DESTINATION
ATA WHENUA
THE NIGHTS COME ALIVE
Saving the best for the end of a long day, Fiordland’s stunning natural environment and lack of light pollution makes for a truly amazing stargazing experience. In fact, Fiordland National Park is set to become the secondlargest Dark Sky Park in the world. Take your pick out of many great vantage points to watch the sun set behind the Fiordland Mountain ranges and wait for the stars to shine. Stargazers from here get the best view of the Milky Way stretching itself across the southern sky.
If you are looking for an unforgettable night sky experience, venture out into the night with one of the region’s talented operators. Explore Rakiura International Dark Sky Sanctuary with Twinkle Dark Sky Tours. A tour with these experts will allow you to view anything from craters on the moon to the centre of the galaxy. Douglas Thorne from Southern Photography Adventures will teach you to use your camera to capture beautiful images of the stunning sky above Fiordland National Park.
STARGAZING SPOTS
MATARIKI
The wider Southland region is known as ‘big sky country’ by day – and a stargazers’ paradise by night. Astronomers know the perfect destinations to visit at night. Cue the Catlins. Known for their landscape and wildlife, stunning night-time settings here include Waipapa Point Lighthouse and Curio Bay. Staying in the city? You’ll be excited to know that there is a range of options close to Invercargill for prime stargazing opportunities, such as Awarua, Omaui, Ōreti Beach, and Bluff Hill.
We’ve already mentioned that winter is a great time for stargazing and catching the Aurora Australis, but winter in New Zealand also marks the start of Matariki, the Māori New Year. The Matariki star cluster emerges above the horizon throughout June and July, bringing in a new year according to the Māori lunar calendar. You can attend various Matariki celebrations around the region; the light show in Queens Park Invercargill is a must-see. These are an excellent chance to discover more about this star cluster and its importance in Māori culture.
Let the night sky amaze you, plan your Southland trip today at southlandnz.com
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