Explore the night sky with photographers, scientists and fellow sky-watchers.
Join us for guided night sky adventures across Canterbury and beyond.
Each Astro Buddies event brings together passionate photographers, astronomy enthusiasts and curious beginners for an evening of learning, discovery and wonder.
Travel with us to carefully selected dark sky locations where you’ll learn how to photograph the night sky, understand the science above your head, and experience the perspective that only a star-filled sky can provide.
Whether you’re using a professional camera, a smartphone or simply your eyes, you’ll leave with new skills, new connections and a renewed sense of wonder.
About our events
We travel together from Christchurch or Selwyn.
Benefits:
- Safety in numbers
- Fewer vehicles on the road
- Protection of sensitive locations and less light pollution
- Flexibility to move between locations during the night
- Community from the moment you step onboard
Night Sky Science Session
Led by guest astronomers, scientists or educators.
Topics could include:
- What we’re seeing tonight
- Constellations
- Māori astronomy and Matariki
- Aurora science
- Solar activity
- The Milky Way
- Light pollution
- Space exploration
Photography Workshop
Led by guest photographers.
Learn:
- Camera settings
- Composition
- Planning shots
- Nightscape photography
- Star trails
- Aurora photography
- Smartphone techniques
Guided Shooting Time
Put your new skills into practice.
We’ll be available to help with:
- Camera settings
- Focusing
- Composition
- Technical challenges
Awe break & Community Supper
No cameras. No talking. No phones.
Just 10–15 minutes looking up.
Research consistently shows that experiences of awe can reduce stress, increase feelings of connection and help us gain perspective beyond our day-to-day worries.
Then have a cuppa and a biscuit with your new friends. People often stay for the conversations as much as the stars.
COST:
- Adult $149.00 per person
- Minimum 6 people for tour to go ahead.
OPTION 1 START/FINISH:
- 24 St Asaph St, Christchurch
- Plenty of parking available
OPTION 2 START/FINISH:
- City accommodation pickups.
TIME GUIDE:
- 6-7pm start in Winter
- 9-10pm start in Summer (possibly later)
BYO All EQUIPMENT – only what you can carry.
DURATION: Approx 3-6 hours – we understand that’s a random timeframe, but if we head out on an aurora night, it’s hard to get people to leave 😉
WEATHER DEPENDENT? Yes.
SUITABILITY: All ages welcome (but children under 15 must have a responsible adult with them).
INCLUSIONS:
Transport: vehicle has plenty of cargo space to bring equipment.
Supper: Tea & biscuits
POPULAR LOCATIONS (But we're explorers right?)
- Kaituna Lagoon
- Selwyn Huts
- Davidson Rd
- Port Hills
- Birdlings Flat
- Lake Ellesmere
ACCESSIBILITY:
Our vehicle has space to transport a wheelchair (non-motorised) but passengers are required to step up and down to get in/out of vehicle. Assistance can be provided.
Wheelchair Vehicle: we can provide a dedicated wheelchair vehicle for an extra fee.
ABOUT THE NZ LOOK GROUP
Since 2017, the NZ Look Group has proudly operated NZ Look Shuttles, Christchurch Combined Shuttles and BigSkyWonder.
