Observing in NZ Mt John - Any Takers ?

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

Hey it's been a while since I have been in here, guess it's cause I am travelling a fair bit now !
This next week is no exception and I am off to NZ for my first O/S holiday in over 10 years !
I will be staying with Family down in Timaru on the south island.
I am keen to go for a look up at Mt John observatory, preferably in the evening, with a telescope and a fellow Astronomer.
I could go on a public tour up there but I know I will see all the things I spend my time showing others !
I was hoping for some more exotic observing oportunities.
Would love to hear from you if that is your part of the world

[Rob_K]

Good luck with it Ian, wish I could hop a plane & join you! Fantastic place, went to Mt John a few years ago and did the day and night tours. Awesome scenery too, feel like you're on top of the world. I think the visitor facilities have been upgraded since.

Cheers -

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

Thanks Rob. If I have to, I will take my little Astroscan with me to observe with. But I am sure there is a KIWI astronomer out there somewhere !

[iceman (Mike)]

hey Ian, nice to hear from you again.

Are you stopping in at IISAC on your way back?

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

Hey Mike
I would love to, but i recon they may not want to divert my Auckland-Cairns flight to sydney ....
Still flying the flag up here, just did an Astonomy night for 60 odd Year 3's at the local primary school
Even had a space station pass for the event !

[gbeal]

Any takers from this side of the puddle Ian? I am sure there are a few down that way. There is a local NZ Astronomers Yahoo forum, you may like to post on. PM me if you need the details.
Stunning part of the country, I would love to live and work there.
Gary