Kaikōura, South Island, Aotearoa New Zealand
DarkSky International officially designated Kaikōura as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary on the 12th September 2024. The twenty-second location globally to earn this recognition, the third New Zealand sanctuary alongside Aotea Great Barrier Island and Stewart Island/Rakiura, and supporting New Zealand’s intention to become a dark sky nation. It’s an important achievement for the Kaikōura Dark Sky movement that began in 2020 to help protect the endangered Hutton’s shearwater. The recognition also underscores the continued commitment to preserving the natural darkness of the Kaikōura night sky.
Sanctuaries are the most remote (and often darkest) places in the world whose conservation state is most fragile. A Dark Sky Sanctuary is classified as public or private land that has an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural, or educational value, its cultural heritage and/or public enjoyment.
Our aim to encourage the enjoyment of our wonderful night sky, increase the protection of our environment and ecological systems, improve the health and wellbeing of our community and enhance our economic opportunities through astro-tourism.
For more information visit the Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust website.
Photo Credit: Brooke Unger
Where to View
Here are six of our favorite stargazing locations, each offering something different. Some are close to town in case you are on foot or just want a short time outside, others are in the true wilderness and warrant an overnight stay in a tent or hut (please adhere to the Kaikōura Freedom Camping Regulations).
Self-guided star gazing in Kaikōura