Aotea Great Barrier Island is a Dark Sky Sanctuary. This means that our skies are exceptionally clear and dark. The island is widely considered as one of the best places in the Southern Hemisphere to view the night sky. It’s the perfect place to embark on a stargazing adventure!

To get the most out of your time under the stars consider a stargazing experience with small local business Good Heavens. They provide guided stargazing experiences – on top of a sand dune. Here, the team provide moon chairs and blankets, so that you can lean back in comfort and wonder… Is there a better place to appreciate our place in the universe?

Picture yourself, nestled under a blanket while you gaze up and are whisked away on a journey through our solar system and beyond. Good Heavens’ guides are your celestial companions, treating you to captivating tales and mind-blowing facts about the night sky. They’ll share the enchanting stories our ancestors used to make sense of this wondrous world above. And they’ll even treat you to a hot chocolate, to still increase your stellar bliss.

There are experiences 2-4 times a week, so have a look at their website and see if they coincide with your island stay. If not, send them an email and they may be able to book in an experience for you, especially if you book long in advance or if you have a group of 4 or more. Also, book in for your first night on the island, so that you have a few nights up your sleeve in case the weather isn’t suitable for stargazing on your first night. Clear skies!