Frequently Asked Questions

Before booking with us

The best time is now! Stargazing is an all year round activity.
Moon phases have an impact on what we see; around new Moon, the sky will be at its darkest. On the other hand, booking around full Moon will allow you to see how amazing her features look through the telescope and binoculars!
In winter, shorter days are synonym of earlier departures, the core of the Milky Way is high up in the sky and some of the planets are visible. Breathtaking!
Not at all. Your guide will adapt the content of each tour depending on both your understanding of astronomy and interests.
Full refund will be given if weather conditions prevent the tour from going ahead.
Please refer to our cancellation policy.
The use of our 8” telescope and binoculars. A hot drink and blankets to stay warm. A souvenir photo will be taken and sent to you via email within 7 days.
Our ‘Night Awe’ requires a minimum age of 5, whereas our ‘Date Night’ (private tour) and our ‘Solar Explorer’ have no age restrictions.
Our stargazing site is about 100m away from its carpark, on a grassy and slightly uneven surface. Toilets are wheelchair accessible. Contact us for further information.

Please meet your guide at Akaroa Heritage Park’s carpark 10 minutes before your tour departure time.
Depending on the time of the year, temperatures might reach single-digit levels. Grab an extra layer just in case! We also suggest you wear enclosed shoes.
What is visible in the night sky varies throughout the year, with cloud cover, and in accordance with Moon phases. During a full Moon, the sky will appear brighter and less stars will be visible. On a clear, moonless night, we can see with our naked eye between 2500 and 3000 stars.
Contact us if you have any questions regarding the visibility of a specific object.
You are more than welcome to take as many pictures as you like, just please make sure you deactivate your camera’s flash. It will take your eyes up to 20 minutes to adjust to darkness, a bright white light will reset your night vision and you will miss part of the tour.