One of only 22 worldwide, the Wairarapa’s International Dark Sky Reserve designation recognises the need to preserve the night sky as a natural resource and draws attention to the effects of light pollution. It helps support the governing authorities to reach their long-term conservation goals, and is also an economic driver that promotes tourism and fosters local economic growth.
What’s in a Dark Sky?
“Being selected for this prestigious list is a remarkable achievement, especially alongside experiences such as rafting the Grand Canyon and tracking elephants in Namibia,” says Roger Wigglesworth, Chair of Destination Wairarapa. “From daylight to starlight, you can explore our villages and vineyards, then marvel at the stars – with all of it easily accessible from Wellington.”
“In the Wairarapa, you can sample some of the country’s finest wines and enjoy one of its most accessible stargazing experiences”, shares Jessica Lockhart, Lonely Planet's Destination Editor Oceania.
It’s been certified by DarkSky International and meets their strict criteria (based on management, location, nighttime public access, resources and night sky quality) for protection of the night sky and minimisation of light pollution.
Our friends Hari and Sam at Star Safari measured the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve in November 2023 as high as 21.86 magnitudes / arc second squared on their TESS-W meter. So, how dark is that, you ask? Really dark!
The region’s Dark Sky Reserve is a 3,665km2 protected area that includes the Aorangi Forest Park, the core of which is 194km2.
Wairarapa’s stargazing, food and wine have been named one of the world’s top 25 experiences for 2026 by Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel - the only New Zealand experience to make this list.
Matariki
Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars that rises in the month of Pipiri (June–July).
For many Māori, Matariki heralds the start of the new year and is a time to celebrate with family, friends and those around us.
Early in the morning, just before dawn, is the optimum time to view the Matariki cluster and what better place to view it than from Wairarapa’s International Dark Sky Reserve?
Upcoming events will appear on the Matariki website so be sure to check it out to help plan your mid-winter viewing.
Things to Do and Places to Stay Under the Dark Sky
Greytown has a huge range of daytime activities to explore from the boutique shopping experiences, exquisite culinary destinations (including Greytown Distilling Co’s limited edition Dark Sky Reserve gin) right through to wedding venues. Check out these and more right here on the Country Village Heaven website under Explore.
Once the sun sets, the dark sky reveals more to do including Hari and Sam’s Star Safari where you can explore star clusters, galaxies and nebulae via their two 16" and 10” telescopes just a few minutes from Greytown on Ponatahi Road.
They offer a huge range of exciting activities to participate in (including telescope mastery courses, private experiences and gift cards), catered to suit all budgets (from $100 up to $1,380 executive plans for your business teams). Some activities are free for kids 15 and under too.
Stonehenge Aotearoa is a unique structure built on the same scale as other great stone circles throughout the world. Solstice and equinox events can be booked in advance along with an all-ages Star Trek Tour that includes lasers!
Greytown also offers a range of accommodation to ensure a luxurious and memorable overnight experience.
