Kaikōura
About
The Kaikōura Dark Sky Sanctuary is situated in a remote region of the South Island, Aotearoa New Zealand. Offering some of the country’s most breathtaking natural landscapes, Kaikōura’s majestic mountains lie within two ranges rising straight from the Pacific Ocean. The sanctuary covers 98% of the local district (approximately 2,039 km²), with over half of the area under protection from the Department of Conservation. Filled with stars, celestial wonders, and a stunningly clear Milky Way, it celebrates pristine dark skies that have a sky quality measuring an average of 21.58 magnitude per square arcsecond.
Kaikōura is home to the nationally endangered Hutton’s shearwater, the only seabird globally to breed in a sub-alpine environment, and the last two remaining wild breeding colonies in the entire world in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges. Kaikōura remains the last known breeding place. This fact, combined with the knowledge that Hutton’s are adversely affected by artificial lighting at night, was the inspiration for the formation of the sanctuary by the Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust.
The journey to achieving sanctuary status has been a collaborative effort involving the local community, environmental organizations, government agencies, and passionate volunteers, all of whom played a crucial role. Through educational programs, outreach initiatives, and a private plan change to the local district outdoor lighting provisions strong commitment has been shown. Achieving sanctuary status is the first milestone for the Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust to also obtain certification for the town of Kaikōura to become an International Dark Sky Community.
Self-guided nighttime public access is available in public areas across the sanctuary. Many private scenic properties also encourage stargazing. Few places in the world can boast of such natural wonders as those offered by the land and sea in Kaikōura.
Area
2,039 Sq. Km
Designated
2024
Category
International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Address
Kaikoura Dark Sky Trust
96 West End, Kaikoura 7300
New Zealand
Google Maps
Website
Contact
Documents
Application
Announcement
Annual Reports
Weather
Click here to find ideal environmental conditions for enjoying dark skies near Kaikōura, New Zealand (-42.3994, 173.6824)
