Dark Sky Reserve
Its not surprising that New Zealand with its small population provides the only “Dark Sky Reserve” in the Southern Hemisphere. The Aoraki/Mount Cook Mackenzie region is just that covering 4300 square kilometers.
This area is not overly populated and has strict light pollution regulations. Mount John observatory is located in this areas and is New Zealand’s premier astronomical research centre. Professional telescopes are on site and passionate guides are on hand to provide a unique stargazing experience.
New Zealand provides some other unique ways to view our solar system such as taking a gondola ride into the mountains and to peer through telescopes, viewing through binoculars from a spa pool or “dining with the stars” to name a few.
During the winter it is possible to see the Southern Lights from the lower south Island. The Southern Lights appear the same as the Northern Lights providing purple, green, yellow and blue sheets across the sky.
At Luxury Tours Of New Zealand we can give you the star gazing experience you are looking for.