Located 100km north-east of Central Auckland, Great Barrier Island’s night skies will now be protected for present and future generations. Great Barrier Island becomes the first island and only the third place in the world to achieve this status. The other two sanctuaries are in New Mexico (US) and Chile.
A Dark Sky Sanctuary is a public or private land that has an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural, or educational value, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.
With much of Great Barrier Island ‘off-the-grid’, light pollution is minimised on the island, allowing for great viewing of the spectacular night sky.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says Great Barrier Island is home to a community focused on protecting and preserving its stunning natural beauty, which makes it the ideal location to receive International Dark Sky Sanctuary status.
The island is accessible by air from Auckland, Coromandel, Northland, Tauranga, and Hamilton, or by ferry from Auckland’s downtown waterfront.
Source: Tourism New Zealand
