CELESTIAL DISCOVERIES IN NEW ZEALAND

Stargazing in New Zealand is an incredibly wonderful experience thanks to the country's pitch-black skies, distinctive celestial formations, and exotic landscapes. Be it shooting stars and constellations in the clear sky or starry night; New Zealand has some of the best public observatories in the world. Wish to fall deeper in love with the dark skies? Find out where to get a billion-star view of some of the clearest skies from earth.

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The Districts of South Wairarapa and Carterton of New Zealand’s North Island named Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve has become the newest International Dark Sky Reserve certified by the IDA. Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve now joins more than 200 Places in the International Dark Sky Places Program worldwide that have demonstrated robust community support for dark sky. To celebrate the latest additions to New Zealand’s Dark Sky Reserves, Tourism New Zealand has curated a special list of Dark Sky Reserves and sanctuaries for a magical stargazing night.

Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve 

An hour’s drive north of Wellington, Wairarapa is known for its stunning coastlines, spectacular landscapes and award-winning wine. It is now in company of the finest Dark Sky reserves/ sanctuaries in New Zealand. The new reserve is surrounded by enduring protection from significant light encroachment, with the Pacific Ocean to the east and south, and the Remutaka and Tararua forest ranges to the west.

Aoraki/Mount Cook