New Zealand’s Mackenzie Basin International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR)
New Zealand’s Mackenzie Basin has been designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR) is expected to bring many more stargazers from around the world to the Canterbury region and significantly boost local tourism. This confirms New Zealand’s place as one of the world’s top stargazing destinations. Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve includes the lakeside town of Tekapo, Mt Cook Village, Twizel and the highest peaks of the Southern Alps
Covering 4300sq km over Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park and the neighbouring Mackenzie Basin, the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve forms the world’s largest such reserve.
The Mackenzie region has long been recognised as one of the best sites for viewing and researching the southern sky because of the high number of clear nights throughout the year The night sky in the Mackenzie Basin is a truly magnificent sight that is particularly fascinating for overseas visitors so make this part of your new zealand hoilday for help with planning your nz hoilday go to www.nzonline.org.nz
KiwiRail’s all new Northern Explorer train service
KiwiRail’s all new Northern Explorer train service departing Britomart Station This will introduce a new, international standard train service for the North Island. This is a different service to the Overlander with a focus on tourism and travel
The train has a brand new set of purpose-built scenic carriages which feature large panoramic windows, a GPS triggered, an at-seat commentary system, ceiling-mounted HD screens with in-carriage display maps and an open air viewing carriage.
“These new carriages are the key to revitalising the North Island service,The feedback from customers, tourism operators has been uniformly positive. The new scenic carriages will transform the North Island service into a high-value, must-do tourist experience This new service makes up part of the kiwi rail network and is a must for new zealand hoildays
A must-do tourist experience next time you are in new zealand for a new zealand holidays for more information on kiwi rails services go to their web page
