Places in New Zealand That Offer Nocturnal Thrill

When it comes to mesmerising travellers with scenic beauty, New Zealand is one country that never runs out of tricks, not even at night. There are several places all across this island nation that offer nocturnal thrill to tourists. Ranging from cave rafts to night hikes, you will find lots of things to do in the ‘land of the Maoris’ when the sun goes down. If you want you can even rent a vehicle from a New Zealand car hire company and set out on a nightly adventure, which is sure to be filled with joy and excitement.

The Tongariro Crossing

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing with its stunning sulphurous lakes and huffing volcanoes covers an area of about 19 kilometres. A night walk through the spooky silhouettes of the mountain ranges of Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe under a star-filled sky is sure to titillate your senses. However, the actual delight of this place is watching sunrise from the top of the Red Crater.

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

Having the honour of being the largest IDSR in the world, the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is one of the most exemplary places in Southern Hemisphere to witness the activity of stars in the night sky. This facility features New Zealand’s strongest telescopes that can be used for spotting more than 50 million stars.

Rakiura National Park

The Rakiura National Park is the best place to watch the graceful dancing of the southern lights, aurora australis. The site covers almost 85 per cent of sub-Antarctic Stewart Island and has extremely less light pollution.

Waitomo

The limestone caverns of Waitomo stand out as one of the most intriguing natural wonders of New Zealand. Blackwater rafting is a famous means for exploring this Stygian playground. Be a part of the rafting tour and sail through the tunnels illuminated by glowworms like galaxies in space.

Zealandia Karori Sanctuary

An eco-restoration undertaking located 10 minutes away from Wellington, the Zealandia Karori Sanctuary is one of the best places to watch wild kiwis in their natural habitat. A night tour through this ‘protected valley’ guided by rangers will allow you to see around 100 different species of nocturnal birds, tuataras, and glowworms.

Poor Knights Islands

The blue aquatic world off the coast of Poor Knights Islands is a place of unparalleled and weird beauty. The regions features a half-submerged lair of caverns, tunnels and drop-offs, the exquisiteness of which is more captivating at night.