<gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/stargazi-372d.webp</image> </gallery> <gap-large/> <paragraph> You don’t need to know your constellations to enjoy the night sky. You just need darkness, time, and somewhere to look up. </paragraph> <paragraph> The <bold>Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve</bold> is one of the best stargazing spots on the planet. That’s not a tourism line — it’s official. And it shows. </break>Park up near <bold>Tekapo</bold>, <bold>Lake Pūkaki</bold>, or anywhere with low light and clear air. <bold>Skyscape</bold> near <bold>Twizel</bold> blends comfort with cosmos if you want a bed beneath the stars. Or keep it simple: a thermos, a blanket, and a reason to stay outside longer than usual. </paragraph> <paragraph> Even city edges like <bold>Banks Peninsula</bold> or the hills above <bold>Timaru</bold> give you more sky than you’re used to. Bonus: no light pollution, no crowds, no need for an app. </break>Just space — and stars. </paragraph> <gap-large/> <list> <item key="Location">Mackenzie Region & Dark Sky Reserve</item> <item key="Itinerary">Recommended Overnight</item> <item key="Distance">3 hrs from CHC Airport</item> <item key="Hours">Best After Dark</item> <item key="Price">Free (Self-guided)</item> </list>