Star Gazing tours offer night views of the planets

Skyline Star Gazing co-ordinator Matt Hall with one of the high-powered telescopes to be used to...
Skyline Star Gazing co-ordinator Matt Hall with one of the high-powered telescopes to be used to explore the night sky during special night tours, beginning next week. Photo supplied.
Access to a "hidden world", not visible with the naked eye and inaccessible in many other locations, will be opened for stargazers at the Skyline from next week.

Skyline Queenstown's Star Gazing Tour - beginning on Thursday - will make the most of clear, unpolluted skies.

General manager Lyndon Thomas said the view from the Skyline was "out of this world" and the Star Gazing Tour was a chance to explore the night sky "from a rare and unique position".

The tour would take visitors to a specially-constructed area high above the main complex, where there was no stray light, allowing for an "unbelievably clear" view of the night sky.

"Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world, with an excellent selection of restaurants and bars, but there aren't too many tailored options when it comes to enjoying our natural surroundings at night," Mr Thomas said.

"We're thrilled to be able to offer people the chance to enjoy one of the most beautiful night skies in the world, providing an alternative night time activity."

Top-of-the line telescopes would give stargazers the chance to view an array of sights, from the Southern Cross, to nebulas, planets, the Milky Way and other galaxies.

The stargazing tours would be conducted by experienced astronomer and Skyline Star Gazing co-ordinator Matt Hall, who said winter was an exciting time of year to be exploring the night sky.

"The centre of our galaxy sits right above us in the winter months.

"There's simply so much on show for us and we're able to actually look into the past, something which blows most peoples' minds."

Mr Hall had joined Skyline Star Gazing from the Mt John Observatory at Lake Tekapo and brought with him more than four years' experience as an astronomy guide.

"This is a really exciting tour, tailored to suit the needs of each individual group, from first-time stargazers to the more experienced."

The views would be provided by two portable high-powered Celestron telescopes from the United States, which could automatically track points of interest, giving everyone time to see the sights.

Goose down jackets would also be provided for guests on the outdoor tour.

Skyline Star Gazing will run from August 23 to mid-November, from Wednesday to Sunday nights, and would take about 75 minutes, not including the gondola ride.

Tours would operate from 6.30pm to 7.45pm and from 8pm to 9.15pm, with a third tour from 9.30pm to 10.45pm if the second tour was full. Some tour times may vary depending on light.

Prices included the gondola and started from $69 for adults and $39 for children.

A gondola, star gazing and dinner option is available for $110 per person. Each tour takes a minimum of five guests and a maximum of 15.

Bookings are essential, by calling (03) 441-0085.

 

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