Kaikōura named New Zealand’s newest International Dark Sky Sanctuary Kaikōura named New Zealand’s newest International Dark Sky Sanctuary

Renowned for its whalewatching experiences, Aotearoa New Zealand’s coastal town of Kaikōura has now also been recognised for its starry skies. Kaikōura became the 22^nd location in the world – and the third in New Zealand – to be designated a sanctuary by DarkSky International, an organisation fighting against light pollution.

The status is only awarded to locations with exceptional quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and public enjoyment. New Zealand’s other existing Dark Sky sanctuaries include Great Barrier Island (Aotea) and Stewart Island, whose Māori name Rakiura translates to ‘glowing skies’.

Kaikōura has a sky quality of 21.58 mag/arcsec² – on a scale ranging from 16 (for polluted urban skies) to 22 (for perfect darkness). The Dark Skies initiative recommends six favourite stargazing locations: Mount Fyffe car park is a remote spot tucked away within the mountain peaks, while Kaikōura Lookout sits conveniently on the edge of town. Those who would prefer a coastal stargazing experience should consider South Bay Reserve, Pohowhera, Point Kean, or Fyffe House.

The region’s endangered birds, Hutton’s shearwater, can also fly safely in the newly-designated sanctuary. Their plight inspired activists to found the Kaikōura Dark Skies movement in 2020.

The shearwaters, or tītī in Māori, are seabirds that mature from fluffy grey chicks into adults with dark-beige feathers and white bellies. They are the only seabird to breed in a sub-alpine environment – high up mountains just below the tree-line – with their last two breeding colonies in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges.

Artificial lights can disorient the shearwaters, entrancing them to circle for hours and causing them to crash-land. Once grounded, the birds cannot take off again without water, resulting in them falling victim to cars or predators. Other organisms such as pollinating insects and frogs are also disrupted by light pollution.

Aside from protecting shearwaters, the Kaikōura Dark Sky movement also cited energy conservation and human health as benefits of safeguarding the region’s night sky.

Chair of the Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust, Nicky McArthur, said: “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.”

International Dark Sky Places Program Manager, Amber Harrison, said: “This certification highlights the exceptional quality of the night skies and the region’s invaluable natural resources, underscoring the need for protection and celebration. The Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust & Working Group is committed to expanding these protections by partnering with neighbouring communities, including the township of Kaikōura.

“Through collaboration, they aim to mitigate threats to the sanctuary and broaden conservation efforts across the wider landscape. Such initiatives are crucial to safeguarding our dark skies for future generations” she concluded.

To learn more about the world’s International Dark Sky Sanctuaries, go to darksky.org