Dark Skies.
Unforgettable Nights.
EXPERIENCES ACROSS NEW ZEALAND
Kaikōura ✦ Canterbury ✦ West Coast ✦ Waikato
SOUTHERN SKIES EXPERIENCE
Follow the trail.
Find your southern sky.
New Zealand’s dark skies are among the finest in the world — and we know them intimately. Our star trail spans four remarkable regions: the coastal ranges of Kaikōura, the remote wilderness of the West Coast, the dark skies of Canterbury, and the rolling landscapes of Waikato — and the trail is still growing.
Whether you want to simply lie back and lose yourself in the Milky Way, hear the ancient stories written in our skies, or learn to capture the night through your own lens — we have a tour that’s made for you. Follow the trail. Find your southern sky.
4
Tour Options
2-3
Hours per Tour
DOC
Approved Operator
★★
Qualmark Silver
THE TEAM
The People Behind the Experience
OUR REGIONS
New Zealand’s premier stargazing experiences
Choose your region
Each location offers unique dark sky conditions and experiences
COASTAL DARK SKIES
Kaikōura
Where the Kaikōura Ranges meet the Pacific coast — one of New Zealand’s most dramatic and accessible dark sky locations.
REMOTE WILDERNESS
West Coast
Deep in the South Island’s wild west — rainforest, rivers and some of the darkest, most unspoiled skies in the country.
DARK SKIES OF THE SOUTH
Christchurch/Canterbury
Gateway to stunning Canterbury skies — accessible from the city yet far enough to reveal the full sweep of the Milky Way.
NORTH ISLAND ESCAPES
Waikato
Rolling farmland and open skies make Waikato a surprising and spectacular destination for stargazing in the North Island.
What to expect
STARGAZING
Guided Stargazing
Expert guides take you to the darkest skies, sharing the stories of our land and night sky. Chairs, blankets and refreshments included.
ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY
Capture the Night
Personal coaching to photograph the Milky Way with your own camera. We also capture images to share with you by email — yours to keep and print.
EXPERIENCES
Private & Group
From intimate couples experiences to small groups — including our Kai Waho night picnic blending food, warmth and the stories of our skies.
EVENTS
Seasonal Events
Meteor showers, planetary alignments, lunar eclipses — we run special events throughout the year timed to the most spectacular nights.
DARK SKY UPDATES
The Night Sky, In Your Inbox
Moon phase alerts, seasonal event previews, astrophotography tips and early access to new regions — straight to your inbox.
Subscribe — it’s freeFROM THE BLOG
Latest from the Blog
Tips, guides and stories from the dark skies of New Zealand — from how to photograph the Milky Way to the best nights of the year to look up.
What to Expect on a Guided Stargazing Experience
June 2, 2026
First time stargazing with a guide? Here’s everything you need to know before your night under the stars.
The Best Time of Year to See the Milky Way in New Zealand
November 6, 2025
Timing is everything when it comes to stargazing. Here’s your seasonal guide to the best nights under New Zealand’s skies.
How to Photograph the Milky Way with Your Smartphone
November 5, 2025
You don’t need expensive gear to capture the night sky. Here’s how to get stunning Milky Way shots with just your phone.
THE EXPERIENCE
What Our Guests Say
