Stargazing in New Zealand

Dark, clear skies, unique celestial features and otherworldly landscapes make stargazing in New Zealand a breathtakingly magical experience.

Stargazing point 1: Lake Tekapo

 

Mt John Observatory in Lake Tekapo is where you can experience the darkest night skies. Based at the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, you will be fascinated by the spectacular views from horizon to horizon - see the vast Milky way stretching across the Southern night sky.


How to get there: approx. 3 hours drive from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo.

Stargazing point 2: Aoraki Mount Cook

 

Aoraki Mount Cook Village is far from the city lights and located within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, this is a 'gold-rated' reserve, meaning the darkness of our night skies is almost unbeatable. Here you will experience the spectacular views of the Southern night sky, the Southern Cross and the Milky Way.


How to get there: approx. 5 hours drive from Christchurch to Mount Cook.

Stargazing point 3: Queenstown

Skyline Queenstown is located high above the mountains, keen stargazers may take the opportunity to access a 'hidden world' not seen by the naked eye. Top-of-the line telescopes gives stargazers the chance to view an amazing array of stunning sights, from the iconic Southern Cross, to nebulas, planets, the Milky Way and other galaxies. You may see the Aurora Australis on clear, cold nights close to a new moon in either July or August.


How to get there: domestic flights from Auckland to Queenstown, 15 minutes drive from Queenstown Airport.

Your comfort is our priority - enjoy the fresh flavours of fine New Zealand food and wine with Air New Zealand's world-renowned menus, and a vast selection of on-demand inflight entertainment on your personal touch screen!

 

Find out more about longhaul experience

 

*Earth & Sky Mt. John Observatory Tour promotion terms and conditions

1. This promotion is applicable to passengers who have purchased a round-trip travel on airnewzealand.com.hk for travel between 27 Feb and 31 March 2018, and depart from Hong Kong to Christchurch/Queenstown (flights NZ80, NZ87, and domestic flights operated by Air New Zealand), all legs must be booked in the same transaction. Offer applies to tours departing between 1 Mar and 30 Jun 2018.
2. Only one free tour can be redeemed for each passenger who purchased Air New Zealand air ticket.
3. Offer subject to availability.
4. The offer is not transferable or redeemable for cash.
5. Once booked, all standard Earth and Sky terms and conditions apply including trip cancellations and refunds.
6. Offer applies to tours departing between 1 Mar 2018 and 30 Jun 2018, offer closes 30 Jun 2018.
7. Offer not valid retrospectively on any bookings already confirmed by Earth and Sky.

For Mt. John Observatory Tour details please visit the official website: http://www.earthandsky.co.nz/night-tours/mt-john-observatory-tour

The offer is provided by Earth & Sky. If you have event-specific questions, contact Earth & Sky directly (http://www.earthandsky.co.nz). In the event of any dispute, Earth & Sky's decision shall be final and conclusive.

© Mackenzie Region