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ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY & STARGAZING TOURS 

Spark curiosity and ignite a passion for science. Create unforgettable experiences with your friends and family.

Stargazing & Astrophotography in Auckland's Best Dark Sky Location

Explore the Cosmos at Duder Park

Stargazing Labs

Our expert guides will take you on a journey through space and time, unraveling its mysteries and explaining why they matter. After this experience, you’ll see the universe in an entirely new light.  

Your adventure begins with naked-eye stargazing, as our guides use lasers to highlight constellations and celestial landmarks. It’s the perfect way to build your stargazing skills for when you’re exploring the night sky on your own.  

Next, you’ll join a hands-on session using our large visual telescopes. Our guides will teach you how to operate the equipment and locate celestial objects independently, making the experience both immersive and educational.  

Every night sky offers a unique spectacle. You’ll have the chance to observe lunar craters, Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, Saturn’s iconic rings, and deep-sky wonders like star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies.

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Astronomy Labs

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the wonders of the universe designed specifically for curious young minds! Our engaging stargazing sessions are perfect for primary and secondary school students, combining hands-on learning with the joy of exploring the night sky.  Your adventure begins with a captivating introduction to the stars and constellations, as our guides use lasers to point out key celestial features. This activity builds essential stargazing skills and introduces concepts from astronomy, physics, and cosmology in an easy-to-understand way.  Students will learn how telescopes work, how to find celestial objects, and uncover fascinating facts about the science behind what they see, from the physics of planetary motion to the life cycles of stars. We also explore the rich Māori heritage connected to the night sky. Students will discover the cultural significance of Matariki, traditional navigation techniques, and how Māori ancestors read the stars to guide their way and mark seasonal changes.

This unique program blends science, culture, and hands-on exploration, sparking curiosity and encouraging a lifelong passion for learning.

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Telescope Labs

Do you have a telescope but aren’t sure how to set it up or use it effectively? Our experienced staff is here to help you get the most out of your equipment. At the start of each session, you’ll have the opportunity for a personalized, one-on-one tutorial tailored to your needs and your telescope’s specific features.

Learn the essentials, from properly assembling and balancing your telescope to aligning the finderscope and calibrating any computerized components. We’ll guide you through the process of collimating mirrors for optimal viewing and selecting the right eyepieces for observing various celestial objects.

Our experts will teach you how to navigate the night sky with your telescope, helping you find and observe planets, stars, nebulae, and more. Whether you’re a beginner looking to take your first steps or an experienced stargazer wanting to refine your skills, we’ll ensure you leave with the confidence to explore the cosmos on your own.

Bring your telescope along, and let us help you turn it into a window to the universe!

Astrophotography Labs

Astrophotography is a unique and challenging art that goes far beyond simply capturing a single shot. It requires careful planning, aligning your timing with weather conditions, tides, the Milky Way's position, and setting up equipment to combine multiple images into one stunning result. Post-production also plays a major role, demanding significant time and modern computing power to process numerous photos.

While the journey into astrophotography can be complex, these sessions are designed to save you hours of trial and error, helping you avoid common mistakes and build your skills more efficiently. 

These sessions not only provide essential guidance for beginners but also cover advanced tools and techniques for those looking to take their astrophotography to the next level. These sessions are perfect to complement our online training course with a hands-on experience.

Location

Cross the gate and leave the car in Duder's Regional Park carpark. The observation area is past the wooden gate.
Address: 899 North Road, Clevedon 2582, Auckland

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Hello

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My name is Jordi Blasco

I work as a computational scientist by day and as an amateur astronomer by night. With a background in computational physics, I am an avid astronomy advocate and science communicator dedicated to engaging the general public. My lifelong fascination with astronomy has driven my passion for astrophotography, which I have pursued enthusiastically for the past 26 years.

Skylabs, my hobby business, helps me sustain this expensive interest. I love designing innovative tools for visual astronomy and astrophotography and helping newcomers get started in this field. In my spare time, I contribute to citizen science projects and participate in STEM programs at primary and secondary schools.

I have also created popular tools and gadgets used by astrophotographers worldwide.

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