Mānawatia a Matariki! The best stargazing experiences in New Zealand

Aotearoa’s Māori culture may be less than 1,000 years old, but it plays a crucial role in the country’s identity today. Take Matariki (Māori New Year) for example, now officially a public holiday in New Zealand, and one of the only reintroduced indigenous holidays in the world. Matariki is celebrated on 24 June when a small cluster of stars appear during mid-winter, and marks a time of remembering the past, being in the present and looking to the future.

To celebrate the day, we’re looking up at New Zealand’s dark skies to find the best stargazing experiences throughout the year.

Great Barrier Island stargazing (Mark Russell/Tourism New Zealand)

Join the guides at Good Heaven’s who will take you on a 1.5 hours journey through New Zealand’s night skies at Great Barrier Island Dark Sky Reserve.

There’s not really a better place for it, with designated ‘moonchairs’ to make sure you’re comfortable as you gaze into space, listening to the hypnotic sound of the gentle waves against the shoreline.

Either with eyes or looking through a high-powered telescope, explore the milky way, planets and star clusters while hearing the ancient myths and stories from the knowledgeable guides.

If you’re feeling peckish, opt for the ‘Dining with the Stars’ package to glam up the experience.

A stargazing tour at Stonehenge Aeoteroa (Jet Productions)

The UK’s Stonehenge may be the place to gather during summer solstice, but on the other side of the world, another Stonehenge celebrates the skies plummeting into darkness.

Stonehenge Aeoteroa can be found in the Wairarapa region – on track to becoming New Zealand’s largest Dark Sky Reserve – where outdoor LED lights are banned, so not to impact the sky’s natural glow.

Here, you can learn about stargazing in global cultures including Tangata Whenua and Pasifika. Day time tours uncover the history of Māori starlore, Polynesian navigation and archeoastronomy, while Friday and Saturday evenings invite you on a ‘safari’ of the night sky.

Guided winter sunrise hike at Tongariro Alpine Crossing (Adrift Tongariro Ruapehu/Tourism New Zealand))

Stargazing and a sunrise? This could be the best experience yet for embracing the beauty of both day and night. There’s no lazing around here, as you join a 4.5 hour private hiking tour with Adrift Tongariro.

Beginning at National Park Village, adventurers will get to explore the spectacular Tongariro Alpine Crossing under the milky way, before welcoming the morning light during an alfresco breakfast at the Red Crate. Once refuelled, you’ll return to base.

A group looking at the stars on a tour (Horizon Tours/Tourism New Zealand)

The Otagao Peninsula which surrounds the city of Dunedin is a popular spot for those who want to hunt down the Aurora Australis when the conditions are right. If not, the stars are still sure to put on a show.

Accompanied by the sweet sound of coastal birdsong, the Horizon Toursteam who will teach you how the Māori culture used to view the solar system.

Join in with waiata (song), uncover Māori legend and learn how the indigenous population were able to use the night sky to navigate the oceans, plant crops and fish. All this while enjoy incredible manaakitanga (hospitality) – a light meal and hot drink – just as the Māori’s do!

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve has really ramped up the relaxation factor with their guided tour of the galaxy. Tekapo Stargazing offers the world’s only hot pool/stargazing experience in one of the country’s best spots for appreciating the night sky.

Rest your body and float in the warm waters, knowing that you’re lying beneath the largest protected sky in the world at 4,300 square meters.

During the two hour journey of discovery, a poolside guide will inform you on the myths, legends and science behind the dazzling constellations above. This magical experience is really the best way to stimulate all the senses.

Gaze at the bright skies above in Punakaiki (Shutterstock)

Known for their incredible conservation efforts and insightful tours surrounding the Westland Petrel colony, Paparoa Nature Toursare now offering a chance to see the stars in the company of some wonderful wildlife.

In the purpose-built observatory in Punakaiki – on the South Island’s West Coast – visitors can have a two hour guided tour, inspecting the milky way and star constellations either through a computerised 260mm Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope or by lying back with a pair of binoculars.

Making the experience even more enchanting is the surrounding rainforest, where the great spotted kiwi, morepork and weka provide an accompanying soundtrack to your stargazing.

Stargaze at Pukaki Observatory and Winery (Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat/Tourism New Zealand)

Want to pair stargazing with a glass of New Zealand’s finest wine or whiskey? If this sounds up your street, head to Pukaki Observatory and Wine Cellar for an educational and delicious nighttime experience.

Located at Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat in Aoraki International Dark Sky Reserve, visitors will start their evening in the wine cellar for a tipple of your choice with nibbles, before the roof of the observatory opens up to reveal the starry galaxy sparkling above.

Of course, this is the perfect place for astrophotography. Those with cameras are encouraged to bring them along for some of the best photographic opportunities.