This is a combination of 2 great experiences in Whitianga.

Boom Sailing

Depart Whitianga & set sail for 3 hours around the beautiful Coromandel coastline on Boom Sailings Catamaran ‘Fully Charged’. You’ll visit local iconic locations and get to see Cathedral Cove up close. Once the crew set anchor, either relax on the boat, or have a swim or snorkel in the marine reserve with the amazing fish life.

Whether you decide on the morning or afternoon sailing trip, this relaxing coastal sail is sure to delight!

The morning trip includes freshly brewed coffee, chilled organic juice and a delicious baked snack. Not a morning person? Lucky for you the afternoon trip includes a chilled local beer or New Zealand wine along with fresh fruit.

Stargazers BnB

Nestled in a protected valley in Kuaotunu, 16km north of Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula, Stargazers offers an ideal dark sky site to observe the stunning New Zealand night sky. You’ll be able to view the southern sky in all its dark sky glory with a range of optical tools.

This astronomy tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the NZ southern night sky. Commencing on an elevated stargazing observation deck you will learn to recognise several constellations and bright stars using a green laser pointer.  Then, use the walk-in Pipehenge observing frame to learn how the stars and planets move in the sky and how the great New Zealand Maori and Polynesian voyagers used them for navigation across the Pacific Ocean.

You will continue with a professional 14″ telescope in the rotating 3.5m astronomy dome. View a range of objects including the moon, stars, planets and galaxies depending on availability on the night of your visit. Children can operate the dome rotation during the astronomy tour to give a clear view of the NZ sky.

Back at reception you will have ample time to examine and handle several 4½ billion year old meteorites and learn about the history of the classic Spitz A2 planetarium projector currently undergoing restoration and how it is used. There are several unique hands-on displays about things astronomical, geological and scientific including 150 million year old dinosaur bones. The astronomy tour concludes with a walk through a 25m scale model of the Solar System.

A hot drink is provided while stargazing to ward off the evening chill and a detailed information pack including a sundial kit is supplied to enable you to further your astronomy interests at home!

Why is this Chuffed Worthy?

We love these two experiences because they are absolute passions that the owners that have turned into businesses – and that feeling when you experience these two activities is obvious. These are two of our most popular activities that Chuffed gift holders like to do in all of New Zealand!

Coromandel Sailing and Dark Sky Stargazing

5/5
Enjoy a sailing experience off the Coromandel Coast followed by a night skygazing experience with powerful telescopes at a hidden valley observatory minutes from Whitianga.
Coromandel
5 Hours
2 Adults

$299

Experience provided by

Boom Sailing & Stargazers BnB

Important Information

Boom Sailing

  • Sailing operates from October – March
  • Morning or afternoon departure times available
  • Morning trip departs Buffalo Beach at 9:30am returning at 12:30pm.
  • Afternoon trip departs the beach at 1:45pm and returns at 4:45pm.
  • Spaces on the boat are limited, pre bookings are essential

Stargazers 

  • Minimum age 5 years old
  • Astronomy Tours are offered on clear nights and begin approximately 1 hour following sunset
  • Wear warm clothing year-round
  • Bookings are essential
  • Located 16 km north of Whitianga

These activities can be enjoyed on different days within the voucher validity period. You’ll receive two vouchers on redemption – one for each experience.

Astronomy and Stargazing Experience

Experience the dark southern skies through modern astronomy gazing technology at an exclusive hidden observatory 16 km north of Whitianga.

Morning or Afternoon Coromandel Sailing Cruise

Departing Whitianga, enjoy a spectacular 3.5 hour cruise off the Coromandel coast aboard a sailing Catamaran.

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