NZ Dark Sky Places

New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to explore the night sky.

In fact, the sky is so clear that the world's largest Dark Sky Reserve and the world's first Dark Sky Sanctuary on an island have been established here.

  • The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is one of only eight ‘Gold Level’ reserves in the world and the only one in the Southern Hemisphere. Established in 2012, the 4357 sq km Reserve is in the Mackenzie District and recognises the almost complete lack of light pollution in the area.
  • All Aotea/Great Barrier Island was designated in 2017 as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. The island is the third place in the world to be designated a dark sky sanctuary. A Dark Sky Sanctuary is an area that has an exceptional quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural, or educational value, its cultural heritage and/or public enjoyment.
  • In 2019, the island at the southern end of New Zealand – Rakiura/Stewart Island – was also awarded International Dark Sky Sanctuary status. The main populated area is at nearly 47 degrees South, making this one of the best places to observe the aurora australis – the southern lights. Winter is best for dark sky viewing as the summer nights are short at these latitudes.
  • The Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve is our newest (2023) addition to certified dark sky areas. This 3665 sq km area is home to 21,000 residents. One hundred percent of the lighting in the core is compliant with the Reserve Lighting Management Plan. Changes to public lighting within the periphery are underway, with over 50 percent of all street lighting already in compliance.
  • The Oxford Forest Conservation Area in New Zealand has recently (2024) been certified as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association. This conservation area covers 11,350 hectares and is located in Oxford, Canterbury. The certification recognizes the pristine and beautiful dark skies of the Mackenzie Region, which are mostly free of light pollution.
  • The Kawarau Gibbston Dark Sky Park comprises 25 square kilometres, including the Gibbston Character and Gibbston Valley Resort zones, and sits only behind Rakiura/Stewart Island Dark Sky Sanctuary as the closest certified Dark Sky place in the world to the southern geomagnetic (auroral) pole.
  • In early 2025 the Tāhuna Glenorchy Dark Sky Sanctuary encompassing 200,000 ha of land near the Southern Alps became our fifth certified dark sky sanctuary. It reaches far into Mt Aspiring National Park (UNESCO World Heritage country) to the wilderness of the Forbes and Barrier Ranges. The project creates an opportunity to help native species to flourish again. For over 20 years, Glenorchy has participated in the national long-tailed bat/pekapeka survey and the lesser short-tailed bat has also been recorded in the Routeburn area. Our night moths, glow worms, and many invertebrate species also take advantage of the darkness and our improving habitat.

In this directory, there are more than 40 locations from north to south listed where night sky viewing is recommended. A night sky guide will help you identify different celestial objects visible in the night sky, such as stars, planets, galaxies, and constellations. This will help you appreciate the beauty and complexity of the southern night sky.

However, you don't need to spend many days in New Zealand to realise that the weather can change quickly - and often. So don't be disappointed if it's cloudy at night - in a few days, perhaps at your next location, it will be clear again!
Wherever you are in New Zealand, consult this directory to find the friendly locals who know the sky like the back of their hand!