2-Hour Lake Tekapo Mt. John Observatory Night Tour**English Tour**

Please include the hotel information in the reservation box when booking online. Please re-confirm the departure time and meeting location with us 1 day prior to the departure date. (The available pick-up points are Peppers Blue water resort, YHA ahd Holiday park/Motor Camp)

Astrophotography *1: When available, guests with DSLR cameras are welcome to leave them in the care of our photographers to capture the night sky with the company’s tracking mount. Guests are welcome to take their own photos anywhere on the mountain without the use of flash. However, Local operator is not liable for the loss or damage of any equipment.

Group photo*2: Complimentary group photos are optional. Guests do not have to participate if they do not wish to. Photos are available for viewing and free download on local operator’s flickr account. No hard copies provided.

Telescopes *3: Stargazing telescopes used may include all/some of the following: 40cm, 28cm, 24cm telescope x 3 (measurement is diameter of primary mirror)

Tours are still available when there is complete cloud cover and no stars are visible. We refer to this special tour as either “Behind the Scenes” or “Science and Technology”. This tour is on offer should your guests wish to partake. Our office staff will wait to be advised by the tour leader as to how many guests want to join this type of tour. We only encourage those with a sincere interest in science and research equipment to join. This is a dialogue-heavy tour and runs for the entire tour duration. Participation is not mandatory.
Cloudy conditions prevent research telescopes from operating, this allows us to bring guests into areas that are otherwise off-limits.
Guests can enjoy a hot chocolate in the warmth of the famous Astro Café while viewing a multimedia presentation.
Should the night be entirely overcast for the entire tour, guest will be presented with a small complimentary souvenir. These are available only to guests who choose to join (1 gift per person).
New Zealand weather is highly unpredictable. There is the possibility that conditions can change mid-tour. Rest assured, if conditions improve, our staff will endeavour to show your guest as much of the night sky as possible.

Strong wind, rain, snow, or icy roads will all cause the tour to be cancelled or moved. We will attempt to inform the customers as soon as possible.

Due to light restrictions, guests will be transported to the observatory with local operator’s vehicles. All tours will depart from the local office in Tekapo village. Hiking to the summit after dark is prohibited.

The local operator are adjusted to follow the changing times of the sunset. During the summer months, many tours will be departing around or after midnight.

Please prepare warm clothing and sturdy footwear regardless of the season.

During the summer season, due to the change of sunset times, some tours depart after midnight.

Use of white light (i.e. camera flashes, torches, etc.) is prohibited during the tour.

We exercise a no drinking or smoking policy on all of our tours and we reserve the right to refuse those who present themselves at check-in intoxicated.

Weather conditions determine departure times, tour locations, and content. These can be changed at the discretion of Earth and Sky staff.

The time we mentioned in the itinerary is for reference only. Please refer to your guide on tour for the actual arrangement. The visiting order and duration might be changed according to actual and practical situation for better service.
We highly recommend that you book the tour at least 2 days prior to the departure date since it's soldout quickly.
This tour/activity is overseen by a select local operator in the region. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing the local operator's name and contact information. If you require assistance finding a specific tour, please contact us for more information.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement: If you have traveled to or transited through yellow fever-endemic regions including East African countries (excluding Tanzania) or South American countries, either before or after your trip, you may be required to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This requirement can apply not only for joining tours but also for certain flights or entry into specific countries. For more details, please refer to the official site: : Yellow Fever Risk Areas - Fit for Travel