Astronomy Guide, trainer, operational leader

Kris has 15 years of experience as an Astronomy Guide, trainer, operational leader and Stargazing Manager at Lake Tekapo. During this time, his highlight was working as an observer on the MOA Project, NZ’s largest telescope, over four winter seasons.

The research involved hunting for exoplanets in the Galactic Core in an area home to 50 million stars. In 2024, he relocated to the beautiful Otago Lakes, and continues to be amazed by the beauty of the night sky.

Chinese and English stargazing guide

Hello, I’m Amber — originally from China, and now working as both a Chinese and English stargazing guide in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Before moving here, I spent years guiding under the dark skies of Tekapo. Over time, I realised there is something truly special about the Southern Hemisphere sky, and it became one of the reasons I chose to stay in New Zealand.

What I love most about stargazing is not only the stars themselves, but also the people I meet beneath them. Every tour brings different questions, stories, and perspectives about the universe, which makes every experience unique.

My guiding style is interactive, relaxed, and curiosity-driven. I hope stargazing feels less like a lecture and more like a shared adventure — a chance to ask questions, exchange ideas, and reconnect with a sense of wonder.

I’m especially passionate about combining Chinese astronomy and folklore with Western mythology and modern astronomy, creating cultural connections through the night sky.

Whether this is your first stargazing experience or you already love astronomy, I hope we can share a memorable and joyful journey together under the stars.

Stargazing Guide

Hoffer is a stargazing guide based in the South Island of New Zealand, as well as an aurora chaser and astronomy enthusiast.

Ever since he can remember, he has been fascinated by the night sky. As a child, he may not have been able to explain that feeling, but the curiosity stayed with him. After moving to New Zealand’s South Island, the dark skies, the Milky Way, the Southern Cross, and the aurora turned that interest into a deeper and lasting passion.

For Hoffer, stargazing is not just about “looking at stars.” It is a brief chance to step away from everyday life, look up into the darkness, and realise that Earth is only a tiny part of a much larger universe.

During his tours, Hoffer enjoys combining scientific knowledge, constellation stories, and personal reflections. He hopes guests can not only see the stars, but also understand them, connect with them, and remember the experience long after they leave.

When the weather and sky are just right, he hopes every guest leaves with more than just a photo — but with a real sense of wonder from the southern night sky.

Chinese stargazing guide

Hello, I’m Marshall — a Chinese stargazing guide based in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Photography was originally what brought me closer to the night sky. After moving to New Zealand, I quickly fell in love with the incredible dark skies of the South Island and the beauty of the Southern Hemisphere stars. Over time, that passion naturally led me into stargazing and guiding.

As a guide, I always hope to create a relaxed, friendly, and enjoyable experience for every guest. I love meeting people from different places, sharing the night sky together, and helping everyone feel comfortable enough to simply enjoy the universe above us.

Whether this is your first time seeing the Milky Way or you already love astronomy, I hope our time together under the Queenstown stars becomes a memorable part of your New Zealand journey.