Graeme Murray is a pioneering New Zealand tourism entrepreneur and dark sky advocate, widely regarded as one of the founders of modern astro‑tourism in Aotearoa. He has been instrumental in creating immersive stargazing experiences that blend scientific discovery, cultural storytelling, and environmental stewardship.
Born in Temuka, Canterbury, in December 1943, Graeme’s early career included leadership roles at Dalgety Travel and Lynn River Products, and co-founding Air Safaris in 1977, where he remained until 2001.
In the late 1990s, alongside Japanese astronomer Hide Ozawa, Graeme co-founded Earth & Sky, now known as the Dark Sky Project. Initially operating from a caravan, they began offering guided tours at Mount John Observatory. Over time, they raised funds to build new infrastructure—including a dedicated observatory facility and café—and by 2015 were attracting around 75,000 visitors a year.
Graeme’s advocacy went further: after attending UNESCO’s 2007 Starlight Conference, he helped establish the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in 2012—the world’s first ever Gold Tier Dark Sky Reserve .
Extending his vision beyond tourism, Graeme moved into cultural partnership in 2016, joining forces with Ngāi Tahu Tourism to integrate mātauranga Māori (indigenous knowledge) into the visitor experience. This collaboration led to the creation of the Rehua building, featuring immersive multimedia and a restored Brashear Telescope .
Graeme has been formally recognised for his work—appointed Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)in 2015 for services to tourism and dark sky preservation, receiving a Forsyth Barr Special Commendation in 2024, and being acknowledged in coverage of the 20-year milestone of astro‑tourism in Tekapō in 2025.
