Chameleon Signature Tour
This is our signature experience. During this tour, you will share a 90-minute astronomy experience with up to 14 other night sky enthusiasts.
Your professional astronomy guide will give you an explanation of the night sky and show you deep sky objects through our powerful 9.25-inch telescope and a digital astrophotography telescope. We provide blankets and a hot chocolate so you can stay cozy under the stars!
What we offer
We will direct you to our stargazing location where there is nearly zero light pollution. Your professional astronomy guide will take you on an astronomy journey, from ancient stories of constellations and Maori legends to modern scientific discoveries. You will see a variety of deep sky objects through our powerful digital telescope and a 9.25-inch computerised telescope. Your tour includes a digital portrait of you under the stars, a hot chocolate served in a souvenir cup, warm blankets, and marshmallow toasting over a campfire.
Your astronomy guie will teach you everything you’d like to know about the telescope and the night sky
eVscope 2 and 9.25” Telescope
Exclusive usage of our powerful smart telescope eVscope 2. It delivers a stunning visual experience and an incredible amount of details, definition and zoom ability.
Our 9.25” optical telescope zooms in on the details of the night sky – and is the same size as the telescope Stephen Hawking had at his home!
Astronomy guide
Our professional astronomy guide will show you how to navigate and track time with the stars. The guide will show you constellations and share the stories behind them.
They will operate the telescopes and show you the most beautiful deep sky objects the night sky has to offer.
Photography
Each booking will receive a portrait photo taken professionally by the guides beneath the beautiful starry sky.
Each photo will be edited and emailed to you after your tour.
Stargazing seats and blankets
Outdoor furniture, pillows, mattresses and blankets will be set up for you to enjoy the night sky comfortably.
Hot chocolate and reusable souvenir cups
Lake Tekapo has low temperatures at night; hot chocolate can keep you warm and cozy during the 90-minute tour.
Toasting marshmallows
At the end of the tour, we will light the fire bowl where you can roast marshmallows with your friends and family, and chat with your guide.
Where is our stargazing site?
Our stargazing location is a four-minute drive or 25-minute walk from the Lake Tekapo town centre. As we do not provide a transportation service, you will need to come to our site by your car or on foot.
It is a perfect spot for stargazing where zero light pollution can be found. With our comfortable outdoor furniture and cozy blankets, you will be able to immerse yourself in the astronomy journey. Please dress warmly, with lots of layers, as temperatures drop at night.
Why choose us?
A more personal and intimate stargazing experience
All of our astronomy guides have several years of stargazing guiding experience. They are passionate about sharing their knowledge with you.
Our Chameleon Signature Tour capacity is 14 pax, you won’t be pressured to ask questions or worry about consuming too much time looking through the telescope.
Our Celestron CPC Deluxe 9.25-inch telescope and digital telescope eVscope provide stunning views. They are the favourites scientific tools used by experienced amateur astronomers.
We provide outdoor seats, blankets for all the guest, and hot chocolate to keep you warm. At the end of the tour, we sit around the fire to share more stories about stars.
We strive for transparent communication regarding the weather conditions prior to the tour.
Our Price
$109 per person
$79 per person for Children (5-16 years old)
refund policy
Our tour is weather dependent, any refund will be at Chameleon Stargazing’s discretion.