New Zealand will get incredible views of the total lunar eclipse next week - here's where to go

We’re in an exciting period of celestial activity, and New Zealand is the place to catch it all.

Since 2019, Aotearoa New Zealand has been working towards the ambitious goal of becoming a dark sky nation. It currently has three official Dark Sky sanctuaries, plus the biggest Dark Sky Reserve in the southern hemisphere. (A Dark Sky Reserve is a large managed area with public involvement to protect its night skies, whereas a Dark Sky Sanctuary is a remote location that has exceptional conditions for viewing the night sky.)

This abundance of protected areas means New Zealand is in a prime position to witness the total lunar eclipse as it sweeps over the country on September 7, and a dramatic blood moon will rise above the horizon. Oceania is in the midst of a rare streak of lunar eclipse activity over the next few years, which means New Zealand is hot on the radar when it comes to astro tourism. But if you can’t make the upcoming total lunar eclipse, don’t worry – the next one is right around the corner, March 3-4, 2026. In the meantime, here’s the lowdown on where to head for the most epic nightscapes.

Takapō (Tekapo)/Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve near the epic landscapes of Mt Cook is one of the largest reserves of its kind, home to a working research station. You can tour the reserve and the astronomy facility with Dark Sky Project, where you’ll gaze through a high-powered telescope and hear Ngāi Tahu Māori star lore.

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is one of the largest reserves in the southern hemisphere. (Image: Igor Hoogerwerf)

Aotea Great Barrier Island Dark Sky Sanctuary

This remote island, 90 kilometres off the coast of Auckland, is a dark sky sanctuary due to minimal light pollution. Although it’s remote, it’s relatively accessible from Auckland via ferry or a short flight. Park yourself on top of a sand dune to watch the night sky light up or take a night sky tour with friendly locals at Good Heavens.

Rakiura Stewart Island Dark Sky Sanctuary

Rakiura Stewart Island is the southern-most Dark Sky Sanctuary in the world, and 85 per cent of the island is designated a national park. There are plenty of viewing platforms for stargazing here, and if you’re lucky, you might even see the southern lights.

See the southern lights from Rakiura Stewart Island, NZ’s southernmost Dark Sky Sanctuary. (Image: Flickr/Jack Osborne)

Kaikōura Dark Sky Sanctuary

This little township on the South Island is famous for whale watching, but it is lesser-known for its pristine night skies that provide particularly clear views of the Milky Way. Designated a Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2024, Kaikōura is one of the best seats in the house when it comes to watching the total lunar eclipse.

Kaikōura has been declared a Dark Sky Sanctuary as of 2024. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)