Home to dark clear skies and unique celestial shows, New Zealand is a prime stargazing destination. The Bay of Islands is your perfect getaway — let the spectacle of stars in the night sky relax and amaze you.
An overnight cruise is an ideal venue for stargazing. From Paihia Wharf we cruise out and anchor in a secluded bay, then go night kayaking. You can paddle softly and pause for a while to admire the vast Milky Way.
STARGAZING TIPS FOR YOUR OVERNIGHT CRUISE
- Plan around the lunar cycle — Book during the new moon or crescent moon for the least amount of moonlight and the best stargazing.
- Pack binoculars — Having binoculars while aboard The Rock or out night kayaking will truly make a difference.
- Study a star chart — Even basic knowledge about astronomy helps you understand what you're seeing. Identify constellations, spot planets and make the most of the experience.
- Find the best spot on the boat — The Rock has observational decks upstairs with amazing views of the starry night, and sometimes even shooting stars. On many occasions when the sky is clear, our crew use a laser pointer to point out the southern sky constellations. Out in the Bay of Islands we are distant from city light pollution, allowing a clear view of the stars and satellites.
Be patient in stargazing — you won't see everything at once, but constantly try to learn and you'll get to appreciate the natural wonders of nature more and more.