Great Barrier Island Awarded Dark Sky Status

It is now official. After months of anticipation the local board’s application for Great Barrier to be a Dark Skies Sanctuary has been successful. You can read more about it here.

This is a fantastic development opportunity for the island and for Orama. Orama will be integral to offering official Dark Skies experiences here in the north of the island and will be starting to offer star gazing experiences to visitors.

Here in the north at Orama, in beautiful Karaka Bay we are one of the darkest places on the island. Come and experience the majesty of the night sky during your stay with us.

What does that mean??

The IDA established the International Dark Sky Places conservation programme in 2001 to recognise ‘excellent stewardship of the night sky’. Designations are based on scientifically measured darkness of sky as well as stringent outdoor lighting standards and innovative community outreach.

The application for the international sanctuary status was lodged by Great Barrier Local Board with support from Auckland Council, Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED), the Department of Conservation, iwi, the Auckland Astronomical Society and Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye.

Because Great Barrier Island is mostly ’off the grid’, light pollution is minimal, allowing for a good view of the spectacular night sky.

The Only Island in the World!

The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) has awarded Aotea Great Barrier Island as a International Dark Sky Sanctuary.

It is the first island in the world to be designated and one of few places in the world to receive this status.