The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

New Zealand is known for its abundance of natural treasures on land - but to see one of its star attractions, you need to shift your eyes skyward.

While many people around the world have never seen a sky full of stars because of the damaging effects of light pollution, the skies above the heart of the South Island are blessed with thousands of glittering constellations, as far as the eye can see.

The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere, and one of only 11 in the world.

Christchurch & Canterbury Touris Tekapo's Church of the Good Shepherd, against a backdrop of stars.

Located in the Mackenzie Basin, and including Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, as well as the villages of Lake Tekapo, Twizel and Mt Cook, the 4300 square-kilometre area was the first "gold-rated" reserve, which means the darkness of its night skies is almost unbeatable.

"To put it simply, it is one of the best stargazing sites on Earth," said International Dark-Sky Association executive director Bob Parks.

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Christchurch & Canterbury Touris A view of the Aurora Australis from Mt John Observatory.

The spectacular night skies you'll find here are like nowhere else in New Zealand, thanks to a lighting ordinance incorporated into the Mackenzie District Plan in 1981, which ensures light pollution is strictly controlled.

Stargazers are able to witness constellations that can only be seen in the southern hemisphere, like the Southern Cross, the Magellanic Clouds, and the Milky Way.

While it's possible to enjoy these views with the naked eye alone, amateur astronomers might like some help with knowing exactly what to look out for.

Christchurch & Canterbury Touris The dome of Mt John Observatory, seen on a cloudy night.

Earth & Sky provides educational stargazing tours at two locations around Lake Tekapo, Cowan's Observatory and the University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory. There are day tours, night tours, and even photography tours available with experienced guides. Bring your camera, and the astrophotographers will be able to take amazing photos for you.

At Aoraki Mt Cook Village, the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre offers tours with Big Sky Stargazing. Here, you'll begin with a virtual tour of the southern night sky in the comfort of the full-dome planetarium's 3D theatre, before being taken to an outdoor stargazing site.

The Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat at Pukaki has an exclusive observatory for guests, equipped with a six-inch refractor telescope. You can also enjoy refreshments and nibbles in the adjoining wine cellar.

NEED TO KNOW

Cloudy skies can make or break your stargazing experience, so keep a close eye on the forecast before you go. Most tours are only cancelled if there are high winds or rain. You may want to plan to stay in the Aoraki/Mt Cook region for several days to ensure you have the best chance of experiencing at least one clear night.

Moon phases also affect the clarity of the skies - during a Full Moon, the fainter stars and Milky Way are washed out. The sky is at its darkest when there is no moon, with the most detail visible in the Milky Way, though a partial moon also allows incredible views. Make sure to check the moon calendar before you book.