Whales may typically be Kaikōura’s star attraction — but tonight — the stars themselves are taking the spotlight.
The coastal community has officially been designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, a dream which has been more than a decade in the making.
It is the third sanctuary in New Zealand alongside Aotea Great Barrier Island and Stewart Island/Rakiura.
It’s an important achievement for the Kaikōura Dark Sky movement that began more than a decade ago 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. The Kaikōura Sanctuary covers 98% of the region.
Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust chairperson Nicky McArthur, whose enthusiasm first drew interested people together, said she felt “the journey has been a collaborative effort involving our local community, dedicated volunteers, environmental organisations and government agencies, all of whom played a crucial role”.
“After a four-year journey it’s pretty amazing and we’re all incredibly excited,” she said.
Kaikōura Mayor Craig Mackle admitted he was sceptical initially but said he was now excited about the project.
“I’m a convert.”
The Kaikōura District Council has supported the project from the outset. Its chief executive officer Will Doughty said it is “fantastic” to see the hard work and dedication of so many culminate in achieving accreditation.
“Through educational programmes, outreach initiatives, and a private plan change to the local district outdoor lighting provisions, strong commitment has been shown. This certification highlights the exceptional quality of the night skies and the region’s invaluable natural resources, underscoring the need for protection and celebration.”
Local astronomer Larry Field is helping set up camera stands on the Kaikōura Peninsula so visiting astro-tourists know they’re pointing their lenses at the most impressive constellations.
“Appreciating the dark sky of Kaikōura, which is quite exquisite, and learning about the stars and astronomy and participating in taking images I think will make it a very good stop for people,” Field said.
Dark Sky International vice president Nalayini Brito said in New Zealand, Kaikōura would be “the 8th such place” to be given the designation.
“So, it is really a very special honour to be given this certification.”
On top of this, she said a new category is in the pipeline for a Dark Sky Nation, and New Zealand is hoping to be the first country awarded that title.
As the community celebrated the announcement last night around an outdoor fire, with telescopes pointing skyward, McArthur had this message: “Half our life is night, and the sky is absolutely extraordinary, so take a deep breath and look up at all night skies, but Kaikōura’s night sky is quite exceptional.”
