Your starry night starts in Waitaki

Combine your love for stargazing, photography, and excellent hospitality with two luxury experiences in Waitaki – Pen-y-bryn Lodge and The Lindis. 

Waitaki is blessed to be a region that boasts clear, starry night skies, an experience only elevated in the crispness of winter. Spanning 7,200 kilometres across the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global GeoPark, the skies are clear and bright on a good night due to the minimal light pollution.  

Feel inspired for a starry-skyed getaway or as part of an epic South Island road trip. Waitaki is an easy drive from the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve or continue your journey after Waitaki to Ōtepoti Dunedin for even more rugged beauty. 

A nebula captured through James' telescope

ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY AT PEN-Y-BRYN LODGE 

If you love a spot of astrophotography, then Pen-y-bryn Lodge is the place to do it.  

Meet James, your friendly co-host and a well-known local photographer in the Waitaki region. Specialising in landscapes and astrophotography, James encourages all camera enthusiasts to have a go during their stay with their own equipment. 

“We have a lot less light pollution than other places in the country. The council has recently changed the streetlights so they’re dimmable at night,” he says.  

“Where we are on the outskirts of town, there’s really nothing around us, and we have a large patio where we can set up and get pictures easily.”  

Using three or four different telescopes for his own images, James loves to capture the nebulae, Milky Way, and Aurora (when it’s out!). 

“The Southern Hemisphere in particular is full of nebulas, which are very interesting to photograph. Some of the greatest nebulae are only visible from the Southern Hemisphere, so it’s a big draw for people…they always envy us down here,” he adds.  

To continue your stargazing journey, an evening viewing at the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony is a must. On a clear night, visitors can see the twinkling of stars above the penguins as they return home from the sea.  

James suggests booking dinner at their in-house private restaurant to coincide with nightly activities. Prepared with local and seasonal ingredients, Pen-y-bryn offers a fine-dining experience with impeccable table service.  

Plus, photography and food can go hand in hand. James suggests guests set up their camera over a pre-dinner drink before checking in between courses. The next day, breakfast provides the perfect opportunity to look over the photos and begin to process. And we recommend you flick through some of James’ photography books for some inspiration.  

The Lindis in Ahuriri Valley

THE LINDIS EXPERIENCE 

If you’re after something extra-luxurious, book your stay at The Lindis. 

The Lindis is on Ben Avon Station in the dramatic landscape of the Ahuriri Valley. The epitome of modern luxury, The Lindis offers a unique experience off the beaten track. Stay in a suite with sweeping mountain views or hide yourself away in a beautifully designed Pod hidden from the main Lodge.  

Lodge Manager Jonathan Mazzucco says he’s visited many countries in his life, but the Ahuriri Valley never ceases to amaze him. 

“I started photography when I was 15, and it’s something I really enjoyed as a kid. I particularly love photographing the stars. When I arrived at The Lindis, I was amazed to see the Milky Way with just my eyes. I think it’s the best spot on Earth for capturing pictures of the stars.” 

To make your Lindis experience extra special, Jonathan recommends you book a stargazing tour, guided by their astrophotographer Joseph. Look through a professional telescope while keeping cosy with a hot beverage and a merino blanket.  

“The stars in the Ahuriri Valley are absolutely incredible, as it borders the world’s largest dark sky reserve, providing access to some of the purest and darkest skies on the planet.” 

If you’re after a culinary feast, book a private reservation for fine-dining at The Black Diamond Signature Experience. Horse-trek high-country style to the remote reaches of the Ahuriri Valley before being met with champagne, a picnic, or a BBQ hosted by a Lindis chef.  

Whether you’re seated at The Black Diamond, or nestled in your room at the Lodge below, take a moment to gaze at the dramatic landscapes. Surrounded by only mountains, rivers, merino sheep, and angus bulls, the dark starry night is sure to capture your imagination.