NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is home to a growing group of IDSPs, including the astonishing Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve – one of the world’s biggest, covering 1,686 sq mi (4,367 sq km) of the South Island. Here, unpolluted dark skies provide views of southern hemisphere constellations such as Crux and the Magellanic Clouds, which aren’t visible from the UK. There is also a rich Māori astronomical heritage, plus dark sky hot pools, wine tastings under the stars and night hikes, as well as opportunities to spot the aurora australis (southern lights) and the elusive national bird, the nocturnal kiwi.

How to get there

There are no non-stop flights between the UK and New Zealand. The best options are to fly there via Singapore (singaporeair.com), Dubai (emirates. com) or Hong Kong (cathaypacific.com) into the capital, Auckland. You can then catch an onward flight to Christchurch and hire a car to reach the village of Lake Tekapo at the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie reserve.

When to go

It is possible to see the stars here in any season – even in high summer, when the nights are shorter. Winter’s long nights (from March to September) are best for seeing not just the stars but also the southern lights, and flights are usually cheaper then.

When to book

Book several months in advance to find the best deals on flights. Tours at Aoraki Mackenzie (darkskyreserve.org.nz) can be booked at the last minute.

How much does it cost?

Tours at Dark Sky Project (darkskyproject.co.nz), the visitor experience inside the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, cost from £25 per person; family deals are available.

The best package

No all-inclusive operators currently offer stargazing-specific packages, but this is an easy holiday to organise yourself. Base yourself at Lake Tekapo where double rooms at Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo (0064 3 360 1063; peppers.co.nz) cost from £121. You can sign up for stargazing with Dark Sky Project (details above), Silver River Stargazing (silverriverstargazing. com) or Big Sky Stargazing (hermitage. co.nz), soak in the hot pools at Tekapo Star Gazing (tekapo stargazing.co.nz), or visit Pūkaki Wine Cellar & Observatory (mackenzienz.com) for an evening of celestial wine tasting.