SOUTHERN LIGHTS JET

Hosted by journalist and explorer, Cameron Bennett & NASA Alumni, Miranda Satterthwaite.

Cameron Bennett

Cameron Bennett is a as journalist, documentary director and writer, explorer, and musician. With decades of experience as a Foreign Correspondent he has travelled the world: Europe, Asia, Africa, Pacific, USA, and the Middle East. When Cameron visited Antarctica, he says it was a profound experience, that never leaves you. “It’s the light that shapes your perception of the Frozen South and none more so than Aurora Australis, the spectacular natural phenomenon that lights up the sky in ribbons of green, pink and red”. To see the Southern Lights is to witness and experience awe and wonderment; the same wonderment shared by the great explorers of more than a century ago. I am excited to share this incredible opportunity to view the Australis Aurora far above the earth, at over 37,000 feet.”

 

Miranda Satterthwaite

New Zealand born, NASA Alumni, Miranda Satterthwaite has accompanied NASA Sofia astronomy Missions. Her indepth USA based training included STEM education in NASA bases, including NASA Marshall Flight Centre, NASA Kennedy Centre, NASA Armstrong Flight Centre, and NASA Ames Centre. Now Academy Director for the International Antarctic Centre, Miranda directs the Mission to Space programmes, including training students with interactive programmes on Antarctic Aerospace, utilising Antarctica tested technology for space exploration. We welcome Melissa’s contribution, with her unique informative insight on our Aurora Australis Mission. “ Chasing the Aurora over the Southern Ocean in a jet reveals to passengers one of the most unique and spectacular light shows nature can provide. The experience is not only spiritual but intellectual as your guide enlightens you on the origins of the solar activity that cause this amazing phenomenon. Being part of such an important and engaging astrotourism opportunity is just a delight for all involved.” NASA Alumni : Miranda Satterthwaite

• Tour Host Cameron Bennett
• Two nights at the Classic Villa
• Daily breakfasts
• Welcome canapes and drinks on Friday evening
• Behind the scenes tour at the Antartic Centre with NASA Alumni and Academy Director, Miranda Satterthwaite
• Photography tips
• Return transfers
• Saturday evening dinner at the Classic Villa
• Exclusive luxury jet to the Southern lights with refreshments
• Return transfers from Classic Villa to the Jet Centre

Arrive in Christchurch on Friday 15, for a two night stay in the centrally located boutique Classic Villa. This evening at 8pm, join your fellow Mission explorers for welcome drinks and canapes hosted by Cameron Bennett.

Saturday 16, morning at leisure. Perhaps explore the nearby covered Riverside Markets, Art Gallery, Museum or have a leisurely coffee along the banks of the Avon in the new Terrace deveopment.

Depart at 2pm to the Antarctic Centre for a behind the scenes tour, with NASA Alumni, Miranda Satterthwaite. Discover more about the spectacular Southerns Skies as you view special exhibitions. Receive helpful tips about the best photographic techniques to capture the night sky with all its glory from a latiutude of 56 degrees.

Later transfer to your hotel, for a chance to refresh before an early dinner, hosted at the Classic Villa.

Depart to the Airport to the private Jet Centre for your final mission briefing and drinks.

Wheels up later this evening, as you take off aboard a luxury private jet, and rapidly travel south on your 4-hour mission of discovery. Light refreshments and beverages are included on board. We’ll climb to altitudes of 40,000ft in style during our journey, and soar high above the clouds to hunt for one of the world’s most spectacular phenomena. During the flight there will be the opportunity to view the Aururoa Australis from varying angles, including from the cockpit and the opportunity for photography.

Early Sunday morning return to Christchurch and transfer to the Classic Villa. An opportunity to reflect and rest, before a late leisurely breakfast. Arrangements conclude

The flight is limited to 7 guests.

Seats maybe rotated once, during the flight. September normally presents prime viewing of the Aurora Australis. There is never a guarantee that we’ll find the aurora on our flights as it is a truly rare natural phenomenon, the elusive nature of Aurora is part of her appeal. Rest assured that our team will make sure we fly when the chances are at their greatest. We’re able to forecast 3 days out to determine if there is a high probability of an Aurora visibly occurring. The time of year, global location and moon phases are key conditions needed to see an Aurora, therefore we will depart sometime after 9pm and head south to 56 degrees in winter, to increase our chances of sighting the Aurora Australis. In the event there will be a very low probability of an Aurora due to lack of solar activity we may choose to postpone the trip for a day. Flexible airfares should be booked. Additional nights at the Classic Villa, meals and other expensese are at participants cost.

Cancellation fees: Deposit to 09 August 2022, $1,000. 10 Aug – 16 Sept. 100% Full travel insurance cover is essential, in case of not being able to participate for any reason

During the COVID-19 pandemic we will not allow guests to join our tours if we believe they are unwell. If you are feeling unwell or display flu-like symptoms we would encourage you to contact us and cancel your booking. As per our term conditions, this is a non-refundable tour. However, we are COVID-19 friendly, we’ll offer a transferrable option if you are positive with Covid-19 and you can transfer your ticket(s) to your friends/family members, etc for free of charge.

You must be at least 18 years of age to make a reservation. In all cases, the person making the reservation represents and warrants that all participants have consented to, accepted, and agreed to be bound by these Terms.

The Company reserves the right to update or amend these Terms at any time prior to you making a reservation.

Any payment made to The Company shall be deemed to constitute full acceptance of these Terms, including a Health & Safety Waiver.

 

Group Reservations

Additional Terms & Conditions apply to Group reservations (being a reservation with 8 or more participants). The Company provides these Group Reservation Terms & Conditions at the time the Group reservation is made or upon request. For groups reservations please call (03) 6231 3844 or see our website.

 

Pricing & Price Guarantee

Prices shown are per person, based on two people sharing a room. Prices do not include airfares, except where noted on specific itineraries, and are subject to change without notice.

Pricing for our trips and services are subject to change at any time prior to receipt of full deposit. Once The Company processes any payment for services, the price is guaranteed not to increase unless you amend your reservation *(see Errors & Omissions).

 

Ways to Pay

The Company accepts payment via Bpay, Electronic fund transfer (EFT), PayPal, Cheque, Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Merchant fees apply to purchases made by credit card.

Confirmation

Your reservation is confirmed when your initial deposit payment is processed. Your invoice, when documented as payment received, is confirmation of services on the reservation.

Accuracy of Invoice Details

You are responsible for providing and verifying full, complete and accurate information for all participants and services at the time of reservation. Under no circumstances is The Company liable for any errors or omissions in the information provided by you to complete the reservation.  

For reservations generally - please refer to “Revision Fees” below.  For flight reservations – please refer to “Airfare Fees" below.

Errors & Omissions

*In the event the price listed, quoted, or confirmed is incorrect due to a system error, human error or other error, The Company reserves the right to correct the price and reinvoice you at the correct price.

Deposit Amounts, Final Payment Dates & Cancellation Fee Schedule

Amounts listed below are per person. Final payment dates are determined on days prior to the commencement of services. Cancellation fees are calculated based on the days prior to the commencement of services in which notification is received.  Cancellation fees include all services on the reservation, except SafetyNet Protection, which is always non-refundable.

 

Information Required

• Full name as per passport
• Address
• Date of birth
• Full passport details
• Email address
• Gender
• Disabilities 
• Medical conditions
• Dietary restrictions you make known to The Company
• Emergency contact (non-participant)
• On tour contact information (mobile phone or email address)
• If any additional information is required, it will be requested from you with your reservation.