DARK SKY KAIKŌURA
Kaikōura International Dark Sky Sanctuary
DarkSky International officially designated the Kaikōura International Dark Sky Sanctuary on 12 September 2024 – read all about it
Blessed with stunning scenery, world-famous marine life and unique birds. The land (whenua) and the sea (moana) of Kaikōura are celebrated and cherished throughout New Zealand and the world.
Filled with stars, celestial wonders and a stunningly clear Milky Way (Te Ikaroa) – It’s time to celebrate the pristine dark skies of Kaikōura as one of our hidden gems.
Our Mission
To encourage the enjoyment, enhancement, and preservation of the exceptional dark skies of Kaikōura
Our dark sky vision
The Kaikōura Dark Skies Initiative was founded in 2020 by a dedicated group of volunteers and local astronomers, driven by a shared commitment to preserving the natural darkness of our night sky.
A key inspiration behind this movement is the Hutton’s shearwater, a highly endangered seabird found only in the Kaikōura Ranges. These birds are drawn to artificial lights at night, often resulting in fatal crash landings. Protecting this species through responsible lighting practices became a catalyst for Kaikōura’s journey toward International Dark Sky Sanctuary accreditation.
On September 12, 2024, Kaikōura officially achieved International Dark Sky Sanctuary status, marking a major milestone in our conservation efforts. This achievement reflects the collaborative efforts of our community, environmental organizations, government agencies, and passionate volunteers.
Discover more about our sanctuary, night sky quality, and the Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust—and how you can help protect our incredible dark skies for generations to come.
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Enjoy our night sky
You can enjoy a pristine night sky anywhere in Kaikōura, but we’ve shared our favourite spots for relaxed self-guided stargazing. For those wanting a little more, check out our recommended immersive stargazing adventures, dining under the stars and dark sky friendly accommodation.
Protect our night sky
We are working together as a community to improve our outdoor lighting. This doesn’t mean we need to turn off all the lights, its about approved lighting being used more efficiently. Read more about light pollution, its effects, and how we can easily and instantly reduce it. Also celebrating our successes.
Find out more
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