From remote islands to mighty mountain ranges, discover the best stargazing in New Zealand.
Witness the stunning Southern Lights and the world’s best views of the Milky Way, New Zealand boasts many beautiful stargazing sites.
See our list of the best places to go stargazing in New Zealand.
Aotea/Great Barrier Island
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A member of the Dark Sky Association, Aotea/Great Barrier Island is proud to be an official Dark Sky Sanctuary.
With a population of around 1,000 people, its remote location and low light pollution makes it one of the most beautiful stargazing locations in New Zealand.
Lake Tekapo
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World-famous for its stunning night sky, Kiwis and tourists alike flock to Lake Tekapo to witness the milky way stretching across the dark sky.
Take a trip to Mt John and visit the observatory where you can join a night tour and witness some of the best stargazing in New Zealand.
Stewart Island
When it comes to stargazing locations in New Zealand, the southernmost island boasts incredible views of the night sky.
Home to Rakiura National Park and one of the country’s 10 Great Walks, it’s the perfect location to spot shooting stars and constellations.
It also offers the unique opportunity to see the Aurora Australis, the Southern Lights, a sight that will take your breath away.
Aoraki Mt Cook
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The South Island’s Aoraki Mt Cook is another internationally-recognised Dark Sky Reserve. In fact, its the largest reserve of its type in the world.
Stretching across the Aoraki Mt Cook Mackenzie region, the reserve offers stargazing tours and some truly magical stargazing opportunities.
