We’re thrilled to announce Rangi Takō | Winterstellar, one of Aotearoa’s most breathtaking astrophotography exhibitions, is coming to Kaikōura in March.
6th to 21st March 2026
Mayfair Arts & Culture Centre, Kaikōura
Gallery Hours:
- Tue: 2pm — 8pm
- Wed–Fri: 4pm — 10pm
- Sat & Sun: 1pm — 10pm
Rangi Takō | Winterstellar is a visual celebration of the universe from sweeping views of the Southern Milky Way to delicate nebulae and celestial wonders rarely seen with the naked eye. It blends technical mastery with pure artistic imagination, transforming night skies into works of art that captivate both astrophiles and art lovers alike.
This stunning touring show brings together over 30 world-class astrophotographic works from 21 internationally celebrated photographers, showcasing the beauty of the night sky over Aotearoa’s dark places, including imagery that has featured in National Geographic, NASA, and the BBC.
rangi takō | clear skies time-lapse film
In addition to photographic prints, the exhibition will show rangi takō | clear skies, a mesmerising time-lapse film with original music that brings our southern hemisphere skies to life. Viewing times to be confirmed but will be on the opening night on the 6th at 6.30pm and on Saturday 21st March from 2pm – 3pm.
Film viewing sessions
The cinema has been hired on two dates to view the 15-minute short film on a repeated loop.
Session One – Friday 6th March – from 6.30pm to 7.30pm (opening night)
Session Two – Friday 20th March – 2.45pm
Session Three – Saturday 21st March – 2.00 to 3.00pm
Constellation Art Challenge
A key feature of the exhibition is the inspiration for the 2026 Constellation Art Challenge. Visitors, particularly young people and families or artists are invited to reimagine the Scorpius/Māui’s Fish Hook constellation in a creative and interactive way. View the entry details here. The artworks can be in any medium, but always from the same inspiration point, the same combination of stars.
Creations to be submitted by the 31st March. Sponsored prizes for best entries will be awarded and copies of selected images will become part of its own exhibition and video at the end of the year.
Opening Event
Friday 6th March
From 6pm — Mayfair Arts & Culture Centre
Everyone is welcome to join us as we launch this extraordinary experience together.
Why It Matters for Kaikōura
As part of our journey celebrating and protecting Kaikōura’s pristine night skies and recognising our International Dark Sky Sanctuary status this exhibition invites our community and visitors alike to look up with curiosity and awe. The images on display aren’t just beautiful; they are a reminder of why dark skies matter — culturally, scientifically, and ecologically.
Whether you’re a local stargazer, a visitor, an aspiring young photographer, or just someone who loves a great cultural experience under the stars, Rangi Takō | Winterstellar is not to be missed.
Support
A huge thank you to Creative New Zealand for supporting this project and allowing this exhibition to come to our community.