Top stargazing experiences

He Puna Taimoana

Soaking in steaming hot pools on the beach with waves crashing to shore is a pretty top tier experience. And doing so under a sparkling night sky take it to a whole other level. He Puna Taimoana offers a special late-night session every Friday, allowing you to reserve a soak as twilight settles and the night sky emerges. The adults-only slot from 8pm to 9:45 pm is a must do, and the perfect end to the working week. For early risers, there is also a Sunrise Soak option so you can watch the starry night fade as the sun rises over the horizon.

Christchurch Adventure Park

Who says star gazing has to be peaceful and quiet? For all adrenaline junkies, this one is for you. Fly down the countries longest zipline at night for ultimate thrill and epic views. That’s right, the Christchurch Adventure Park offer The Night Zipline every Wednesday evening, a 2.5 hour tour featuring all four ziplines. Talk about a starry night adventure!

The Port Hills

The Port Hills are a natural playground of fun for fans of mountain biking, walking, ziplining and trail running, but they are also an incredible nighttime spot for star gazing. Getting up above the city will make you feel like you are closer to the stars than ever. With many spots to park up and watch the city fade into darkness, why not make a night of it with fish and chips or takeaway dinner as the sun sets? You’ll experience a kaleidoscope of colours as the sky changes from light to dark, and the stars come out to play.

Akaroa Stargazing

If Akaroa wasn’t already charming enough, the night skies are a huge draw card for the little harbour village. For those new to star gazing and curious to learn about the southern night skies, Akaroa Stargazing offer small group tours to explore the stellar stars. Just a short drive from the township, learn about the cosmos, planets and galaxies with the help of telescopes and binoculars as well as your own eye. There is also a virtual stargazing tour available, as well as a solar explorer for daytime options.

Oxford Dark Sky Reserve

An internationally accredited dark sky park, The Oxford Forest Conservation Area is accessible all year round making this a reliable option for stunning starry nights. Particularly good in winter with cold, clear nights, you can enjoy Matariki rising or peer straight into the Galactic Core. The area is close by to the Oxford township, where you can stay the night and enjoy the town's hospitality.

Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area | Castle Hill

In just over an hour from Christchurch you can arrive at Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area | Castle Hill, a special place to visit during the day and night. With rolling green hills, blankets of golden tussocks and other-worldly rock formations, it’s no wonder this is a popular spot to explore. But did you know Castle Hill is also an amazing place to see the stars? With incredibly dark nights, the stars dazzle bright all year round. Stay in the local village, go walking or biking on one of the nearby tracks and head out once the sun goes down for a spectacular starry show.

PurePods

Ever dreamt of watching the starry night appear from the comfort of a luxurious bed? PurePods offer just this – a unique stay tucked away in nature, with fully glass walls and ceiling. That means views of the expansive dark sky all night, while keeping cosy and comfortable in your luxurious pod. With four locations in Canterbury, this is a must book for all nature lovers and dark sky enthusiasts.

The Observatory Hotel

Tucked away in the charming heritage setting of the Christchurch Arts Centre, The Observatory Hotel is a luxurious and contemporary hotel designed with a unique and elegant twist. Full of colour and plenty of personality, this hotel is equally a work of art as it is a cosy place to call home for a few nights. And the best part? You can book rooms with expansive sky lights so you can sleep under the stars. Be sure to ask for one of the prestige skylight rooms when booking. In the winter months, be sure to book the Heritage Stargazing from the Observatory Tower, where you can experience the glittering southern sky through a Victorian-era Townsend Teece Telescope.