Kaikōura was officially recognized as an International Dark Sky sanctuary on September 11th after a four year campaign by a group of passionate volunteers and local astronomers. It is just the twenty-second location globally to earn this recognition.
It is the third New Zealand sanctuary alongside Aotea Great Barrier Island and Stewart Island/Rakiura, supporting New Zealand’s intention to become a dark sky nation.
In recognition of its new status, travel experts at New Zealand In Depth have combined some of the best experiences from the region to sample the finest food, get the adrenaline pumping and experience the night sky.
From watching the region’s nationally endangered birds, to flying through the trees on a zipline; foraging to make a gourmet meal and constellation spotting from a cabin nestled in the trees, the sky doesn’t have to be the limit when it comes to this coastal gem.
“New Zealand is reaffirming itself as one of the world’s best places to experience pristine night skies thanks to Kaikōura’s recent recognition as the country’s third International Dark Sky Sanctuary together with Great Barrier Island and Stewart Island”, says Paul Carberry, New Zealand expert and founder of New Zealand In Depth.
“Kaikōura plays host to some of New Zealand’s most impressive natural landscapes and is home to the nationally endangered Hutton’s shearwater, the only seabird in the world to breed in a sub alpine environment and the catalyst behind the new lighting rules of the region.”
While you can experience Kaikōura’s unspoiled night sky from anywhere in the sanctuary’s 2,039 km area, the team at New Zealand In Depth has combined the best places to reconnect with nature and enjoy the rugged landscape Kaikōura has become renowned for.
“Nature and Night Skies” Program Details
From the great albatross and petrels to Kaikōura’s endangered Hutton’s shearwater, view the largest number of different species of seabird than anywhere along New Zealand’s picturesque coastline on a tour with Albatross Encounter.
The shallower coastal waters are rich in nutrients and provide the perfect food source for the birds and marine life residing there. A motivation behind Kaikōura becoming a Dark Sky Sanctuary was to protect the Hutton’s shearwater from crash landing due to the impact of artificial lighting.
Those keen to experience the exquisite dark skies over Kaikōura can stay at brand new Cliff Top Cabins which are nestled on the cliff’s edge and boast panoramic views over the ocean. Immerse yourself in the sounds of nature and pick out constellations while you relax in the cabin’s outdoor bath.
Thrill seekers will love Kaikōura’s brand new Ecozip where you will take a trail through native New Zealand Forest before embarking on a series of ziplines that provide a bird’s eye view of the incredible mountains rising out of the Pacific Ocean as you fly over the region’s lush farmland.
For those keen to experience Kaikōura’s dramatic vista from up high without the need for safety gear, Hapuku Tree Houses provide luxury accommodation over 10 metres above ground nestled in the canopy of a native Kanuka grove. Large windows look out over dramatic mountain ranges and provide the perfect backdrop to soak in the unspoiled night sky.
Culinary enthusiasts will enjoy reconnecting to land and sea with quality food and wine pairings from “the kitchen at the base of the world”, Hapuku Kitchen. Forage in the kitchen gardens for seasonal ingredients to cook alongside head chef, Fiona Read and enjoy sustainably farmed produce from the wild landscape of this Kaikōura gem.
20 minutes inland from Kaikōura are The Manakau PurePod’s – glass eco cabins located in an expansive landscape overlooking the Seaward Kaikōura Mountain Range. Bushwalk to your secluded luxury cabin where you will be totally off-grid and free to explore or unwind without distraction. Each cabin contains a telescope – perfect for watching nature’s free astronomical show.
“Kaikōura is a real wonder that has memorable scenery and nature sitting comfortably alongside great food and wine,” adds Paul Carberry. “This combination of slightly quirkier experiences will enable visitors to the region to fully immerse themselves in this real life sanctuary.”
