The stargazing in both experiences is very similar: same dark sky, same expert guides, and nearly same telescopes. The bigger telescope at Cowan’s Private Observatory (on the Crater Experience tour) is 14” in aperture, versus 16” for the biggest one we stargaze through on Mount John (on the Summit Experience tour). With the Summit Experience, you will stay 15 minutes longer at the observatory compared to the Crater Experience.   In case of cloudy weather, the Summit Experience will be cancelled, while the Crater Experience will be turned into an indoors Virtual Stargazing Experience with a partial refund (see our Terms and Conditions).   Another difference is in the environment. The Summit Experience takes place on Mount John, which is the only professional research observatory in New Zealand, as well as the southernmost optical research facility in the world! This is a rare and exclusive opportunity to stargaze surrounded by large observatory domes, alongside a world renown research observatory.   Please note, the University of Canterbury telescopes are actively engaged in undertaking scientific research. You may see the domes moving around and catch a glimpse of the telescopes at work through the opening, but access to these private facilities is restricted