Look up Down Under! AAT Kings, the leading Australia and New Zealand guided holiday tour operator, has revealed its top stargazing experiences, highlighting destinations designated by the International Dark Sky program. These on-trend ‘noctourism’ tours take advantage of the remote regions both countries still enjoy, with minimal light pollution to interrupt the spectacle of the night skies over the Southern Hemisphere.

Discover the celestial wonders of the dark skies in places like these: 

Mackenzie Region, South Island, New Zealand - Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve 

On the 7-day Contrasts of New Zealand guided vacation, majestic mountains are the backdrop en route to Lake Tekapo with its turquoise waters. This stunning destination is breathtaking and remote. The lack of light pollution showcases dazzling stargazing at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed, Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, and it is the largest reserve in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Marvel at the ‘nocturnal’ experience at a purpose-built observation crater with expert astronomy guides. The Crater Experience, located in Lake Tekapo, provides one of the darkest and clearest stargazing locations in the world, with the assistance of high-powered telescopes revealing incredible views of distant galaxies and star clusters. 

The guides will also provide both Māori and Western perspectives. The reserve has received global recognition as a center for astrotourism with its vistas and preserves the dark skies of the Mackenzie region for future generations. This excursion to Aoraki Dark Sky Reserve is also available on the 18-day Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand and the 22-day Highlights of Australia & New Zealand journeys.

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, Australia – An accredited International Dark Sky Sanctuary

On the 8-day South Australian Outback Adventure, participate in some of the world’s best stargazing in the Southern Hemisphere at the Ningana Imaging Observatory with its state-of-the-art Digital Astro Experience. Its International Dark Sky accreditation means that its nighttime skies are free from light and atmospheric pollution. You’ll enjoy the relaxing space to view the splendors of the solar system that are light-years away. These Observatory tours have also garnered Advanced ecotourism accreditation.

Alice Springs, Australia- Galaxy Gazing at the Earth Sanctuary Space Observatory 

On the 15-day Outback Adventure exploring Alice Springs, visit the Earth Sanctuary Space Observatory and deep sky telescope to stargaze at some of the best views of the galaxy, surrounded by the Outback’s dark sky nights. The sanctuary is one of only three places in the country that offer celestial viewing without light pollution or moonlight interference with star visibility. The observatory’s local astronomer shares the magic of the constellations and zodiacs with a laser-guided journey through the southern night sky.

Noctourism is one of the hottest travel trends for the ultimate off-the-beaten-track, immersive, nature-focused and even spiritual experiences, and some of the most stunning stargazing experiences are located in Australia and New Zealand. Whether you’re a lover of nature and the outdoors or a dedicated astrophile, look to the Southern Hemisphere for magical nighttime travel experiences, and let us help you design the dark sky vacation of a lifetime.

More About AAT Kings

A century ago, the Australian outback was but a twinkle in most travelers’ eyes. But thanks to visionaries like the Pyke family and Bill King, the way we explore the Land Down Under was about to change in unimaginable ways. Over the coming decades, maps were unfolded, desert cruisers and coaches were customized, and guides were trained. From humble beginnings, the company now known as AAT Kings was going places few had gone before, pioneering new paths across Australia and New Zealand and taking intrepid travelers on a wild and wonderful ride. Times have changed, but the company retains a spirit for adventure, oh-so-knowledgeable Directors, First Nations guides, and an offering of life-changing experiences that only 100 years of exploring affords. AAT Kings is a member of The Travel Corporation family of travel companies that includes Insight Vacations and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. 

*** Images courtesy of AAT Kings/ The Travel Corporation

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