars if required.
The spacious observatory office includes a classic planetarium projector currently undergoing restoration. It includes an extensive astronomical library and offers an ideal teaching setup for small groups and astronomy tours.
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ASTRONOMY TOURS
Astronomy Tours offer intimate groups or small classes the opportunity to explore the marvels of the southern hemisphere night sky free from light pollution with the guidance of your host, professional geologist and amateur astronomer Alastair Brickell. Star gazing tours are by prior arrangement for house guests and casual visitors and weather dependant. More…
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ASTRONOMY SHOP
Astronomy Shop on site offers a range of reasonably priced astronomy oriented books, planispheres and easy to assemble spectroscopes kits as well as binoculars, small telescopes, green laser pointers, etc. to enhance your stargazing adventure. More…
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LOCATION
Located on the scenic east coast of the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula and only 2 km from some of the best beaches in New Zealand, STARGAZERS offers an ideal base for your holiday activities.
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The coastal town of Whitianga with it's many cafes, varied restaurants, deep sea fishing marina, 18 hole golf course and tourist attractions is just a short drive away as is another 18 hole golf course at Matarangi Beach. Daily flights connect to Auckland only 30 minutes away by air. Google Map…
BOOKING
Booking of your accommodation and enquiries for astronomy tours can be made right from this website.
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LINKS
Check out our links page with many links to sites of interest.
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STARGAZERS B&B and Observatory is the realisation of a dream held by Alastair and his partner Harriette over the 3 decades they have lived on this idyllic property and raised their two sons.
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