Wai-Iti

Wai-iti covers 135 hectares of Tasman District Council land on the South Island of New Zealand, including the Wai-iti Recreational Reserve and Tunnicliff Forest just south of Wakefield. The ‘Wai-Iti Domain’ was established in the late nineteenth century as a recreation reserve popular as a day trip destination from the city of Nelson, served by a rail connection from late 1872. The Domain was governed by its own trustees until the 1980’s, when all such domains were reorganized under control of local authorities. Today Wai-Iti serves its original function as a recreation destination for city dwellers from Nelson and beyond; to activities on the site lately enjoyment of the night sky has been added. The Top of the South Dark Sky Committee has helped organize sidewalk astronomy events and star parties at the park, and engages with surrounding communities in dark skies outreach and education to help keep Tasman night skies dark now and in the future.