New Zealand is not only home to breathtaking stargazing, but also exceptional cuisine, deeply rooted in kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and manaakitanga (hospitality), guiding sustainable practices and honouring the land and sea. Hence, the country has simply combined the two, inviting diners to sample its incredible produce and native ingredients whilst revelling in the mesmerising views of the stars.
Here are several destinations with spectacular views of the stars across the country, complemented by local cuisine and exquisite New Zealand wine.
Billion Star Dining at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, Aoraki Mount Cook
This experience at Billion Star Dining kicks off with a 6-course fine dining experience at Moraine Lodge, where fresh, innovative local cuisine is the focus. It subsequently continues with a descend into the Pukaki Observatory for an unforgettable stargazing experience. The unique observatory, with a retractable roof and power 9-inch reflector telescope, also doubles as a wine cellar so you can marvel at celestial wonders whilst indulging in a glass of exquisite wine.
86 Mount Cook Road (State Highway 80), Lake Pukaki 7999, New Zealand
Conservatory Dining at Amisfield, Tāhuna, Queenstown
Conservatory Dining offers a luxury dining experience unlike any other at Amisfield in its glasshouse conservatory. Savour dishes crafted by Executive Chef Vaughan Mabee as you are surrounded by panoramic views that change with the seasons. Chef Mabee’s Michelin-starred expertise comprises dishes that represent the work of fishermen, hunters, gatherers and farmers, epitomising the flavours of Central Otago.
10 Lake Hayes Road, RD 1, Queenstown 9371, PO Box 133, Arrowtown 9351, New Zealand
Mount Rosa Lodge, Gibbston
One of the highest vineyards in Central Otago, Mount Rosa Lodge offers an evening of intellectual exploration and gastronomic delight. Making it a night of wonder and culinary pleasure, the experience is accompanied with local astrophysicist Brian who will guide you through a cosmic journey that is paired with delicious home-cooked cuisines and fine local wines.
55E Gibbston Back Road, Gibbston 9371, New Zealand
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Milford Sound Overnight Cruise, Te Rua-o-te-moko, Fiordland
This memorable Milford Sound overnight cruise takes you through Fiordland, where panoramic views and abundant wildlife await. Relish in views of majestic waterfalls, lush rainforests, and towing mountains, spotting seals and dolphins along the way. Later, savour a yummy carvery buffet freshly prepared onboard as the Milford Mariner anchors in a sheltered cover before stepping onto the deck to experience the star-filled sky.
Bar Albert, Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland
Happening on the highest open-air deck in all of New Zealand 38 floors up, this ultimate high-altitude experience at Bar Albert extends unparalleled vistas of Rangitoto and the Hauraki Gulf. Besides making it an ideal spot for a sunset tipple, the speakeasy is also a popular spot in the nighttime as you can enjoy cocktails crafted by master mixologists while taking in the night sky full of stars.
13 Wyndham Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Best viewing times
Though it is possible to view the stars all year round, doing so during the winter months (June to August) will be best. During these months, the Milky Way is at its brightest, the night skies are typically clearer, and the longer nights also means that the stars will be shining brightly earlier in the evening.
For more details about what’s on offer in Aotearoa New Zealand, visit this website.
Featured image: Gibbston Dark Sky
