Top 10 stargazing experiences

Dark Sky Project (formally Earth and Sky)(opens in new window), based in Takapō (Tekapo) offer an astro-tourism experience within Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. 

Embark on an interactive journey delivering insight into the world of tātai aroraki (Māori astronomy) and partake in the Dark Sky Project stargazing experience at Mt John Observatory. 

Using immersive visual displays, visitors can explore the science-based narrative of how living beings came to be. Delve into the depths of the Milky Way with the impressive 125-year-old recently restored Brashear telescope.

Explore Lake Takapō (Tekapo)

Located within the Hermitage Hotel, Big Sky Stargazing(opens in new window) treats you to a 60-90 minute tour of the crisp night sky of Aoraki / Mt Cook.  

Near New Zealand's highest mountain, on a clear night, you'll be shuttled to Star Base where your expert Big Sky Stargazing guides share their knowledge of the solar system and celestial wonders. 

Sit back and relax with a hot drink and admire the stars above. 

At the end of the tour your guides will present you with a digital photo of yourself against the night sky. 

Explore Aoraki Mt Cook

Explore Stewart Island's Dark Sky Sanctuary. With the chance to view craters on the moon and the centre of the galaxy, a Twinkle Dark Sky Tour(opens in new window) will show you some of the most stunning sites in our solar system.

Due to its remote southern location, Stewart Island/Rakiura is virtually free of light pollution. 

In 2019 Stewart Island/Rakiura officially became an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. At nearly 47º south, this is possibly the southernmost astrotour in the world, and one of the best places to observe the magical Aurora Australis (Southern Lights). 

Explore Stewart Island

Star Safari(opens in new window) offers an incredible range of courses, led by an astrophysicist and an astrobiologist who has featured on TEDx and interned at NASA. Whether you’re interested in stargazing, astronomy, astrophotography, or just want to learn how to use a telescope, they’ve got a course for you. Star Safari, their signature stargazing tour, offers the chance to see galaxies, comets, often a few meteors, and occasionally a quasar, an object that’s 2.4 billion light years away. What’s more, kids go free.

Towns in Wairarapa region

The Otago Peninsula coastline surround Dunedin provides a clear, breathtaking view of the night sky and a magical backdrop of coastal bird calls echoing across Hoopers Inlet. In the right conditions, this rural coastal area is a prime location for viewing the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights). 

Join a unique star gazing journey with Horizon Tours(opens in new window) to learn about celestial features of the Southern sky while sharing stories and waiata (song) about how Māori viewed the night sky.

Learn celestial points of significance and listen to stories detailing Māori myths of creation, of how Te Ao Marama (the world of light) emerged. Learn about how Māori relied on detailed astronomical knowledge, or tātai arorangi, to navigate the ocean.

Enjoy manaakitanga (hospitality) with a light supper and hot beverage as you marvel at the skies above.

Things to do in Dunedin

Great Barrier Island is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary and the first island sanctuary in the world.

The island owes it's dark skies to minimal light pollution perhaps also due to the island being off-grid.

Join a stargazing tour with Good Heavens(opens in new window) and sit back in the comfortable ''moon chairs'' as the waves lap against the shore while gazing up and learn about the constellations and galaxies above. 

The high-powered telescope gives great views of the Milky Way, planets and the starry night sky. 

Make a night of it and package the tour with a meal on the ‘Dining with the Stars’ tour.

Explore Great Barrier Island

For a unique stargazing experience in Ruapehu, consider visiting Blue Duck Station(opens in new window) and Nightsky Cottage(opens in new window). Blue Duck Station offers a range of outdoor activities, including horse trekking, jet boating, and kayaking, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Whanganui National Park. After a day of adventure, you can relax and enjoy the clear night skies.

Alternatively, Nightsky Cottage provides a luxurious and eco-friendly retreat. You can stargaze from the comfort of a fireside lounge or soak in side-by-side bathtubs while enjoying the panoramic views of the night sky.

Things to do in Ruapehu region

The tastiest way to view the Southern skies is with a wine and nibbles at Pukaki Observatory and Wine Cellar(opens in new window).

Located at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat at Lake Pukaki, in the heart of the Aoraki International Dark Sky Reserve, the observatory is set in a rural location with absolutely no light pollution.

The roof of the observatory slides back to reveal the dark night sky for both naked eye and telescopic viewing.

Included in the tour, your guide can teach basic tips and tricks to capture some great night sky photos. 

A private astrophotography session with a professional photographer can also be booked in advance. The photographer will meet you on site for a personalised workshop to develop your astrophotography knowledge and technique. 

Located just a short drive from Twizel.

Visit Twizel

From the centre of Queenstown take the gondola for an awe-inspiring Skyline Queenstown Stargazing Tour(opens in new window). 

Once at the top, your knowledgeable stargazing guides will lead you up Bob’s Peak to a specially-constructed platform. High above the city lights and in the darkness the platform allows for an epic stargazing experience using both the naked eye and telescopes. 

Using the Southern Cross as a base, your guide will teach you how to navigate the solar system, galaxies, clusters and nebulae. 

After the tour enjoy a complimentary cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine in Stratosfare Bar before taking the gondola back down to the town. 

Things to do in Queenstown