Southland is known for its lush pastures, rugged coasts, and mighty mountains, but to truly take in the best of the region, just look up.

Take a deep breath as your eyes adjust to the darkness. Above, a vast expanse of stars stretches across the sky, revealing the full beauty of your Murihiku Southland stargazing experience. You might even get a front-row seat to the greatest natural light show on Earth, the Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights as they are more commonly known. The Land of the Glowing Skies is waiting for you - what are you waiting for?

Experience the wonder of Rakiura Stewart Island, where beauty and remoteness create an otherworldly atmosphere, free of light pollution. The name, Rakiura, translates to ‘glowing skies’ and originates from the legend of Te Rakitāmau, a Māori chief whose marriage proposal was declined. It is said the red skies above the island reflect his blushing embarrassment. Recognised as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, Rakiura Stewart Island is the southernmost Dark Sky Sanctuary in the world, offering visitors one of the best places to view the starry night sky. Continue your journey to Te-Rua-o-Te-Moko Fiordland, a natural wonderland boasting pristine beauty and minimal light pollution. Fiordland National Park is on track to be internationally recognised for its stunning night skies. It offers incredible vantage points to watch the sunset paint the majestic mountains before the Milky Way stretches across the southern sky.

The Northern Lights may be world-famous, but don’t overlook their stunning Southern counterpart: the Aurora Australis. Southland’s dark winter nights provide ideal conditions to witness the breathtaking display of vibrant ribbons of pink, red, and green light in the sky. Although difficult to predict, the best time to catch the Aurora Australis is between April and September. Winter also heralds the start of Matariki, the Māori New Year. During mid-winter (June/July), the Matariki star cluster rises to mark the new year in the Māori lunar calendar. In Southland, a network of pou, or sculptures, guides visitors across the region, each depicting an entity from Māori stories that characterises stars in the Matariki cluster and its connection to the land. For example, Waitā at Curio Bay relates to the bounty of the sea, while Waitī at Garston relates to freshwater and its creatures.

Beyond Rakiura and Fiordland, the Catlins, with its pristine beaches and wildlife, offers stunning night-time settings at Waipapa Point Lighthouse and Curio Bay. Even Invercargill has prime stargazing spots like Ōreti Beach. Enhance your experience with local operators. Twinkle Dark Sky Tours on Rakiura provides deep-sky views from craters on the moon to the centre of the galaxy, while PurePods glass eco-cabins offer immersive stargazing from remote locations on Rakiura. For a unique experience, an overnight cruise in Doubtful Sound delivers unparalleled stargazing in the fiords.

So why not plan your visit to Southland in April? It’s International Dark Sky Week, the perfect time to immerse yourself in the beauty of our night skies. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a curious beginner, Southland’s starry nights promise to captivate and inspire you.

Ready for a night under the stars? Visit southlandnz.com to plan your adventure!