So when a group of friends and I decided to go on a stargazing trip, we picked a place that is home to one of the darkest skies in the world - New Zealand's Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. Check out the observatory on top of Mt John. In Twizel, Stargazing Tours provide more intimate tours taking you to some of the best stargazing sites in the area with an experienced guide. Our last location in the Dark Sky Reserve is the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Read more. For a better view using telescopes, take the Skyline Gondola from the town. Stay for a night, a week, or a lifetime and you’ll experience a community bustling with activity where you can … Hike, bike, stroll among the flocks of sheep, experience a farm tour or simply relax and take in the spectacular scenery. Just 12km off the Tekapo-Queenstown road: close enough to town life when wanted, but far enough off the beaten track for you to feel the world cannot find you. But is it the … Find out more on Viator and Tripadvisor or check out 10 Unmissable Things to Do in Lake Tekapo. We have reviews of the best places to see in Twizel. As the Mackenzie Region is almost totally free from light pollution, “to put it simply, it is one of the best stargazing sites on earth,” Bob Parks, Executive Direct of the International Dark-Sky Association. ... Hooker Track and Twizel. I watched the stars from 3am until 6am. Words and pictures do not do it justice. With frequent clear skies, minimal light pollution, and by being the Southern Hemisphere, you can see unique star features on tours using specialist equipment, or simply walk out of your front door and look up. Mt Cook, Mt Tasman, and Mt Sefton comprise the grandest views from anywhere within the national park from a tourist’s point of view. Never have I experienced anything like this. Other parks also have night sky programs, so be sure to check with your park if you are interested. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. At SkyScape we provide more than just a night’s accommodation – you are part of the beautiful landscape and an amazing star gazing experience. Grand Canyon National Park. As the famous song goes, “The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas.” Venture out to any dark corner of the Lone Star State and you’ll see a sky full of shining stars, but there are places where the celestial wonders of the galaxy are showcased in all their awe-inspiring glory. In addition Big Sky Stargazing is continuing at Mt Cook and Lakeland Explorer in Twizel has started offering stargazing tours. Alternatively, Tekapo Hot Springs combines a stargazing and hot pools experience. Is it the best national park in America? Twizel. The SkyBed is nestled in the hillside of the stunning Mackenzie Country, in the South Island of New Zealand. These 9 Texas spots offer breathtaking views of the night sky and the Milky Way. Find out more about Tekapo in the 10 Unmissable Things to Do in Lake Tekapo. Enjoy the southern night sky with us this season. Twizel is also … New Zealand literally holds some of the best stargazing locations in the world the Aoraki Mt Cook Mackenzie region is the largest International Dark Sky Reserve. However you don't need a tour - simply walk outside away from street lighting and look up. We have reviews of the best places to see in Twizel. Answer 1 of 2: Suggestions on where to star gaze in Twizel Do they accept toddlers? ... Tekapo Star Gazing is the only guided hot pools and star gazing experience in New Zealand. So where are the best places for stargazing in New Zealand? Find out in the list below. When it comes to sightseeing in the United States, Arizona doesn’t typically make the list. If wanting to join a tour then tours operate at Aoraki/Mt Cook and at Tekapo - best stay in these locations if wanting to do the tour. The ultimate in stellar relaxation, Tekapo Star Gazing is the only guided hot pools and star gazing experience in New Zealand. TwizelBy day, explore The Lord of the Rings scenery. Or seen a sky so clear that you can watch a satellite move through the sky amongst shooting stars? Twizel is also part of the 4,300 square kilometres (2,672sq mi) that is the Dark Sky Reserve. A number of accommodation providers also have telescopes and encourage stargazing and astronomy tours. … Another cool feature of Southern Hemisphere stargazing is Aurora Australis a.k.a. Flights ... Twizel, New Zealand. The ultimate in stellar relaxation, Tekapo Star Gazing is the only guided hot pools and star gazing experience in New Zealand. Winter is the perfect time of the year to indulge in a bit of night skiing in … The top 5 stargazing spots include Mt John in Tekapo, Twizel, the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park—all three are parts of Dark Sky Reserve. Find out the best locations for spotting the Southern Lights in New Zealand here. Mount John Observatory - Earth and Sky stargazing tours Explore the heavens at Mount John Observatory. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. Words and pictures do not do this place any compliments. Find Stonehenge Aotearoa in Ahiaruhe in the Wairarapa district. At Dark Sky Project, formerly Earth & Sky, we connect manuhiri (visitors) to our night skies, igniting a lifelong passion for dark sky preservation and what lies above. Twizel. If the weather isn't suitable for outdoor stargazing, you will experience a customised virtual reality tour of the Lake Tekapo night skies! It’s like England’s Stonehenge but with a much better view of the sky. As the song “Deep in the Heart of Texas” claims, the “stars at night are big and bright” here in the Lone Star State. Have you ever seen the Milky Way’s satellite galaxies or the Southern Cross? Discover more. The tour operates from the renowned facilities of Tekapo Springs, combining the stunning Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve with our soul-warming hot pools. Description This unique, glass-roofed cabin is located near Twizel and can accommodate two guests. There is one bedroom and one full bathroom. View planets, stars and distant solar systems with an Earth and Sky daytime or nighttime tour. In Twizel, Stargazing Tours provide more intimate tours taking you to some of the best stargazing sites in the area with an experienced guide. Around here, the sky is so big that on a clear winters night you *might* need to wear sunglasses. Snuggle under a feather duvet with natural fibres to keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. Accomodation Near Lake Tekapo. Sourced from a spring under the Ben Ohau Range. The new year is marked at the sighting of the next new moon which occurs at the midwinter solstice, and Matariki is celebrated over four weeks with many events that bring families and communities together to celebra… I think this may be the best place in the world! Near the end of May, a cluster of tiny stars intermittently twinkles as it rises on New Zealand’s north east horizon. Hotels near Tekapo Star Gazing, Lake Tekapo on Tripadvisor: Find 12,075 traveller reviews, 6,341 candid photos, and prices for 14 hotels near Tekapo Star Gazing in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand. But our camping spot on Lake Pukaki happened to be located under the largest, most pristine night sky on Earth. Description This unique, glass-roofed cabin is located near Twizel and can accommodate two guests. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. JumperNaut . JumperNaut . Get away from the lights of town for the best views. Conveniently based in Twizel township, Lakeland Explorer are your one stop shop for scenic tours, stargazing tours or cycle trips and bike hire. Outside, there is a luxury cedar outdoor bath tub, perfect for some stargazing. Southern Lights. Welcome/Kia Ora! Although stargazing in the South Island is available throughout the year, the skies are the clearest during summer and autumn offering the most magnificent celestial images. At SkyScape we provide more than just a night’s accommodation – you are part of the beautiful landscape and an amazing star gazing experience. View shooting meteorites, moving satellites, planets and millions of stars all with the naked eye at these 9 best stargazing spots in Texas. This distinctive accommodation is designed to maximise the extraordinary views of the Mackenzie Country both day and night, with your bedroom built predominantly of glass. As far as I know there is no formal star tour in Twizel.However you don't need a tour - simply walk outside away from street lighting and look up. Melanie Sanders -- Stargazing has been a much loved part of our human experience since our early days as a species, and there are plenty of good reasons why. The entire Aoraki-Mackenzie area became an International Dark Sky Reserve in June 2012. The springboard for any holiday with easy access to majestic Aoraki / Mount Cook. To astronomers this constellation is known as Pleiades, but to the Māori people of New Zealand it is Matariki - a celestial reminder of the most important event on the Māori cultural calendar. Sheltered by mountains, Queenstown often has clear skies for a spot of stargazing. Sitting in the bath with a glass or red watching the night sky was delightful. Wow, What an experience! Stargazing tours are available. Such a magical place, from incredible sunrises, silhouetting mountains to star gazing at night. Queenstown – Night Skiing. ... a steep hike which ends at an elevation of 1370 meters just near the Ruataniwha peak. Stargazing. Alternatively, Tekapo Hot Springs combines a stargazing and hot pools experience. Lake Ōhau with its clear unpolluted skies and small population is known for the quality of the stargazing. Nā te pō, ko te ao, ko te ao mārama From the darkest depths of the night we become enlightened. As far as I know there is no formal star tour in Twizel. Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park & Lake View Motels. Sign up to our mailing list to receive updates on our progress. In 2012, a 4300 square kilometer area was declared the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, the boundary of which follows the eastern shore of Lake Ōhau.