Arkaroola International Dark Sky Sanctuary, South Australia
By day, Arkaroola reveals its rugged beauty — ancient granite peaks, deep gorges, and hidden waterholes teeming with life, including the shy Yellow-Footed Rock-Wallaby. This remote wilderness, brought to life by the pioneering Sprigg family, proudly holds Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation and invites visitors to explore, learn, and reconnect with nature.
Don’t miss the Ningana Imaging Observatory, where you can sit back and experience a state-of-the-art digital journey through space — no telescope required. Whether you come for the stars, the landscapes, or the sense of awe that lingers long after, Arkaroola is an outback adventure that’s truly out of this world.
- South Australian Outback Adventure (SAMC) AAT Kings link
Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand
Beneath the vast skies of New Zealand’s South Island lies a place where the stars seem to hang just above the horizon, shimmering in breathtaking clarity. Recognised globally for its pristine, light-pollution-free skies, Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve offers an unforgettable window into the universe. Beneath the towering peak of Aoraki/Mount Cook, countless stars, planets, and galaxies spill across the horizon in dazzling clarity, creating one of the world’s most spectacular stargazing experiences.
One of the highlights here is Tekapo Stargazing: The Crater Experience, where science meets serenity. After an expert-guided journey through the constellations, guests can unwind in a warm, open-air hot pool — floating under the vast southern sky as shooting stars streak overhead. It’s a moment of pure magic, where the boundary between earth and cosmos seems to blur.
Beyond the night skies, the Mackenzie region’s beauty shines just as brightly. Think turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, and a stillness that feeds the soul. Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or simply chasing a bit of wonder, Aoraki Mackenzie is a reminder of how small — and how lucky — we are beneath the stars.
Featured on Contrasts of NZ, Contrasts of Australia & NZ, and Highlights of AU & NZ
- Contrasts of New Zealand (IZANB) AAT Kings link
- Contrasts of Australia & New Zealand (QCANA) AAT Kings link
- Highlights of Australia & New Zealand (IMZB) AAT Kings link
Kaikoura Dark Sky Sanctuary, New Zealand
Discover the Magic of the Kaikōura Dark Sky Sanctuary. Perched between rugged mountains and the deep blue Pacific, Kaikōura has long been known for its marine wonders — whales, dolphins, and seals galore. But now, this coastal gem has added another natural marvel to its name as New Zealand’s newest Dark Sky Sanctuary. Here, the night reveals a different kind of wildlife: a glittering tapestry of stars, constellations, and galaxies shining over the ocean.
Far from city lights, Kaikōura’s skies are as pure as its waters. Whether you’re gazing through a telescope or simply lying back on the beach, you’ll see the Milky Way stretch like a luminous bridge across the heavens. The combination of sea air, mountain silhouettes, and cosmic beauty makes for an unforgettable stargazing experience.
By day, Kaikōura is all about adventure — whale watching, coastal walks, and fresh seafood straight from the source. But when the sun dips below the horizon, the sky steals the show. In Kaikōura, the stars meet the sea, and every night feels like a little bit of magic.
A visit included on New Zealand Uncovered.
- New Zealand Uncovered (ZAAC) AAT Kings link
Earth Sanctuary, Australia’s Northern Territory
Nestled in the vast expanse of Australia’s Red Centre, the Earth Sanctuary near Alice Springs offers a stargazing experience that’s as awe-inspiring as the desert sky itself. Away from city lights, the Milky Way stretches endlessly above, and constellations glow in stunning clarity — a nightly reminder of just how ancient and boundless the outback truly is.
What makes Earth Sanctuary special isn’t just the view, but the story behind it. Guided by passionate local astronomers, guests are treated to an in-depth star talk that blends science, culture, and wonder. Learn how Indigenous Australians have read the stars for millennia, discover the myths woven into the constellations, and explore how modern astronomy connects us to the cosmos.
With the desert breeze at your back and the stars blazing overhead, an evening at the Earth Sanctuary is more than just stargazing — it’s an experience that grounds you to the land while lifting your gaze to infinity.
- Outback Adventure (NAAD) AAT Kings link
Milford Mariner
Drifting through the serene waters of Milford Sound, surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, the Milford Mariner offers an overnight experience that feels like stepping into another world. As dusk settles over Fiordland National Park, the sky transforms into a canvas of stars reflected in the still, dark waters below — a moment of pure southern magic.
After a day spent exploring the sound by kayak or tender craft, guests can relax on deck with a warm drink and gaze up at the unpolluted night sky, where constellations, planets, and the Milky Way shine in breathtaking detail. The remoteness of Milford Sound makes it one of the most spectacular spots in New Zealand for stargazing, far from any city glow.
When it’s time to retreat to your cosy cabin, the quiet of the fiord wraps around you — the gentle lap of water, the call of a distant bird, and the endless shimmer of stars overhead. An overnight stay on the Milford Mariner isn’t just a cruise — it’s a chance to sleep beneath one of the darkest, most beautiful skies on Earth.
Overnight experiences on these tours:
- Untamed New Zealand Untamed New Zealand | AAT Kings AU
- New Zealand’s Southern Sounds New Zealand’s Southern Sounds | AAT Kings AU
- New Zealand’s Southern Drift New Zealand’s Southern Drift | AAT Kings AU