Down Jackets, Private Farm Site
1 hour 15 minutes · Silver River Stargazing (also Go Tekapo)
from $56 per person Check availability →
Chameleon Shared Stargazing
Chameleon Stargazing Shared Tour
from $73 per person
Check Price & Availability →Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation on every tour listed.
- Duration
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Meeting point
- 70 Andrew Don Drive, Lake Tekapo (meeting point)
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on every tour listed
- Run by
- Chameleon Stargazing
Overview
Chameleon Stargazing runs a 90-minute shared night-sky session inside the Dark Sky Reserve at Lake Tekapo, a short drive from the village centre to a spot beside the Tekapo River where light pollution is almost nil. Along the way the guide mixes science with Greek mythology and Maori legends tied to the stars above.
The tour is built around comfort as much as viewing. The team sets out seats, pillows, mattresses and blankets, pours hot chocolate with lactose-free and gluten-free options on request, and finishes by lighting a fire bowl for roasting marshmallows. A guide also takes individual photos of guests under the stars, and edited images are included afterwards.
It works for solo travellers and groups alike, with reviewers noting that mixed groups were all made welcome. Dress for real cold: night temperatures in Tekapo bite in any season, so warm layers and comfortable shoes are the two things to bring. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start.
What's Included
Included
- Access to 9.25” telescope
- Smart telescope
- Astronomy guide
- Edited photos
- Outdoor seats, pillows, mattresses, and blankets
- Hot chocolate (lactose-free and gluten-free options available on request)
- Fire bowl and marshmallows
Itinerary
- Meet at the listed addressMake your own way to 70 Andrew Don Drive, Lake Tekapo. Pickup is not included on this tour.
- Drive to the stargazing siteThe viewing location sits next to the Tekapo River, a four-minute drive from the village centre, in a spot with nearly zero light pollution.
- Guided night-sky sessionYour astronomy guide points out constellations and shares Greek mythology and Maori legends, then trains a 9.25-inch telescope
- Photos and hot drinksThe team provides hot chocolate while the guide takes individual photos of you with the stars. Blankets, seats, pillows and mattresses are laid out to keep you warm.
- Fire bowl and marshmallowsAt the end of the session the guide lights the fire bowl and guests roast marshmallows together.
What To Expect From The Tour
Here is what to sort out before you go, from clothing to timing quirks in the booking system.
- Down Jackets, Private Farm Site$56
- Hot Chocolate, Moon Chair$59
- Chameleon Shared Stargazing (this tour)$73
- Hot Pools, Stargazing Combo$102.63
- Premium 2-Hour Stargazing$125.56
- Dress for cold. The booking page warns it gets very cold at night in Tekapo regardless of season, and reviewers back this up, one describing it as very cold even though that added to the mood. Bring warm clothing, extra layers and comfortable shoes.
- Group feel. This is a shared tour, and one reviewer described a mix of solo travellers and groups all being made to feel welcome. Guides are repeatedly described as friendly, patient and knowledgeable.
- Photos included. A guide takes individual photos of each guest with the stars during the session, and edited photos are included with the tour.
- Food and drink. Hot chocolate is served, with lactose-free and gluten-free options available on request. Marshmallows around the fire bowl close out the night.
- Booking after midnight. For tours starting after midnight, the booking page asks you to book under the following calendar day. If you are in Tekapo on the 31st, for example, the midnight tour on that date is 12:45 AM on the 1st.
Common issues. The cold is the main practical limit, and it is present year-round, so bring more warm clothing than you think you need. Moonlight can affect what you see, and some travellers said clearer information on bright-moon conditions and their impact on visibility would help. If you want a tour after midnight, the booking day quirk can catch you out. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.
Common Questions
What Is Included In The Price?
The tour covers the astronomy guide, access to the 9.25-inch telescope and a smart telescope, edited photos, outdoor seats with pillows, mattresses and blankets, hot chocolate, and the fire bowl with marshmallows. Hotel pickup is not listed, and no extra fees are.
Is Hotel Pickup Included?
No. Pickup is not included, and you make your own way to the meeting point at 70 Andrew Don Drive, Lake Tekapo. The stargazing site is a four-minute drive from the village centre, next to the Tekapo River.
How Long Does The Tour Last?
The experience runs for 90 minutes. Tours after midnight are booked under the following calendar day.
Is It Suitable For Families And Children?
The minimum age is 5, so families with young children can join. Solo travellers and mixed groups are also catered for, with guides repeatedly described as friendly and knowledgeable.
What Should I Bring?
Warm clothing and comfortable shoes are the two items the booking page asks for. Extra warm layers are advised since nights in Tekapo are cold in every season, and blankets are provided on site.
What Is The Cancellation Policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Book Your Tekapo Tour
Live dates, times and prices are on the booking page.
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