The week in travel: June 11-15, 2012 Aoraki Mackenzie Basin New Zealand's Aoraki Mackenzie Basin was designated an International Dark Sky reserve earlier this week, making it the world's largest dark-sky reserve. It was also awarded the top-level gold status for its nearly light-pollution free skies. Covering 4,300 sq kilometres, the Mackenzie Basin is one of the best spots for star-gazing, with a high number of clear nights per year and year-round, clear views of the Magellanic Clouds. See upcoming astronomical events