Stargazing in Australia and New Zealand with Cathay Holidays

Uncover the mysteries of the cosmos on a trip to Australia or New Zealand. Our one-of-a-kind holiday experiences allow you to see the stars in some of the region’s most stunning locations, from deserts to mountaintops to canyons – all in the company of expert guides and with advanced equipment. Book with Cathay Holidays* and earn up to HKD4 = 1.

Sunset picnic in The Pinnacles

This full-day adventure from Perth allows you to witness one of Australia’s most extraordinary sights: thousands of limestone pillars dotted across a remote desert landscape. You’ll begin with a visit to the rolling Guilderton sandhills before heading to Nilgen Nature Reserve to wander among native wildflowers, or spot bottlenose dolphins and sea lions at Hangover Bay. Come evening, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the sun setting over The Pinnacles’ incredible formations. End the day with a charming picnic dinner as you scan the night sky through a telescope.

Twilight kayak in Pokaiwhenua Canyon

Staying in Auckland? Journey down the longest river in New Zealand for a magical night-time encounter with glowworms. On this four-hour kayak tour, you’ll paddle along the peaceful waters of the spectacular Pokaiwhenua Canyon, a branch of the Waikato River flanked by towering rocks and draping ferns. Once darkness has fully descended, you’ll be able to marvel at the cosmos while thousands of titiwai – the Māori word for glowworm – illuminate your path on either side.

Mountaintop stargazing in Lake Tekapo

There are few better places for contemplating the stars than the incredible University of Canterbury Mount John Observatory in New Zealand’s South Island, overlooking Lake Tekapo and set within Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. This enlightening experience brings you to the 1,029m summit of Mount John, where an expert guide will help you navigate the night sky with the naked eye before giving you the chance to try out powerful, research-quality telescopes that reveal everything from constellations to galaxies.

Astronomy session in Wentworth Falls

What could be cosier than an evening spent gazing at the stars as you snuggle under blankets and listen to tales of the universe? This 90-minute tour takes place among the spectacular cliffs of the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. Here, you’ll learn how to identify stars and constellations with the naked eye, before using a telescope to survey planets, star clusters and even distant galaxies. As night descends, warm up with a mug of cocoa and take in the sublime beauty of your surroundings.

*Experiences are subject to availability.