Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the world's largest at 4,300 square kilometres, sits beneath the Southern Cross with Mount Cook's silhouette framing every astrophotograph. This enormous reserve offers views of the Milky Way that are 20% more expansive than those in #2 NamibRand, thanks to its superior latitude and low light pollution. The dramatic alpine foreground, coupled with stringent lighting controls, makes it a top destination for both casual observers and professional photographers.