Terms and conditions and general information

Check-in

Guests MUST check-in at the Customer Service Counter at Dark Sky Project 1 Motuariki Lane, Lake Tekapo, 7999, prior to an experience departure.

- The Summit Experience: 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure

- The Crater Experience: 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure

- The Dark Sky Experience: 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure

- The Virtual Stargazing Experience: 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure

5 minutes prior to tour departure any guests who have not checked in will be considered “no shows” and their tickets will be released to the public for sale.

Guests are not eligible for refunds or other compensation if they are late for check-in and miss their experience departure. Guests who wish to rebook their experience must pay the full cost of the new booking. All experiences are subject to availability.

Inclement Weather

Dark Sky Project is unable to guarantee full clarity, ideal skies, or visibility of certain objects on its outdoor experiences. Both of our stargazing tours, the Summit Experience and the Crater Experience are weather-dependent. In the event, that guide determines no stargazing is possible due to inclement weather conditions, customers are offered the options below.

1. Reschedule to a different night, if availability permits.
2. Convert the tour amount to a Gift Voucher that is valid for 12 months and can be used to book tours (subject to availability) or buy retail items in store. This voucher is based on fares and tariffs, which are, to the best of the Operators knowledge, correct at the time of issue.  Any price increases arising since the date of issue are at the cost of the customer and payable to the Operator.
3. In the event the above option is not suitable, full refunds are available.

Gift Vouchers

Please notice our gift vouchers are non-refundable and are valid for 12 months from the date of issuance and can be used for future bookings with Dark Sky Project.

Change of name is acceptable as long as is requested by the owner of the voucher.

Any remaining balance after use can be redeemed against another experience within the validity period or redeemed at our retail shop.

In Case of Price Changes: If the price of the tour has increased at the time of rebooking, the customer will be required to pay the difference between the original ticket price and the current price of the tour.

Light Pollution

To minimize light pollution, guests are prohibited from using, or bringing, any white lights, including but not limited to LCD screens, flash photography, illuminated mobile phones, flashlights, torches, light up shoes etc.

Health and safety

Health and safety are paramount – Dark Sky Project reserves the right to refuse guests participation in tours should they not meet the health and safety, or operational requirements set out below. In such circumstances guests are not eligible for a refund.

Guests must abide by all rules and policies stipulated by Dark Sky Project and its representatives, including those displayed around the Dark Sky Project, and affiliated properties. This includes but isn’t limited to safety and operational instructions on the experience.

No alcohol or Drugs permitted:  Smoking or alcohol / drug consumption is not permitted during any Dark Sky Project experience.

If guests are considered to be under the influence of alcohol, causing undue disruption or negatively impacting other guest’s experience, they may be removed from the experience at Dark Sky Project’s discretion. In this instance, no refund will be given.

Children Policy: All children must be actively supervised by a parent or guardian to ensure minimal disruption to other guests. A minimum ratio of 1 adult to two children is required. The Summit Experience is restricted to children 10 years and over. The Crater Experience is restricted to children 5 years and over.

Minimum Clothing Requirements: Warm clothing is essential on all our outdoor experiences regardless of the season. The Mackenzie region is an alpine environment which means it is cold at night, even during the summer months. An ECW (Extreme Cold Weather) jacket will be offered to guests on our Summit Experience only, however it is the responsibility of guests to be adequately dressed for the conditions.  The following is a minimum guide only:

- Flat, warm, and comfortable footwear suitable for walking on uneven terrain

- Wind-proof jackets, thermals, and full, warm pants

- Hats and gloves

Please note: glowing, flashing or light-up shoes or clothing is strictly prohibited due to light pollution issues.

Language: For health and safety purposes, guests must have sufficient ability to communicate and/or understand the language of their tour to follow any instructions from our team.

Changes to bookings

To cancel or amend an existing booking, please contact us on (03) 680 6960 or info@darkskyproject.co.nz with your booking reference, full name, and change request. Please allow up to 48 hours for a response.

Cancellations

Third party bookings: If you have booked through a booking agent or third party, please contact them for their cancellation terms and conditions as they may differ to the below and any refunds will need to be processed through them.

Direct Bookings: For individual direct bookings you may cancel up to 24 hours before the experience departure time and receive a full refund to the card used to confirm the booking. If you cancel within 24 hours of the experience departure time you are not entitled to any refund for any reason. If you require any documentation to assist in making a claim with your travel insurance provider please email us, we will be more than happy to assist. 

Please note that for group reservations of 10 or more guests, no refunds will be given within 7 days of the date of the experience.

Any refund will be made to the same card that was used to confirm the booking. If you have booked through a third party or booking agent, refunds will be processed through them.

Payment Terms

The name of the business that will appear on your bank/credit card statements will be Earth and Sky Limited Partnership or Dark Sky Project. Your account will be charged in New Zealand Dollars. Confirmation of direct bookings will be only confirmed when full payment has been received.

Contact

Please contact us on (03) 680 6960, or info@darkskyproject.co.nz