Our Purpose
The Kaikōura Dark Skies Initiative was founded in 2020 by passionate volunteers and local astronomers dedicated to preserving the natural darkness of our skies. This vision led to the formation of the Kaikōura Dark Sky Charitable Trust in 2022.
Our goal was to achieve Dark Sky International Sanctuary Accreditation, recognizing Kaikōura as a protected night sky area. This initiative will bring environmental benefits, support wildlife conservation, and promote community well-being by reducing light pollution. We are now working towards Dark Sky International Community Accreditation for the township itself.
Kaikōura is a unique coastal region on New Zealand’s South Island, spanning from the Pacific Ocean to the Kaikōura Ranges, and stretching between Oaro in the South to beyond Kekerengu in the North. (Approximately 2,048 km²)
This website serves as a hub for information, events, and resources on how you can help protect our pristine night skies.
Kaikōura International Dark Sky Sanctuary
On 12th September 2024, the Kaikōura International Dark Sky Sanctuary was officially designated, becoming the 22nd sanctuary accredited worldwide. 🌌✨
Covering 98% of the Kaikōura region (approximately 2,039 km²), this sanctuary boasts a low population density—with an estimated 1,730 residents (Stats NZ, June 2020). That’s less than one person per km², making it an ideal location for preserving natural darkness and minimizing light pollution.
This designation recognizes Kaikōura as a globally significant site for stargazing, wildlife protection, and environmental conservation, ensuring the night sky remains pristine for generations to come.
Sanctuary status is awarded to locations that possess an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and public enjoyment.
Protecting Kaikōura’s Dark Skies
The dark skies of Kaikōura are already recognized and protected as an important scientific, natural, and scenic resource. Over half of the Kaikōura International Dark Sky Sanctuary is under public ownership, primarily within New Zealand’s Conservation Estate, including:
- Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Conservation Park
- Various Department of Conservation Reserves
Kaikōura is fortunate to have a strong culture of environmental preservation, with many organizations working tirelessly to protect the region’s natural beauty and wildlife. This commitment is demonstrated by:
- Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura, ensuring cultural and environmental guardianship
- Government agencies like the Department of Conservation and Environment Canterbury
- Local private landowners and charitable trusts, actively supporting conservation and sustainable practices such as Puhi Peaks Station.
Together, these efforts help safeguard Kaikōura’s night sky, ensuring it remains a pristine and valuable resource for future generations.
Kaikōura: A Critical Sanctuary for Hutton’s Shearwater
Kaikōura is home to the nationally endangered Hutton’s shearwater (Puffinus huttoni), the only seabird in the world that breeds in a subalpine environment. The last two remaining wild breeding colonies exist solely in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges, making Kaikōura quite literally their last breeding place on Earth.
Hutton’s shearwaters are highly vulnerable to artificial lighting at night, which can disorient fledgling birds, leading to fatal crash-landings. Recognizing this threat, the need to protect Kaikōura’s natural darkness became a driving force behind the creation of the Kaikōura International Dark Sky Sanctuary. By minimizing light pollution, we are helping to safeguard the future of this unique species and preserve the delicate balance of Kaikōura’s ecosystem.
Help Us Protect Kaikōura’s Night Skies – Donate Today
We are a not-for-profit charity dedicated to preserving the natural darkness of Kaikōura’s skies. Our work relies on the generosity of volunteers, donors, and grants to make a real difference.
Every donation—big or small—helps us continue our mission to protect our environment, support our wildlife, and maintain Kaikōura’s status as a world-class Dark Sky Sanctuary.
Every bit counts! Your support helps fund vital initiatives like night sky conservation, education, and community outreach.
Donate today and be part of something truly special.
Proposed International Dark Sky Community
Light pollution from the township of Kaikōura could become a potential future threat if not controlled. Fortunately with the new lighting provisions and the desire to become an International Dark Sky Community this risk is being mitigated. The Trust will be submitted an application later in 2024.
Quality of our Night Sky
The darkness of our night sky within the Kaikōura International Dark Sky Sanctuary has been monitored since 2020 by members of the working group. Observations from various sites consistently show that our average night sky quality exceeds 21.5 mpsas (magnitude per square arcsecond), confirming exceptional darkness levels.
Scientific Methodology
To ensure accurate and standardized measurements, we use a scientific approach based on the magnitude per square arcsecond (mpsas) metric. Readings are taken using a handheld Unihedron Dark Sky Quality Meter (SQM-L unit), a widely recognized tool for assessing night sky brightness.
Observation Sites
A total of 16 observation sites are monitored across the Sanctuary. These locations are:
✅ Situated on public land with easy vehicle access
✅ Represent all four cardinal directions (North, West, South, East)
✅ Include sites along the coastline and inland areas
For safety reasons, nighttime monitoring was conducted around the mountain edges, but darker skies are expected in the higher elevations. The data collected at these sites provides strong evidence of Kaikōura’s pristine night sky, reinforcing the importance of ongoing protection efforts.
Results: Night Sky Quality Measurements
Night sky brightness measurements were taken across 16 observation sites at different times of the year, providing a clear picture of Kaikōura’s exceptional dark sky quality.
📍 December 2023
Average: 21.64 mpsas
Median: 21.635 mpsas
📍 April 2024
Average: 21.50 mpsas
Median: 21.515 mpsas
Notes: Possible impact from the overhead position of the Milky Way and zodiacal light.
📍 May 2024
Average: 21.60 mpsas
Median: 21.61 mpsas
Overall Average: 21.58 mpsas
Overall Median: 21.585 mpsas
These measurements exceed the International Dark Sky Sanctuary (IDSS) minimum requirement of 21.5 mpsas, further demonstrating Kaikōura’s outstanding night sky quality.
Who we are
We are a passionate group from diverse industries and backgrounds, united by our commitment to protecting and promoting Kaikōura’s pristine night skies.
Meetings
We hold regular meetings on the fourth Friday of every second month at the Encounter Café Conference Room (96 Esplanade). Everyone is welcome to join and learn more about our work. Feel free to reach out to find out when our next meeting is happening!
Our Team
Trustees:
⭐ Nicky McArthur – Trust Chair
⭐ Peter Sutton – Trust Treasurer
⭐ Larry Field – Science & Lighting Lead
⭐ Brian Horsfall – Outreach Lead
⭐ Kyra Xavia – IDA Dark Sky Advisor
⭐ Will Doughty – Kaikōura District Council CEO
⭐ Chris McFetrish
Additional Key Members:
📌 Lisa Bond – Destination Kaikōura
📌 Ann McCaw – Trust Secretary & Heritage NZ
📌 Ted Howard – Hutton’s Shearwater Charitable Trust Representative
📌 Jemima Rodden – Department of Conservation Representative
📌 Lynette Buurman – Encounter Foundation
📌 Rachel Gillesbie – NZ Travel Adventure
📌 Bradley McConnelly – Moana Skies
📌 Colette Doughty – Project Coordinator
PHOTO – Kaikōura Dark Sky Working Group Members – (Sadly, not everyone is in this photo!)
Together, we are working towards ensuring Kaikōura remains a world-class dark sky destination, benefiting our environment, wildlife, and community.
RASNZ Affiliation
Kaikōura is an affiliated member of the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand.
The object of the Society is the promotion and extension of knowledge of astronomy and related branches of science. It encourages interest in Astronomy, and is an association of observers and others for mutual help and advancement of science. It was founded in 1920 as the New Zealand Astronomical Society and assumed its present title on receiving the Royal Charter in 1946. In 1967 it became a Member Body of the Royal Society of New Zealand.
