Price pp from:

$24,192
The Milky Way galaxy glows brilliantly above a long wooden jetty stretching into the calm, dark waters of Lake Te Anau. Credit: New Zealand Fine Touring
Nature

New Zealand Stargazing Tour

Auckland

Queenstown

24 days, 23 nights

Road Trips

From: $24,192 pp

Trip overview

Discover the night skies of New Zealand on this extraordinary stargazing adventure, starting in Auckland and journeying through the country's most awe-inspiring Dark Sky regions. Spend two nights in luxury glamping tents beneath dazzling stars, explore glowworm-lit caves, and enjoy a night tour with native wildlife at a Sanctuary reserve. In Rotorua, experience Māori culture, geothermal wonders, and an atmospheric night walk through the Redwood Forest. Then, unwind for two nights at the secluded Nightsky Cottage in Tongariro National Park, surrounded by magnificent nature and mountain views. After that, head north to admire the Milky Way alongside an expert astrophysicist. Next destination is Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital, before cruising to the South Island.
In Kaikōura, thrill-seek with the Star Flight Zipline and soar above the ocean on a heli whale-watching tour. Continue to the Akaroa Peninsula for a unique evening of stargazing paired with delicious bites. Next, visit the renowned Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Stargaze in Tekapo and take a scenic heli flight over Mt Cook. In Wānaka, enjoy a peaceful island stargazing experience before venturing deep into Fiordland. Here, marvel at Milford Sound and spend a night in the untouched wilderness of Doubtful Sound — under a truly starry sky. Your celestial journey finishes in Queenstown, where more unforgettable moments await.

Trip highlights & inclusions

24 days / 23 nights
19 breakfasts, 3 dinners

Auckland

Queenstown

Boutique Lodges & Hotels
Rental car included
  • Private Footwhistle Glowworm Cave Tour
  • Behind The Scenes Exclusive Tour
  • Redwoods Nightlights and Glowworms Fast Pass

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Price pp from

$24,192

Why Discover New Zealand

  • Wānaka-based specialists planning your trip from inside New Zealand.
  • One travel specialist to plan and book every detail from start to finish.
  • 24/7 in-country support while you’re travelling, so help is close if plans change.

Trip itinerary

Welcome to Auckland

Welcome to Auckland, known in Māori as Tāmaki Makaurau. Auckland is New Zealand's vibrant "City of Sails," and the country's largest metropolitan area. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea. Surrounded by native bush, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches, Auckland is a haven for both adventurers and urban explorers. Wander through world-class museums and galleries in the city centre or enjoy a peaceful retreat at the Auckland Gardens, where stunning landscapes showcase New Zealand's diverse flora. Stroll along the lively waterfront to savour fresh seafood and international cuisine at Viaduct restaurants. For an unforgettable perspective, ascend the iconic SkyTower, New Zealand's tallest structure, and take in panoramic views of the city and its picturesque islands.

Aerial view of Auckland city skyline with bridge and harbor at sunset. Credit: New Zealand Fine Touring

Accommodation

Modern hotel building with glowing lights and balconies at night on a city street. Credit: Park Hyatt Auckland
Park Hyatt Auckland

Activities

Trip highlights

Blue glowing worms lighting up the interior of a rocky cave with water below. Credit: Caveworld

Private Footwhistle Glowworm Cave Tour

Woman in protective clothing holding and inspecting an egg with a flashlight in an egg hatching room Credit: National Kiwi Hatchery - Rotorua

Behind The Scenes Exclusive Tour

Lanterns hanging and glowing softly among tall redwood trees in a forest at night. Credit: Redwoods Treewalk

Redwoods Nightlights and Glowworms Fast Pass

Helicopter flying over the volcanic crater of Mount Tarawera with rocky terrain and clear sky Credit: PB & DV Holdings Ltd T/A Volcanic Air

Mount Tarawera Helicopter Landing and Geothermal Parks

Group kayaking inside a dark cave with life jackets and paddles on calm water Credit: Waimarino Kayak Tours

Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour

Women relaxing under hydrotherapy water jets in a spa pool with steam around. Credit: Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa

Restorative Journey (Wai Whakaora)

Adult and child holding hands hiking on rocky mountain trail near cable car under blue sky with clouds. Credit: Whakapapa Holdings 2024 Limited

Sky Waka Gondola Return Sightseeing Trip

A hiker in a yellow jacket walks a gravel path through purple shrubs toward a massive, snow-capped mountain. Credit: Adrift Tongariro

2 Hour Pre Sunset Guided Walk with Adrift Tongariro

People using telescopes to view stars under the Milky Way with a red-lit observatory tent at night. Credit: Milky-Way.Kiwi

Star Safari

A tuatara reptile rests among dark leaf litter and native forest foliage. Credit: Karori Sanctuary Trust - Janice McKenna

Zealandia by Night Wildlife Sanctuary Tour

Person sitting on grass in park near historic buildings under blue sky. Credit: Kaewa Tours

Wellington Scenic Half Day Private Tour

Ferry named Kaitaki sailing through a bay with cliffs and green hills in the background. Credit: Interislander

Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton with Premium Plus Lounge

Group of people under starry night sky with Milky Way near a zipline platform lit by red light Credit: Ziplines New Zealand

Star Flight

Tourists by a blue helicopter on mountain overlooking coastal landscape and ocean. Credit: South Pacific Helicopters NZ

Ocean Safari Whale Watching Flight

Silhouettes of two people having a picnic at sunset with mountains in the background. Credit: Akaroa Stargazing

Astronomy Bites - Sungazing to Stargazing

Adult and child swimming in outdoor pool with water fountain and snowy mountains behind. Credit: Tekapo Springs

Tekapo Springs Hot Pools

Silhouettes of two people and a telescope under a starry night sky with the Milky Way and a bright meteor. Credit: Alpha Crux

Private Stargazing Tour at Lake Tekapo

Small plane flying over snowy glacier and rugged mountain peaks under clear sky Credit: Air Safaris

The Grand Traverse Scenic Flight with Air Safaris

Observatory dome with red light under a starry sky and mountains by a lake at night. Credit: Dark Sky Project

Dark Sky Project Summit Experience

A telescope view of the pink and purple Lagoon Nebula surrounded by bright stars in a dark night sky. Credit: Adventure Wanaka

Stargazing Island Tour with Adventure Wanaka

Sinbad ferry boat docked at Milford Sound with mountains and clouds in the background. Credit: Real Journeys

Milford Premium Cruise

Telescopes and chairs set on grass overlooking mountains at sunset with a colorful sky. Credit: Fiordland Eco Retreat

Stargazing Tour at Fiordland Eco Retreat

Sailboat sailing on calm fjord waters surrounded by tall mountains and sunlight. Credit: RealNZ

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise, Aboard the Navigator

Steamboat cruising on blue lake water with snowy mountains in the background on a clear day. Credit: Real Journeys

TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

A vintage red flatbed truck parked in front of historic stone cottages framed by golden autumn hills in Arrowtown. Credit: Remarkable Scenic Tours

Everything Queenstown Private Tour

A person looks through a large telescope at a brilliant Milky Way galaxy stretching across a dark purple night sky over the mountains. Credit: Skyline Queenstown

Gondola and Stargazing tour with Skyline Queenstown

Additional inclusions

Private Transfer Auckland Airport to your Auckland Accommodation with Tourcorp

24/7 support from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart

Talk to a local travel specialist. Enquire