Embark on an extraordinary Stargazing Journey
Connecting You to the Universe's Mysteries
Stargazing Experiences
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE
Our stargazing tours have been expanded with experiences tailored around the Te Marama (The Moon) or a Dark Sky, depending on what's on display in the night sky during your experience.
On a clear moonless night our skies have a Sky Quality Meter reading that exceeds 20.7 for the region of the sky we will be viewing, which means we view class 3-4 skies. A typical city night sky would be class 8-9.
Our tickets are Fixed Date ticket, which is ideal for those visiting Christchurch. This means your event will go ahead on the specific date of your booking even if there is cloud cover.
Please ensure you read the full description of your tour (above), so you know what to expect.
On a clear moonless night our skies have a Sky Quality Meter reading that exceeds 20.7 for the region of the sky we will be viewing, which means we view class 3-4 skies. A typical city night sky would be class 8-9.
Our tickets are Fixed Date ticket, which is ideal for those visiting Christchurch. This means your event will go ahead on the specific date of your booking even if there is cloud cover.
Please ensure you read the full description of your tour (above), so you know what to expect.
How to Find Us
- Christchurch Astro Tours, 156 Greenpark Road, Lincoln, New Zealand
- Greenpark Memorial Community Hall
- +64-20 442 5299 - 020 4 GALAXY
+64-20 442 5299 - Christchurch Astro Tours- tours@astro.nz
- 21:00 to 00:00 with prior booking only
To find us: We recommend you approach from Ellesmere Road & Hudsons Road if coming from Christchurch. Look for the Greenpark Memorial Hall, go through the gate and park in the car park
Our Location
On arrival, Greenpark Memorial Hall might appear closed as all the lights will be turned off to ensure you become adapted to the dark (takes around 20 minutes). We operate from the rear of the building.
Parking: There is ample parking on the road, please use the area opposite the main gates (in front of the school) as you approach. Or if the gate is open you can park in the area to the right of the building entrance.
Access: The entrance is at the front of the Greenpark Memorial Hall. Follow the path along the hedge, the main entrance is to the left of the building.
Clothing: We spend a considerable amount of time outside. Wear a hat, layer up and include thick warm socks, gloves and a scarf.
Food & Drink: We'd recommend you bring a flask or thermal mug, but please be prepared to clear up after yourselves and take your rubbish home.
Groups: Our personal tours are especially designed for small groups or families or couples. We don't want you standing around in the cold queuing or dealing with kids who are bored, therefore if you have a group of 10 or more, please see our Corporate Events page for information.
Booking & Payments: Our booking, ticketing and payment processing is entirely online. We are not able to accept other method of payment. Nor can we accommodate your visit without a ticket.
Parking: There is ample parking on the road, please use the area opposite the main gates (in front of the school) as you approach. Or if the gate is open you can park in the area to the right of the building entrance.
Access: The entrance is at the front of the Greenpark Memorial Hall. Follow the path along the hedge, the main entrance is to the left of the building.
Clothing: We spend a considerable amount of time outside. Wear a hat, layer up and include thick warm socks, gloves and a scarf.
Food & Drink: We'd recommend you bring a flask or thermal mug, but please be prepared to clear up after yourselves and take your rubbish home.
Groups: Our personal tours are especially designed for small groups or families or couples. We don't want you standing around in the cold queuing or dealing with kids who are bored, therefore if you have a group of 10 or more, please see our Corporate Events page for information.
Booking & Payments: Our booking, ticketing and payment processing is entirely online. We are not able to accept other method of payment. Nor can we accommodate your visit without a ticket.
Your Sky Guides
Grant specialises in wide field astro photography and space weather. He often follows the aurora potential and can give you tips on how to increase your chances of seeing the Southern Lights.
Grant
Director
Andrei is our "chief science officer". He will tell you all about the composition of stars and how the physics works.
Andrei
Director
Gary is nocturnal by nature and specialises in deep space photography, spending hours collecting images of the night sky
Gary
Director
Tour Components
Arrival Health Screening
Please do not come to site if you have been unwell in the last 48 hours
Introduction and safety briefing
Housekeeping, what to do in case of emergency, and what facilities are available.
Night sky orientation
A naked eye introduction to the night sky.
Finding south, the atmosphere, the ecliptic, and key objects are pointed out using green astronomical lasers
Finding south, the atmosphere, the ecliptic, and key objects are pointed out using green astronomical lasers
12 inch GOTO Orion XT12G Dobsonian telescope
Our scope automatically tracks the objects you are viewing
Astronomy certified binoculars
So you can have a go yourself!
Minimum 60 minutes tour time
(weather dependant) exploring our dark skies, with the naked eye, astronomy rated binoculars and telescopes
High quality eyepieces
We have a selection of high quality eye pieces, giving you the best viewing options in any atmospheric conditions
Small groups (max 10)
No large queues for equipment means more telescope time and good social distancing and the personal touch
Hands on experience
You get to focus the equipment for your eyes while we explain what you are looking at
Your questions answered
In as simplistic or as detailed way as you wish
Fixed Date
We can't control the weather. As a result, each of our tours operates on a fixed date basis, this means your event will go ahead on the specific date of your booking even if there is cloud cover.
What will you see?
Depending on which experience you choose, during your guided tour of the night sky, you are likely to see the Milky Way, galaxies, nebulae, planets, stars, The Moon, satellites, meteors and maybe even an Aurora Australis.
FAQ
Can I bring food and drink?
We'd recommend you bring a flask or thermal mug with a secure lid for a warm drink, if you wish. A small snack bar or chocolate bar would be sufficient to eat.
What happens if I'm ill?
We ask you not to attend if you are ill or suffering from cold or flu symptoms. Our standard refund or cancellation policy applies.
What will we see?
During your guided tour of the night sky, you are likely to see the Milky Way, galaxies, nebulae, planets, stars, The Moon, satellites, meteors and maybe even an Aurora Australis. What exactly you will see depends on if the moon is visible, the weather conditions, and time of year.
Do you use a telescope?
Yes we do. It's a 12 inch dobsonian GOTO telescope.
I don't have transport how do I get there?
There is no public transport, you will need your own transport, uber, shuttle or taxi.
How can I check the weather?
We recommend using the MetService website and check for rural Lincoln as this can be different to Christchurch, depending on wind direction. https://www.metservice.com/rural/regions/christchurch/locations/lincoln
How do I know if the moon is visible?
There is a lunar calendar at https://www.timeanddate.com/moon/phases/new-zealand/christchurch
What happens if its cloudy?
We can't control the weather. As a result, each of our tours operates on a fixed date basis, this means your event will go ahead on the specific date of your booking even if there is cloud cover.
However it will take the format of a VR tour for groups of 4 or less, or an indoor informal presentation & seminar type talk with your questions answered for larger groups.
If you do not want to attend the indoor session due to poor weather conditions, please advise us when making your booking and we can offer a 50% refund - this option is not available unless requested at the time of booking.
On any indoor tour if the weather improves we will attempt to get you outside and visa versa if the weather closes in once we've started.
However it will take the format of a VR tour for groups of 4 or less, or an indoor informal presentation & seminar type talk with your questions answered for larger groups.
If you do not want to attend the indoor session due to poor weather conditions, please advise us when making your booking and we can offer a 50% refund - this option is not available unless requested at the time of booking.
On any indoor tour if the weather improves we will attempt to get you outside and visa versa if the weather closes in once we've started.
What happens if I'm late?
If you are late for the event start, we reserve the right to refuse entry with no refund.
Can I see the stars in the daytime?
Unfortunately no. Our tours take place at night, during the hours of darkness. Please do not travel to the venue without a booking.