The Kaikōura Visitor Centre has reopened - 75 Westend, Kaikōura

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A year ago, on 12 September 2024, Kaikōura became the world’s 22nd International Dark Sky Sanctuary and New Zealand’s third. One year on, our community celebrates a remarkable first chapter in protecting the night, enjoying its wonders and looks towards the future.

Main image – Rachel Gillespie

 

 

A Year of Milestones

Over the past 12 months we’ve seen plenty of progress:

  • District-wide lighting standards adopted, ensuring all new outdoor lighting meets dark sky approved requirements.
  • A mobile outdoor lighting display built through community collaboration, helping us visually understand what “good and not so good lighting” looks like.
  • A surge in astro tourism experiences for locals and visitors to enjoy.  In true Kaikoura style we love to be unique – zipping under the Milky Way, dining under the stars, astro selfies and expert night sky tours and storytelling. Check out ‘discover, stay, dine’.
  • Local accommodation providers begin to install unique features such as stargazing hot tubs and outdoor seating areas to create memorable night sky experiences.
  • Free Young Astronomers Programme launched by Moana Skies, sparking curiosity and confidence in our local tamariki.
  • Community stargazing evenings, hosted by the Trust and local astro tourism operators, are drawing growing crowds. Long time volunteer and trustee Brian Horsfall shares, “For years I’ve shared my telescope with anyone curious to look through it. Seeing that interest blossom is deeply rewarding.”
Star Party

Anniversary Celebrations at Fyffe House

Exactly one year after Sanctuary status on Friday 12th September, trustees, volunteers, astro tourism operators, and supportive locals returned to the historic Fyffe House for a night of toasting marshmallows and hot chocolates around the fire with some Virtual Reality stargazing!  Thank you, Alex. Despite cloudy skies, spirits were bright. Bradley McConville who helped coordinate the evening, said “Even when the weather doesn’t cooperate, the magic of the night sky brings people together. The sense of wonder is always there.”

Lighting all Beach Road

Looking Ahead

By the end of November the State Highway 1 lighting retrofit will be completed and will dramatically reduce Kaikōura’s town sky-glow at the same time, provide clearer, safer lighting for everyone on the road and footpaths.

Moana Skies’ adult astronomy programme begins on Wednesday 1st October for six weeks. Aimed at complete beginners and anyone keen to learn more to enhance their enjoyment of the night sky.

Early 2026 we will see the debut of the first Kaikōura Night Sky Calendar, featuring breathtaking images from taken by jwpkphotography across the district with all profits supporting the Trust’s ongoing work.

 

Lisa Bond, Chair of the Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust, sums it up: “Our first year has been about strengthening lighting standards, building community pride, and growing awareness. The years ahead are about building momentum so Kaikōura’s skies can shine ever brighter.”

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