For Maori, Matariki marks the first appearance of the Matariki star cluster (known internationally as the Pleiades) in the pre dawn winter sky. Its rising signals a time of remembrance, celebration and renewal – honouring those who have passed, celebrating the present and looking ahead with hope for the year to come. While Matariki is now celebrated with a public holiday across New Zealand, its connection to the stars has guided Maori for centuries, deeply woven into their cultural identity. As the celebrations conclude for another year, it's the perfect opportunity to shine a light on one of New Zealand's most extraordinary natural assets – our internationally recognised dark skies.

Our relatively low population density, minimal light pollution and expansive landscapes make New Zealand one of the best places in the world to experience the night sky. We are home to two of the world's 27 International Dark Sky Reserves – Aoraki/Mackenzie and Wairarapa, as well as two International Dark Sky Sanctuaries - Rakiura (Stewart Island) and Kaikoura – together showcasing some of the clearest night skies in the world. From these alpine basins, rugged coastlines and remote islands, travellers can experience the Milky Way stretching overhead, identify southern constellations with remarkable clarity and, in some locations, even catch the elusive Aurora Australis (Southern Lights).

Aoraki/Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is widely regarded as our premier stargazing destination – encompassing more than 4,300 square kilometres across the Mackenzie Basin and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park it is also one of the largest in the world. Its pristine skies, high altitude and exceptionally low levels of light pollution make it one of the best places to observe the stars.

Wairarapa International Dark Sky Reserve is located just over an hour from Wellington and encompasses the Aorangi Forest Park and surrounding rural communities, offering beautifully dark skies within easy reach of our capital city.

Already renowned for its marine wildlife and spectacular coastal scenery, Kaikoura has added another string to its bow with its International Dark Sky Sanctuary status. Travellers can spend the day zip lining, dolphin or whale watching, swimming with seals or exploring the spectacular coastline before experiencing an entirely different spectacle as darkness falls.

At the very bottom of New Zealand, Rakiura offers one of the darkest inhabited locations on the planet. Its remote location, minimal development and southern latitude create outstanding conditions for stargazing and provide some of the best opportunities to experience the breath-taking Aurora Australis during periods of solar activity.

As Matariki reminds us each year, the stars have long been a source of guidance, connection and inspiration. Experiencing one of New Zealand's internationally recognised dark sky destinations is a wonderful way to extend that story beyond the Matariki celebrations.

Tours we think are great options for travellers wanting to experience the very best of New Zealand's extraordinary dark skies:

• Dark Sky Project in the Aoraki/Mackenzie region offers world class astronomy experiences that cater to every type of traveller, from first time stargazers to passionate astrophotographers. The flagship Summit Experience takes travellers to the summit of Mount John for New Zealand's ultimate mountaintop stargazing adventure, combining spectacular night skies with unrivalled astrophotography opportunities. The Crater Experience provides an intimate introduction to the southern skies from Cowan's private observatory, where purpose built observation craters and powerful telescopes bring distant planets, star clusters and galaxies into sharp focus. For those seeking an all weather or daytime option, the Dark Sky Experience is an immersive indoor multimedia journey that blends Maori astronomy, science and storytelling, taking travellers on a voyage 13.8 billion years in the making through cutting edge digital displays and interactive exhibits. Together, these experiences have cemented Dark Sky Project's reputation as New Zealand's leading astrotourism attraction and the benchmark for stargazing experiences in the Southern Hemisphere.

• For travellers seeking a more exclusive stargazing experience, Alpha CruX offers private astronomy tours that bring the stars directly to those staying in Lake Tekapo and throughout the Aoraki/Mackenzie region. Alpha CruX visits travellers at their accommodation, eliminating the need to travel while providing a personalised evening under some of the world's darkest skies. Using a high powered computerised telescope to explore planets, star clusters, nebulae and distant galaxies while learning about the science, history and navigation of the southern night sky. Every tour also includes an astro portrait beneath the stars, creating a memorable keepsake from an unforgettable night in the Dark Sky Reserve.

• Star Safari offers one of the most immersive stargazing experiences in the heart of the Wairarapa International Dark Sky Reserve. Located just 10 minutes from Martinborough, the solar powered observatory is led by an astrobiologist and an astrophysicist, who guide travellers through the constellations, planets, nebulae and galaxies using some of the largest public telescopes in New Zealand. The 90 minute experience blends scientific insight with engaging storytelling, while optional astrophotography sessions allow travellers to capture the Milky Way as a lasting memento.

• EcoZip Adventures Star Flight in Kaikoura is a mesmerising, must do stargazing ziplining experience where travellers can soar through the night sky on a series of exhilarating ziplines, all while taking in the breathtaking beauty of the Kaikoura Dark Sky Sanctuary. This world first adventure combines the thrill of ziplining with the wonder of stargazing, creating an unforgettable experience. As dusk settles, travellers glide through the air, leaving the city lights behind and entering a realm where stars burn bright and the Milky Way stretches across the heavens. Between ziplines, an acclaimed astro photographer guides the stargazing experience and uncovers the secrets of the constellations and planets.

• For independent travellers looking to enjoy the stars at their own pace, Observation Rock is one of the best vantage points on Rakiura. A short walk to the elevated lookout rewards you with panoramic views and remarkably dark, unpolluted skies, making it a favourite location for self guided stargazing within the Rakiura International Dark Sky Sanctuary.