Already staying in Oban or on the Rakiura Track · Altitude not shown until sourced

Observation Rock

A steep, mostly sealed-road walk from Oban to a DOC-described night-sky and aurora viewpoint.

Stargazing looks difficult. Try another night.

Forecast availableSky conditions onlyRecommendation paused

Sunset 18:37Astronomical dark 20:19Sunrise 06:45

0Sky conditions only

Fair↗

Moon for the selected night

Waxing crescent

36% · Above horizon

36%

Poor

Cloud

99%

Wind 29.4 km/h

Excellent

Rain chance

10%

Visibility 30 km

Fair

Humidity

69% · 10°C

Visibility 30 km

Hourly sky conditions

Thu, 17 Sept

Lawful arrival point unverified

Checks before departure

This is for travellers already staying in Oban. Active severe weather or an authority closure blocks departure; ferry status alone does not close a local walk for someone already on the island.

Lawful arrival point unverifiedStatus source expiredMetService warning status not verified

Opening window: Public walking access is described, subject to closures and weather.
Reservation: No booking is stated for the public viewpoint.
Transport: Walk from Oban and plan the steep return with a low-impact light.
Road and arrival: The route is almost entirely on sealed roads; verify current local notices before setting out.
Facilities: Viewing platform with barrier
Language support: Official visitor information is available in English.
Time basis: Pacific/Auckland
Forecast and viewing coordinates: -46.90259, 168.12450
Altitude: Altitude not shown until sourced

Before you stargaze

· Give your eyes about 10 minutes to adapt to the dark after arrival.
· Keep flashlights and vehicle lights low for other stargazers.
· Recheck local wind, cloud, MetService warnings, and DOC or operator notices immediately before departure.
· Verify the booking, lawful arrival point, road or track, and return separately from the sky score.

Sources and checked dates

OpenStreetMap - Observation Rock coordinate

Checked: 10 Jul 2026, 19:00 · Review by: 6 Jan 2027, 20:00

Department of Conservation - Oban day walks and Observation Rock

Checked: 10 Jul 2026, 19:00 · Review by: 9 Aug 2026, 19:00

New Zealand Government daylight saving and standard time

Checked: 10 Jul 2026, 19:00 · Review by: 6 Jan 2027, 20:00

MetService CAP severe-weather feed listed by NEMA

Checked: 10 Jul 2026, 19:00 · Review by: 9 Aug 2026, 19:00

Checks before departure

This is for travellers already staying in Oban. Active severe weather or an authority closure blocks departure; ferry status alone does not close a local walk for someone already on the island.

Lawful arrival point unverifiedStatus source expiredMetService warning status not verified

Opening window

Public walking access is described, subject to closures and weather.

Reservation

No booking is stated for the public viewpoint.

Transport

Walk from Oban and plan the steep return with a low-impact light.

Road and arrival

The route is almost entirely on sealed roads; verify current local notices before setting out.

Facilities

Viewing platform with barrier

Language support

Official visitor information is available in English.

Time basis

Pacific/Auckland

Forecast and viewing coordinates

-46.90259, 168.12450

Altitude

Altitude not shown until sourced

Before you stargaze

· Give your eyes about 10 minutes to adapt to the dark after arrival.

· Keep flashlights and vehicle lights low for other stargazers.

· Recheck local wind, cloud, MetService warnings, and DOC or operator notices immediately before departure.

· Verify the booking, lawful arrival point, road or track, and return separately from the sky score.