- Site map Our enthusiastic ambassadors will guide you through the starry southern night skies and beyond, sharing their knowledge on the basics of astronomy and acquainting you with the amazing display above. And these are the best viewing spots around the country for the Aurora Australis from March to September. The longest of New Zealand’s glaciers, the Tasman Glacier is 27kms long and 4kms wide. Recently, 4,300 square kilometres of New Zealand’s South Island was recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve, the largest reserve of this type worldwide. Keen stargazers will see amazing constellations that can only be seen in the southern hemisphere, including the Southern Cross, to the Magellanic Clouds and the Milky Way. (It's like magic!) In particular, the South Island has recently become International Dark Sky Reserve. Becoming the world's first dark sky country could be a boon for small communities and encourage more visitors to travel outside peak season. The landscape in the Reserve outside these communities comprises a vast high country tussock plateau called the Mackenzie Basin, right in the centre of New Zealand’s South Island, carved out by glaciers in past ice ages, the last one being some 18,000 years ago. Welcome to the World's largest International Dark Sky Reserve, t he 4367sq km Gold Status Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserves lays in the heart of the Mt Cook National Park. SPONSORSDark Sky ProjectMt Cook Lakeside Retreat, © Copyright Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve Department of Conservation lighting controls apply in the National Park. Mackenzie Basin And a hundred kilometers to the south, the Hawkdun Range in Central Otago is nearly always clearly visible. HON MARGARET AUSTIN          Advisor on world heritage issues; honorary board member. One of New Zealand’s most iconic photo locations is on the shores of Lake Tekapo. Apart from tourism, the main economic activity in the Mackenzie Basin is sheep farming. A dark-sky preserve (DSP), also known as a dark sky reserve, is an area, usually surrounding … Views from the top of alpine landscapes during the day, and unrivalled wide open skies at night. Far from city lights, and under strictly controlled local ordinances, the gold-rated dark sky reserve … The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is the world’s largest such reserve (4367 square km), the first in the southern hemisphere and the first to be declared with gold tier status, the highest that can be accorded, and its formation is a recognition of the pristine skies of the Mackenzie which are essentially completely free of light pollution. The 4,300sq km area is inside the Mackenzie Basin of the South Island, which encapsulates Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and the villages of Tekapo, Twizel and Mt Cook. The tour operates from the renowned facilities of Tekapo Springs, combining the stunning Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve with our soul-warming hot pools. In 2012, the 4300sq km area was declared as the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is the southern hemisphere’s sole dark sky reserve and one of only eight in the world. These are the permanent resident populations, but the figures in all three communities more than double with the tourist population in the summer months. Aoraki/Mount Cook is New Zealand's highest and tallest mountain at 3,724 metres (12,218 feet). New Zealand's most famous astronomy destination is 4300 sqare kilometre Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in the South Island which attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. With frequent clear skies, minimal light pollution, and by being the Southern Hemisphere, you can see unique star features on tours using specialist equipment, or simply walk out of your front door and look up. Sign up to receive news updates STEVE BUTLERChair of the AMIDSR Board, Invercargill. The only dark sky reserves in the southern hemisphere, it’s touted as one of the best destinations for stargazers on the planet. Dark Sky Reserves are officially awarded areas where night visibility and light pollution are perfect for that star gazing experience. In 2012, the 4300 square kilometre area was declared the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, with light pollution strictly controlled in the area. Our approach is to increase awareness, understanding and enjoyment of New Zealand’s dark night skies. It reveals a plenty of unique constellations. New Zealand has three accredited dark sky sites - Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, Great Barrier Island Dark Sky Sanctuary and the Stewart Island/Rakiura Dark Sky Sanctuary, but there are plans to create a country-wide haven of the night sky. Mackenzie Basin Dark Sky NZ is an environmentally committed organisation. We're proud to be regarded as leaders in astro-tourism and stargazing experiences. The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is managed by a board of dedicated people with wide ranging skills and interests. A dark sky reserve needs to be ratified by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA), which has to sign off a number of factors, including light quality, and – to no surprise – darkness. Website Builder - Website World, © Copyright Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve He said the area was chosen for the lack of artificial light infiltration. The Basin is ringed by mountains in all directions, the Southern Alps and Ben Ohau Range to the west, the Two Thumb Range to the east, the Sibbald Range to the north. The ultimate in stellar relaxation, Tekapo Star Gazing is the only guided hot pools and star gazing experience in New Zealand. REBECCA GREATREXAMIDSR Board Secretary, amateur astronomer, Geraldine. Good Heavens is a group of trained Dark Sky Ambassadors based right here on Great Barrier Island. There are a number of ways to take a stargazing tour in the Mackenzie Region. New Zealand holds the world’s largest dark sky reserve, the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. Bright blue turquoise hue and stunning alpine, this lake is a dream location for photographers. Enjoy a range of delicious options from our menu and cabinet selection during the day and early evening. Apr 30, 2020 - Plan your visit to the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in New Zealand. New Zealand The Only Dark Sky Reserve in the Southern Hemisphere But this is not all: Lake Tekapo, stretching 25 km north to south, radiates with a magnificent turquoise-blue hue. Aoraki/Mackenzie is New Zealand's only current reserve. The recognition of the new reserve was announced at the opening of the Starlight Conference held in Tekapo in June 2012. The Ordinance controls exterior lighting in use (type of lights allowed, times at which they may be on, the need for full-cut off luminaires and the requirement to filter light sources that emit blue light.). The Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. New Zealand literally holds some of the best stargazing locations in the world the Aoraki Mt Cook Mackenzie region is the largest International Dark Sky Reserve. KAYE PAARDEKOOPERTourism Sector, Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat & Pukaki Observatory, Lake Pukaki, GAVIN 'SNOW' LOXTONTekapo farmer and environmentalist, Tekapo. "A Dark Sky Reserve needs to be at least 700 square kilometres - it's a much larger area, and the next designation down is Dark Sky Park." Located on Takapō (Tekapo) lakefront, Dark Sky Diner boasts spectacular views day and night. Dark Sky Project is located in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the largest Dark Sky Reserve in the world and the first to be awarded gold tier status, Takapō (Tekapo) is one of the quietest spots on the planet yet it has one of the busiest night skies in the universe. Assoc Prof KAREN POLLARDDirector of Mt John Observatory University of Canterbury, Christchurch. There are only 3 Gold Rated Dark Sky Reserves in the world, two of which are in the Southern Hemisphere in Namibia and New Zealand and one in the Northern Hemisphere in Ireland. We discuss the dark sky reserve in New Zealand and what is the best season for stargazing in New Zealand. Covering much of the Aoraki/Mount Cook Mackenzie region, the Dark Sky Reserve has been labelled as one of the best stargazing sites on Earth. Check out our dark sky experiences, Stonehenge Aotearoa and Under the Stars. ALAN GILMOREPast Superintendent of Mt John Observatory, Manager of the Reserve, Lake Tekapo. The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is the world’s largest such reserve (4367 square km), the first in the southern hemisphere and the first to be declared with gold tier status, the highest that can be accorded, and its formation is a recognition of the pristine skies of the Mackenzie which are essentially completely free of light pollution. - Site map The dark sky reserve has been named the Moore's Reserve in honor of local astronomer Sir Patrick Moore (1923-2012) to honor his contributions to the field. Dark Sky® Team; Starlight Certification; Photo Gallery; Awards; Dark Sky Party Alqueva. Our goal is to protect and preserve New Zealand’s dark night skies – this is the driving force behind the activities of DarkSkyNZ. A spectacular example of a high country lake, a hidden gem in the Mackenzie region. BRUCE MINCHAMRepresenting the local community, AMIDSR treasurer, Twizel. The Southern Cross, Magellanic Clouds and famous Milky Our experienced guides will introduce you to our beautiful southern night sky with a full hour using the naked eye, astro-binoculars and state of the art 14" and 11" astronomy telescopes. Dubbed the “land of endless horizon,” Rhön is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in addition to a dark sky reserve. CONTACTAMIDSR Board SecretarySIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER One of New Zealand’s most iconic photo locations is on the shores of Lake Tekapo. With remarkably low light pollution, some pretty cool star-crazy locals and the region’s location at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail SH2, the sky is the limit. RESOURCESLighting GuidelinesBrochureMackenzie District Council Rules  International Dark Sky Reserve In June 2012, the region gained further international recognition as the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve - at 4300 sqkm, it is the world's largest international park in the sky. Seeing this sky through a telescope is an experience unlike any other. Following a detailed application made by the Aoraki Mackenzie Starlight Working Party in January 2012, the Reserve was created and thenrecognised International Dark-Sky Association, based in Tucson Arizona. Our dark skies are among the best for stargazing in New Zealand. Warm greetings from the Good Heavens team. Prof JOHN HEARNSHAWRoyal Astronomical Society of NZ (President); University of Canterbury; Christchurch. Royal Astronomical Society of NZ (President); University of Canterbury; http://darksky.org/idsp/reserves/aorakimackenzie/, General information on Lake Tekapo (Tekapo Tourism website), Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. But with Saudi Arabia also vying for the title of world's largest dark sky reserve, Wairarapa might not hold it for long - unless New Zealand becomes a dark sky nation. Map produced by Mackenzie District Council, 2013. Dark Sky Party Alqueva 2019; Dark Sky Party Alqueva 2018; Sustainability Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. International Dark Sky Reserve. CR ANNE MUNRO                Representing Mackenzie District Council, Fairlie. Over 1,600 square miles of New Zealand's South Island have been named an International Dark Sky Reserve, making it the largest in the world, and one of the best places for stargazing. The largest lake in the area, proudly showing off Aoraki/ Mount Cook from many look out points. Dark Sky is the most accurate source of hyperlocal weather information: with down-to-the-minute forecasts for your exact location, you'll never get caught in the rain again. A Carterton District Council committee this week agreed to seek public input on proposed changes, which would support an application for a dark sky reserve in Wairarapa. Rhön, Germany. An IDA International Dark Sky Reserve is a public or private land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage and/or public enjoyment. There are 16 such areas across the globe, which are certified by the International Dark Sky Association [IDA]. Accreditation relies on efforts to prove scientifically, by measuring light, that a location meets a level of high quality darkness. In the centre of this magnificent panorama is Mt John, known as a roche moutonnée for its glacial formation – a mere pimple in a vast landscape, resembling the central peak of a lunar crater. The majestic National Park is an expanse of awe inspiring landscape covering more than 700km. Unique to the Mackenzie Region, the clear skies found in this part of the world are like nothing else in New Zealand. There are three small communities inside the Reserve. COVID19 message to our stargazers. * Come on a Dark Sky Experience with the Good Heavens team! Cook National Park and the Mackenzie Basin of New Zealand’s South island. Sequence of different timelapse animations, panning animations and a slide show of the beautiful night sky in the Tekapo - Mt Cook area. #BackpackerGuideNZ #NewZealand … URSULA PAULDepartment of Conservation, Twizel. New Zealand is a great place to see the Southern Lights. International Dark Sky Reserve The 4300sq km area has been declared as the southern hemisphere’s sole dark sky reserve. They are Lake Tekapo Village (population about 300), Twizel population 1100) and Mt Cook Village (population 250). Stunning New Zealand's night sky is renowned as the world's darkest sky abundantly embedded with glittering stars. The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is comprised of Aoraki/Mt. It is the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, and one of only eight in the world. Outdoor lighting controls were first put into place in the area during the early 1980s. At Dark Sky Project, formerly Earth & Sky, we connect manuhiri (visitors) to our night skies, igniting a lifelong passion for dark sky preservation and what lies above. From the darkest depths of the night we become enlightened. Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, Lake Tekapo: Address, Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve Reviews: 4.5/5 South Pacific New Zealand The colour, which looks impossibly vibrant for any creation of nature, is explained by scattering of the violet rays of sunlight by fine glacial silt particles suspended in the water. The Diner ticks all the boxes when it comes to food, beverages, coffee, service and location. To get to South Island, you can either catch a ferry or fly from Wellington, New Zealand. Eye can see, Tekapo trained Dark Sky Reserve is sheep farming 3,724 metres ( 12,218 feet ) your are! 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