We have an International Dark Sky Reserve at our doorstep. How do you make the most of it?
In the meantime, increasingly more places in New Zealand are getting dark sky accredited. What will be our point of difference?
Heaps of Wairarapa businesses haven’t yet tapped into the amazing potential of astro-tourism. Visitors love our stunning night skies, and without a solid strategy, you’re missing out on easy income and memorable experiences.
The Dark Sky Capabilities Course is created by Hari and Sam of Milky-Way.Kiwi and successfully ran as a pilot in 2024.
Since 2009, Milky-Way.Kiwi has proudly supported New Zealand by making astronomy accessible, relevant, and easy to understand. In a world overflowing with complex information, we cut through the noise to bring Kiwis straightforward astronomical insights, practical astro-tourism advice, and inspiring stories—empowering you to truly enjoy, appreciate, and protect our magnificent night skies.
Hari and Sam also run Star Safari, a thriving astro-tourism business right here in Wairarapa—we know exactly what works, and we’ll show you how to do the same.
Backed by Masterton District Council and WellingtonNZ, this course features industry experts:
For just NZD $75, you’ll gain immediate, sustainable advantages, increasing your profits and strengthening your business’s reputation as an eco-friendly, must-visit destination.
We created a toolkit for businesses who attended our course.
In 2024, Milky-Way.Kiwi organised a very successful Dark Skies Capabilities Course with support from Wellington.NZ.
We facilitated businesses to connect and learn about leveraging the night sky
In 2023, during the World Space Week activities, together with Moy Hall, Milky-Way.Kiwi sponsored the Dark Sky Connections events for businesses in Wairarapa.
If you have already attended our course, you can access your course materials here:
Turn Darkness into Dollars: Dark Skies Capabilities Course is sponsored by Wellington.NZ and Masterton District Council
If you attended the Dark Skies Business Capabilities Course, get your business listed on the WDSR map.
Click the button below – a form will open.
Just because we are a dark sky reserve now does not mean that the title is permanent. Our dark skies are a shared treasure, and their protection requires ongoing effort from all of us.
Whether you are a business looking after dark skies accommodation or activities or a school wanting to implement a local curriculum that includes dark skies, here are some ideas on how to become a bit more dark sky-friendly.
Do you have a question about dark skies or a beautiful photo of the Wairarapa Night Sky to share?
