If you want unparalleled views of the Milky Way, New Zealand is one of the best countries in the world to experience our star-lit night sky. Scattered with dark sky reserves, the islands of New Zealand offer a plethora of unpolluted visions that are ethereal and majestic. You’ll be in awe as you see the Milky Way like you’ve never seen it before. If you’re lucky, you may be able to spot a shooting star or the dancing lights of the Aurora Australis.
1. Queenstown
Bob’s Peak offers stunning views of the Milky Way galaxy. Skyline Queenstown is the home of adventure, with adrenaline-fuelled luge rides and scenic gondola rides. By night, they run hour-long star gazing tours for those eager to spot the Milky Way and more in Queenstown. If you’re looking for a more relaxed and independent option, hang out at public areas like the park in Jacks Point or on the edge of Lake Hayes, wrap up warm and watch the night sky.
2. Tekapo
Located in the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is the gold-rated Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, where you can enjoy unpolluted views of the galaxy above. Soak up your surroundings as you gaze at the impressive range of constellations, and take an interactive tour around the Mount John Observatory. Here, you can look at the night sky through their impressive telescope, which allows sightings of up to 50 million stars!
This area is so significant that in 2012, UNESCO named it the world’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, thanks to its lack of light pollution. By day, soak up the vibrant turquoise waters of the lake and by night, sit back and admire the wonders of the Milky Way.
3. Ōtepoti / Dunedin
The Otago peninsula offers a pristine coastline with breathtaking night sky views. Enjoy a vista of a watery backdrop and the sounds of coastal birds exploring the inlet. This array of water provides some epic photography opportunities with unique reflections of the stars twinkling in the water. What’s more, you’ll have a chance to witness the dancing lights of the aurora in a location like no other. Check out Hoopers Inlet for some great night sky viewing.
4. Rakiura / Stewart Island
Rakiura translates as ‘land of glowing skies’, and when you step foot on this island you’ll see why. This unspoilt beauty lies one hour south of Bluff by ferry and offers immense stargazing and photo opportunities. This was the first Dark Sky Sanctuary established in New Zealand and is famed worldwide, not only for the epic Milky Way views on offer but also for the chances to see the vibrant colours of the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis). With a population of around 400 people, this piece of paradise is relatively unspoilt, plus it offers the chance to spot a native kiwi underneath one of the clearest skies in the world.
For more on what to do in this nature haven, check out our list of the Top 5 Things to Do in Stewart Island here.
5. Great Barrier Island
It’s not just the South Island that offers some pristine viewing locations to see the Milky Way in New Zealand. The North Island is full of coastal areas and islands with very little light pollution. Access Great Barrier Island via plane or boat to enjoy their dark sky sanctuary and to soak up the views of our surrounding constellations. You may be able to fly to this island in as little as 30 minutes from Auckland, but Great Barrier Island feels a world away from the busy streets of Auckland’s CBD. As you transition from city lights to the natural twinkling of the starry sky, you’ll be in awe of this wonder. Good Heavens offers a magical journey through the night sky, complemented by fun facts and exciting stories.
6. Mount Ngongotaha
Ngongotahā is small town on the edge of Lake Rotorua in the North Island. This picturesque town boasts mountains, lake views and clear night skies. Rotorua’s Skyline offer a luge track that rides down Mount Ngongotahā by day. Nestle by the lakes edge and soak up the starry sky views. On a clear night, this is the ultimate location to spot the Milky Way in New Zealand.
If hiking is your love language, check out the nearby Tongariro Crossing. Famed around the globe for being one of the best day hikes in New Zealand, this area allows you to walk through stunning natural beauty at night as you’re guided by the sparkling stars of the Milky Way.
