Where should you go? What should you see? And where are the darkest skies?
This interactive map, created and curated over several years, brings together observatories, stargazing locations, dark-sky friendly accommodation, DOC huts and some of Wairarapa’s most remarkable places to explore.
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Helping visitors discover the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve since 2022.
The Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve protects some of New Zealand’s darkest and most spectacular night skies. Covering the Carterton and South Wairarapa districts and centred on the Aorangi Forest Park, the reserve connects communities, visitors and future generations with the natural darkness of the night.
Located just over an hour from Wellington, it is one of only two International Dark Sky Reserves in New Zealand and one of the country’s most accessible dark sky destinations
The Reserve at a glance
Total reserve area
Aorangi Forest Park Core
South Wairarapa District
Carterton District
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Masterton District
Working towards joining the reserve
Light pollution affects health, nature, culture and how we use resources. The good news is that we can get rid of it with the flick of a switch.
For most of human history, nights were dark. Artificial light can disrupt sleep, affect circadian rhythms and reduce our connection with natural day and night cycles. Protecting dark skies helps create healthier places for people to live, rest and thrive.
Many native birds, insects and other species rely on natural darkness for feeding, breeding and navigation. Reducing unnecessary light helps protect ecosystems and preserve the natural rhythms of the environment.
It links us to our ancestors, to science, to exploration and to the shared human experience of looking up in wonder. Dark skies remind us that we are part of something larger than ourselves.
Good lighting saves money. Poorly directed lighting wastes energy, increases costs and contributes to light pollution. In many communities, a significant portion of outdoor lighting shines upwards into the sky instead of where it is needed. Dark-sky friendly lighting helps reduce waste, lower energy use and support a more sustainable future.
Experience the night sky with knowledgeable guides, telescopes and interpretation.
Explore guided experiences →
Explore some of the observatories helping connect people with astronomy in Wairarapa.
Explore observatories →
Join community observing nights, special celestial events and public astronomy gatherings throughout the year.
Find events →
Discover astronomy, space exploration and dark sky topics through talks, presentations and community discussions.
Explore talks →
An annual celebration of astronomy, space science and exploration featuring talks, exhibitions, workshops and community events.
Discover Space Week →
Explore beaches, hilltops, forest parks, DOC huts and dark-sky locations at your own pace using the curated interactive map.
Start exploring →
The Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve was created through collaboration between local communities, organisations, councils, land managers, businesses and volunteers who recognised the value of protecting the region’s night skies.
The international dark sky movement begins
The International Dark-Sky Association is established to protect the night environment and reduce light pollution.
Aotearoa’s first reserve begins its journey
Work begins in the Mackenzie region towards what would become the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Aoraki Mackenzie becomes an International Dark Sky Reserve
New Zealand gains its first International Dark Sky Reserve, showing that dark sky protection can work at landscape scale.
The Wairarapa idea takes shape
In Martinborough, Ray Lilley starts the conversation and together with David Kershaw MNZM and Lee Mauger they help spark the idea about protecting the region’s night skies. The Martinborough Dark Sky Society is formed.
From local idea to regional application
The vision grows from a Martinborough initiative into a regional dark sky reserve proposal. Communities, councils, land managers, businesses, astronomers and volunteers work together on sky quality, lighting, education, consultation and the formal application.
International approval
The Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve application is approved by DarkSky International.
The reserve is announced
Wairarapa is publicly announced as an International Dark Sky Reserve, recognising both the quality of the region’s skies and the community effort to protect them.
A new phase begins
Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve Incorporated becomes the official organisation supporting the reserve’s future through protection, education and community engagement.
Protecting the night continues
Dark sky status is not a finish line. It depends on ongoing care: responsible lighting, community support, education, visitor awareness and a shared commitment to keeping Wairarapa’s night sky alive.
