The best places to go stargazing in New Zealand

By MiNDFOOD

The best places to go stargazing in New Zealand
Grab your telescopes and get exploring New Zealand's best stargazing spots.

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

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Good Heavens (@darkskyexperiences)

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

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

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mark Gee (@theartofnight)

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.

READ MORE: 5 New Zealand road trips to go on this winter.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Print Recipe

You may also like

BECOME A MiNDFOOD SUBSCRIBER TODAY

Let us keep you up to date with our weekly MiNDFOOD e-newsletters which include the weekly menu plan, health and news updates or tempt your taste buds with the MiNDFOOD Daily Recipe. 

Member Login