New Zealand is one of the world’s best stargazing destinations, with 96 percent of its land offering clear views of the Milky Way—here are the best places to see the night sky across the country.
As cities spread out, their lights are bringing the darkness of night sky with them. New Zealand’s low population density has allowed the sky to remain dark and over 96% of its landmass is still unlit. views of the Milky Way It is dark.
DarkSky InternationalThe nonprofit group, which is dedicated to protecting and preserving the night sky in New Zealand, has identified the best places for viewing the wonders of cosmos on the island. New Zealand has a lot of stars. 10 Dark Sky locationsNaseby, the country’s very first Dark Sky Community.
DarkSky International has compiled a list of the top 10 places in New Zealand to view the stars.
Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
The first Dark Sky Park in the country Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky ReserveIt is one of the 24 world reserves. Aoraki Mackenzie encompasses Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park The dark skies have a special cultural significance in the South Island of New Zealand. The area’s original inhabitants, the Māori peopleThey used the night sky as a navigational aid and integrated astronomy in their daily life.
Aotea Great Barrier Island Dark Sky Sanctuary
It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. Aotea Great Barrier Island The North Island of the country is located northeast of Auckland. It was designated a Dark Sky Sanctuary by the Dark Sky Network in 2017. Just 1,000 people live here permanently, and almost 60 percent of its land is a nature preserve. These two factors keep the skies dark at night.
Kaikōura Dark Sky Sanctuary
Kaikōura Dark Sky Sanctuary This remote area of the South Island is surrounded by mountains that rise directly out of the Pacific Ocean. This newer Dark Sky Sanctuary, designated 2024, is one of the best spots to see the Milky Way because it’s remote and has plenty of preserved land. It’s also home to the world’s first astro-zipline.
Kawarau Gibbston Dark Sky Park
As opposed to some of these more remote dark skies areas, Kawarau Gibbston Dark Sky Park It is situated between Queenstown, New Zealand and Cromwell, Australia. This area is unique in that it’s surrounded by mountains and gorges, which completely block out the city lights.
Naseby, New Zealand
The town of Naseby In 2025, it became the first New Zealand community to receive the Dark Sky Community designation. Naseby has just 150 people and some nights it is dark. Aurora Australis Can be seen with the naked eye.
Oxford Forest Conservation Area
Another popular South Island area for stargazing is the Oxford Forest Conservation AreaThe park was designated a Dark Sky Park by 2024. It is a park that has no power or lighting. The ancient beech and podocarp forest that is located in the conservation area makes its night skies look particularly majestic.
Stewart Island/Rakiura
Stewart Island/Rakiura It may be New Zealand’s third largest island in terms of land area, but only 390 people live there. This is because of its small population and the fact that the island is located on the far south tip of New Zealand. Rakiura National Park 85% of the island’s land is covered by the ocean, which ensures that the stars will shine brightly at night.
Tāhuna Glenorchy Dark Sky Sanctuary
Tāhuna Glenorchy Dark Sky Sanctuary The majority of the population is located within Te Wāhipounamu — South West New Zealand UNESCO World Heritage Site The following are some examples of how to use Mount Aspiring National Park. The Dark Sky Sanctuary is not just for people. It’s also for the 35 species in danger that live there. The sanctuary was designated in 2025.
Wai-Iti
Wai-Iti Dark Sky Park was created in 2020. The night sky is situated on the South Island near Nelson in New Zealand and spans over 330 acres. Nelson is a popular destination for stargazing, with a variety of activities available after dark.
Wairarapa dark sky reserve
The Wairarapa Valley is located in the North Island of New Zealand. The Dark Sky Reserve is situated on the North Island in New Zealand’s Wairarapa valley. Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve Around 21,000 residents live in the area, and they adhere to dark-sky regulations. Aorangi Forest Park Public lands
