Wairarapa Dark Sky

Protect

Seeing the night sky is a natural amenity for us all, along with access to the sea, forests and other nature experiences.

Educate

Our role is to take the community on a journey to understand why the reserve status is important, how we can all be part of it. We have an aspiration not only to maintain the status but improve it.

Enjoy

There are plenty of ways to embrace and enjoy our night skies from learning how to find a constellation to enjoying one of the many experiences available.

Carterton gets ready to launch!

Carterton is gearing up to celebrate Space Week from the 5th of October to the 11th of October 2024. World Space Week is an international celebration of science and technology, and their contributionRead more

Dark Sky steering group set up.

A region-wide special steering group which the Dark Sky Reserve Association are part of has been formed to promote Wairarapa’s accredited dark sky reserve status. Read more in this Wairarapa TimeRead more

Matariki celebrations to enjoy in the Wairarapa

There are plenty of ways to celebrate Matariki in the Wairarapa. See a full line up thanks to the Destination Wairarapa team who drive the development of all astro tourism and promote activities Read more

Dark sky tourism a focus

Tourism minister backs move to attract stargazing travellers Tourism Minister Matt Doocey has voiced his support of Dark Sky tourism, citing the appeal to international visitors and the associatedRead more

Wairarapa Dark Sky coin released!

We were thrilled to be chosen to be part of a project to develop a new set of collectible coins by NZ Post. The coins have now been released and you can head this way to find out more about the darkRead more

Met Service launch new Astrophotography radar

Met service introduce a new Astrophotography page, developed in partnership with Samsung. See real time cloud cover 24 hours a day with our new NZ infrared satellite imagery, updated every 10Read more

Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve AGM

Dark Sky accomodation a new opportunity!

Dark Sky International has launched an exciting new accreditation category for accomodation providers. This months article in The Martinborough Star detailed the potential that local business couldRead more

Chatting the dark sky reserve on Arrow FM show The Night Sky

Chair Viv Napier and Coordinator Charlotte Harding were invited on as guests to talk about the Dark Sky reserve with hosts Richard and Kay from the Arrow FM show The Night Sky. Read more

Accomodation providers set to highlight the magic of our Dark Skies

Destination Wairarapa has created a go-to guide for accommodation providers in the reserve to share with guests to highlight the reserve, how to enjoy it and a little bit of inspiration onRead more

Masterton working to join the Reserve

As part of their annual plan Masterton District Council (MDC) committed to commencing the process to become accredited as part of the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve. The International Dark SkiesRead more

Carkeek Observatory work not too late?

It was the mid-1980’s when astronomy historians located the remains of the star-gazers’ observatory built by Stephen Carkeek in 1868 on his farm near Featherston – and now one of the potentialRead more

Rimutaka Crossing, Night & Light Photography

Rimutaka Crossing, Night & Light Photography

Coastal Stairways, Chris Murphy, Last Quarter Photography

Coastal Stairways, Chris Murphy, Last Quarter Photography

Lake Wairarapa, Night & Light Photography

Lake Wairarapa, Night & Light Photography

Boggy Pond at night, Night & Light Photography

Boggy Pond, Night & Light Photography

Milky Way over Lake Wairarapa, Pete Monk Photography

Milky Way over Lake Wairarapa, Pete Monk Photography

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WDSRA is a Charitable Trust no. CC58475