GO NZ: The best places to go stargazing in New Zealand
27 Apr, 2021 04:00 AM
8 minutes to read
Stargazing at Castlepoint, in the Wairarapa. The region is on track to become the largest Dark Sky Reserve in New Zealand. Photo / Daniel Rood, Supplied.
Stargazing at Castlepoint, in the Wairarapa. The region is on track to become the largest Dark Sky Reserve in New Zealand. Photo / Daniel Rood, Supplied. For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.
– Vincent Van Gogh
As the nights get longer, our night sky gets brighter. Our daylight activities may shrink, but we gain more in the constellations.
Mikey Mackinven/Stuff
Waiheke Island’s local groups are keen to protect views like this one by attaining international dark sky status. (file photo) She said visitors flocked to Waiheke to see the beaches and vineyards but the accreditation could spark a gradual shift towards eco-tourism and sustainability. “If people come to look at the starry skies, it’s a different kind of people than the 20-somethings that have come here for a hen party.” Research shows bright lighting at night is harmful to human health and impacts on wildlife, Davies said. “Turtles come to the shore to lay their eggs and the baby turtles, when they hatch, use moonlight to navigate their way back to the ocean,” she said.