Adventure, extreme sports, hot mud, glaciers and maybe wine often come to mind when you think about things to do in New Zealand but rarely is stargazing your first point of call but it should be…
Stand Under the Darkest Skies in the World, Aoraki/Mount Cook
Recently, 4,300 square kilometres of New Zealand’s South Island was recognized as an International Dark Sky Reserve, the largest reserve of this type in the world. Covering much of the Aoraki/Mount Cook Mackenzie region, the Dark Sky Reserve has been labelled as one of the best stargazing sites on Earth. For stargazing at Mount Cook, head to Big Sky Stargazing at the foot of Mount Cook or join one of Dark Sky Project tours at Tekapo's Mount John Observatory. Learn from the knowledgeable guides as they take you through an extraordinary stargazing experience. Find Mount Cook accommodation at Search and Stay.
Explore the First Island Dark Sky Sanctuary of the world
New Zealand's Great Barrier Island is one of only five Dark Sky Sanctuaries and was named the first Island Sanctuary of the world. Enjoy Good Heavens Dark Sky Experiences with stargazing packages for individuals or groups including "Dining with the Stars".
The Land of Glowing Skies
Stewart Island or Rakiura which means ‘the land of glowing skies’, when you see the Aurora Australis which often appears in these southern skies the name is apparent. Officially recognized as the world's fifth International Dark Sky Sanctuary and the second Island Sanctuary in the world. Stargazing on Stewart Island, New Zealand won’t disappoint. Visit Search and Stay. to find holiday accommodation on Stewart Island in New Zealand.
Chase the Southern Lights
Aurora Australis (the Southern Lights) may be lesser known than Aurora Borealis (The Northern Lights), but it’s equally as impressive. This phenomenon is caused by colliding atoms and energy-charged particles above the North and South Poles. These collisions are brought to life by spectacular sheets of purple, green, yellow and blue that cross the night sky. Few people can boast of seeing the electric phenomenon of Aurora Australis because to do so you must travel (or live) far enough down south – think Australia, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand and Antarctica. In New Zealand, you can improve the likelihood of seeing the Southern Lights, you need a combination of the best time, the best weather conditions, and being in the right place. Aim for a clear winter's night sky close to a new moon in either July or August and you might be lucky enough. The Southern Lights are seen mainly in the southern half of the South Island, in and around Lake Tekapo, Dunedin, Queenstown, Southland and Stewart Island. Find a holiday rentals at Lake Tekapo or holiday accommodation in Queenstown, Southland or Stewart Island by visiting Search and Stay.
Celebrate Matariki
Matariki, the Māori New Year is celebrated in Winter in New Zealand because, during the months of June and July, the Matariki star cluster reappears above the horizon, ushering in a new year according to the Māori lunar calendar. You can take part in festivities around New Zealand that mark Matariki, such as light shows on the Auckland Harbour Bridge or at Te Papa Museum in Wellington. This is a great opportunity to learn more about this star cluster and the significance it holds in Māori culture. Auckland holiday rentals and Wellington holiday houses can be found at Search and Stay.
Discover celestial New Zealand
If travelling to the North Island for stargazing head to The Coromandel or Castle Point in Wairarapa, Holiday accommodation in Wairarapa and Coromandel holiday homes can be found at Search and Stay.
Or, you could catch the Cable Car up to Wellington's Carter Observatory, perched high above the city, to discover the stories and significance of New Zealand's southern skies. Known for its interactive experience, the Carter Observatory is New Zealand's national observatory. The Auckland Stardome is an observatory and planetarium that has special shows for children as well as a planetarium and space gallery.
For more information on travel to New Zealand, visit www.newzealand.com.au
