About the tour

*Can I see the Milky Way? 

As part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the Milky Way is pretty clear as seen from most of accommodation sites in Lake Tekapo. You will see a very bright Milky Way from our stargazing site. Moonlight is the only light source that can wash out the Milky Way in Lake Tekapo. When the moon is over 80% full, we cannot see the Milky Way at all. The moon rises and sets at a different time everyday, you can check the moon calendar here to see the moon’s phase and rise/set times. However, the moon itself is one of the most beautiful objects you can see through a telescope.

*Can I see the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis)?

Even in Lake Tekapo, the Southern Lights are very rare, it only happens a few times in a year, you need to be very lucky to catch it. But it can be predicted two to three days in advance. You can check Aurora Forecast from this link. (If the KP index is over 5, there is a good chance of seeing the Southern Lights.)

*Can I see colourful objects through the telescope like on NASA’s photo show?

Astrophotography requires a long exposure time to capture light from nebulae or galaxies, our eyes cannot resolve so many details as cameras. So the deep sky objects you see through telescopes are not as colourful as photos show you, but they are still stunning and worth looking at. On a clear night, we can see surface features of planets.

*Can I see all of the stars/planets during a tour?

As our earth rotates itself and orbits around the sun, we see different stars, constellations, planets at different times, your guide will show you celestial objects available during your tour. You can always ask if your favourite objects are in the sky.

*Can I take photos during the tour?

If you book a private tour, you are welcome to take as many photos as you want, your guide will give you some advice if you are not familiar with shooting the night sky. If you book a shared group, taking photos is not encouraged, as the bright screen light will affect the experience of other guests. At the end of the tour, your guide will take individual photos or family photos for you.

*What is included in the price?

A 90 min guided tour, 9.25-inch telescope, outdoor system heating, individual photos, a warm blanket, and a marshmallow buffet. 

If you have booked already

*Where is our meeting point?

If you make a booking with us, you will receive an email with the meeting point.

*Do you have a pick-up and drop-off service?

Unfortunately, at the moment we are unable to offer a pick-up and drop-off service. Our site is very easy to access, only a 15 min walk from the village centre, you can also walk to our stargazing site if you don’t want to drive at night.

*What if I am late or I get lost?

If you are not at our stargazing site 5 mins before the tour starts, we will try to contact you and direct you to our site. Please keep your mobile phone available before the tour. You can also try to call us if you get lost, our contact number is 027 365 7091.

*Do you provide warm clothing?

We provide warm blankets, but we still encourage you to dress as warmly as possible. Even during the summer, night time temperatures in Lake Tekapo can be below 5 degrees. During the winter, it can be between -10 to 2 degrees.

*How do I know the weather conditions?

Lake Tekapo weather conditions are very changeable and complex, no weather forecast can be 100% accurate. There are a few weather forecast resources like Yr, MetService, Meteoblue you can check as a reference. The final decision will be made by Chameleon Stargazing 20 mins before the tour. Under very rare severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain, or snow, we will cancel the tour in the afternoon and inform you as soon as we make the decision.