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What we do International Dark Sky Places

Aoraki Mackenzie

Aoraki Mackenzie (New Zealand)
The iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, located on the shores of Lake Tekapo in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Photo by Fraser Gunn.

About

The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is comprised of Aoraki / Mt. Cook National Park and the Mackenzie Basin of New Zealand’s South island. Outdoor lighting controls were first put into place in the area during the early 1980s. They have not only helped minimize light pollution for the nearby Mt. John Observatory, but also conserve energy, protect wildlife, and make the area a popular stargazing destination for tourists.

The natural night has played a critical role in the area’s history as its first residents, the Māori, not only used the night sky to navigate to the island but also integrated astronomy and star lore into their culture and daily lives. The reserve seeks to honor that history by keeping the night sky a protected and integral part of the area’s natural and cultural landscape. It’s a perfect place to protect and honor those traditions as the reserve’s Mackenzie Basin has the clearest, darkest and the most spectacular night sky in New Zealand.

Designated

2012

Category

Dark Sky Reserve

AorakiMackenzie-map-160px-160px

Address

South Island, New Zealand
Google Map

Contact

Mr. Steve Butler
Website

Land Area

4,367 km2

Documents

Application
Lighting Plan
Press Release
Annual Reports

Media

South Celestial Pole from Mt John from Chris Murphy.

(Credit: Chris Murphy / The University of Canterbury Mt. John Observatory)