An impressive trip through New Zealand to observe the stars

In a land far, far away, the sky is so clear at night that you can spend hours gazing at the constellations. In fact, New Zealand’s South Island is the largest International Dark Sky Reserve in the world. On this Roadtrip, all you have to do is step outside and look up to witness the wonders of the universe.

Just the Milky Way, a pair of binoculars, and you

About 274 km west of Christchurch, the Mackenzie Basin in New Zealand’s Southern Alps is famous for its starry nights and its 3724-meter Mount Cook/Aoraki. At night, indulge your passion in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, known as one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Your inner geek will surely want to explore the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Relax in its digital dome planetarium and enjoy virtual tours of the southern night sky.

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, Canterbury, 7999

Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, The Hermitage Hotel, Terrace Road, Aoraki/Mount Cook Village

A well-deserved stellar relaxation

110 km from Mount Cook, and still within the Dark Sky Reserve, the Mount John Observatory at Lake Tekapo houses the country’s most powerful telescope. Leave this small town behind and drive 9 km to the research center that offers a spectacular 360º view of the night skies. To fully enjoy this moment, put away your camera and phone, and prepare to spend the entire night observing billions of stars above you.

Mount John University Observatory, 422 Godley Peaks Road, Lake Tekapo, 7999

Astronomical tourism has never been so cool

If you haven’t yet tired of such beauty, a journey 63 km south will bring you to Twizel. Still within the MacKenzie region, the fresh air of this alpine town offers another unparalleled spectacle. For another visually pleasing experience, take your telescope and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Magellanic Clouds, galaxies that can only be seen in the southern celestial hemisphere.

Fall under the spell of Alpha Centauri

Queenstown, 200 km to the south, is a famous resort nestled among majestic snow-capped mountains. Park your car in the center of Queenstown; then, take the cable car that will lift you 450 meters above Lake Wakatipu to Bob’s Peak. Without taking your eyes off the impressive celestial realm, there’s no doubt you’ll be mesmerized by the Southern Cross and Alpha Centauri.

Ben Lomond 9371