Stargazing in New Zealand
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.
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