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.

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

Chair Viv Napier receives "Tribute Award"

Each year Business Wairarapa Awards two TRIBUTES to those people that go above and beyond for their business community and contribution to Economic Development in Wairarapa, this year Viv NapierRead more

Dark Sky info evening

The Wairarapa Dark Sky Association invites you to an information evening on the newly appointed Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve. We will cover what the Dark Sky Reserve means, what opportunities itRead more

Celebrate Matariki

Celebrate Matariki at one of the many community-led events planned around the district. Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars, that rises in midwinter and for many Māori, heralds theRead more

Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve given approval

Southern Wairarapa has been confirmed as the world’s newest Dark Sky Reserve known as the “gold standard” of dark sky places by a decision of the International Dark Sky Association (IDA). FiveRead 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