New Zealand has become one of the world’s most important dark-sky destinations, with internationally recognised places across both islands. Each designation protects darkness in a different way — from vast reserves to small communities, islands, parks and sanctuaries.
10 Accredited Places | 2 Reserves | 4 Sanctuaries | 3 Parks | 1 Community
Large protected exceptionally dark-sky region with a core and surrounding protected area.
Remote, exceptionally dark place with limited artificial light.
Protected natural area recognised for dark skies.
Town or settlement recognised for dark-sky friendly lighting and community action.
The Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve is one of only two International Dark Sky Reserves in New Zealand. It is distinctive because it combines internationally recognised dark skies with easy access from Wellington, established towns, food and wine, coastal landscapes, forest parks and guided astronomy experiences.
Aoraki Mackenzie
New Zealand’s first internationally recognised Dark Sky Reserve, centred on the Mackenzie Basin and Aoraki / Mount Cook. Home to some of the country’s most celebrated mountain and night-sky landscapes.
📍 Canterbury | 📅 Recognised 2015 | 📏 4,367 km²
Wairarapa
One of only two International Dark Sky Reserves in New Zealand, combining exceptional darkness with easy access from Wellington, fabulous food and wines, coastal landscapes and astronomy experiences.
📍Wellington Region | 📅 Recognised 2023 | 📏 3,638km²
Aotea/ Great Barrier Island
New Zealand’s first Dark Sky Sanctuary, where an island community has protected exceptional night skies surrounded by the Hauraki Gulf.
📍 Auckland Region | 📅 Recognised 2017 | 📏 285 km²
Stewart Island / Rakiura
At the southern edge of New Zealand, Rakiura offers exceptional darkness, wilderness experiences and some of the country’s best opportunities to witness the Southern Lights.
📍Southland | 📅 Recognised 2019 | 📏 1,746 km²
Kaikōura
A spectacular coastal sanctuary where dark skies, ocean horizons and rugged mountain landscapes come together beneath the stars.
📍Canterbury | 📅 Recognised 2024 | 📏 2,039 km²
Tāhuna Glenorchy
Located at the gateway to Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks, Tāhuna Glenorchy combines alpine scenery, wilderness and exceptionally dark southern skies.
📍Canterbury | 📅 Recognised 2025 | 📏 2,000 km²
Wai Iti
Located at the gateway to Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks, Tāhuna Glenorchy combines alpine scenery, wilderness and exceptionally dark southern skies.
📍Tasman | 📅 Recognised 2020 | 📏 1.35 km²
Oxford Forest Conservation Area
New Zealand’s largest International Dark Sky Park, protecting native forest landscapes and exceptionally dark skies in North Canterbury.
📍Canterbury | 📅 Recognised 2024 | 📏 113.5 km²
Kawarau Gibbston
Set among the vineyards of the Gibbston Valley, this Dark Sky Park showcases how dark-sky protection can coexist with thriving rural communities and tourism.
📍Otago | 📅 Recognised 2024 | 📏 25 km²
Naseby
New Zealand’s first International Dark Sky Community, demonstrating how a small rural town can protect darkness through community action and responsible lighting.
📍Otago | 📅 Recognised 2025 | 📏 0.86 km²
2015 — Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
2017 — Aotea / Great Barrier Island Dark Sky Sanctuary
2019 — Stewart Island / Rakiura Dark Sky Sanctuary
2020 — Wai Iti Dark Sky Park
2023 — Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve
2024 — Oxford Forest, Kawarau Gibbston, Kaikōura
2025 — Tāhuna Glenorchy, Naseby
