Kaikōura Has Become New Zealand’s Third Dark Sky Sanctuary

Kaikōura, the whale-watching capital of New Zealand, has been recognised as a Dark Sky Sanctuary – the country’s third place to earn this status and only the 22nd worldwide.

This initiative is both a step towards preserving Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique wildlife and recognising the significance of the night sky to Māori, for both navigation and harvesting.

The status keeps the country on course for its goal of becoming the world’s first ‘Dark Sky Nation’.

Stars sparkle above Kaikōura

What does the designation mean?

Dark Sky Sanctuaries are awarded to locations where the stars burn brightly, thanks to a concerted effort to reduce excessive artificial light.

This small coastal town, 180km north of Christchurch, is home to the Kaikōura tītī, or Hutton’s shearwater. To the northwest, the Kaikōura Range rises steeply above the ocean and it’s here that the world’s last two remaining wild breeding colonies of these seabirds are found.

The Kaikōura Range erupts out of the ocean

Vice President of DarkSky International, Nalayini Brito-Davies, says, ‘This fact, combined with the knowledge that Hutton’s are adversely affected by artificial lighting, was the inspiration for the formation of the Kaikōura Sanctuary’.

There are also positives to this light reduction that reach our everyday lives. Nicky McArthur, chair of the Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust says limiting light pollution ‘contributes to the conservation of energy through the use of efficient lighting solutions and provides many human health benefits’.

Where are New Zealand’s other Dark Sky Sanctuaries?

Aotea Great Barrier Island was recognised as New Zealand’s first Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2017. 100km east of Auckland, 60% of this ancient volcanic island is under Department of Conservation management. With Mount Heale Hut nestled near the summit of its highest mountain, a treat awaits stargazers who also happen to be hikers.

Read more: How to Become a Stargazing Know It All

Rakiura Stewart Island has been a sanctuary for five years. Situated 60km from the southern tip of the South Island, this island owes its sanctuary status to its remoteness and tiny population. Home to the Rakiura Track, night sky spotters might find themselves distracted by the numerous kiwi birds that also emerge after dark.

Photos by Miles Holden