Kaikoura Dark Sky Trust

18/06/2026

Ever wondered how a telescope actually works? Or what a star really is?

Join Brian and Larry for the next free Astronomy Talk at the Kaikoura Museum on Tuesday as we explore telescopes, star formation and the incredible life cycle of stars.

📅 Tuesday 23 June
🕠 5:30pm – 6:30pm
📍 Kaikōura Museum
💰 Free Entry (Koha appreciated for the museum)

Everyone welcome.
Read about the full talk series here: https://kaikouradarksky.nz/astronomy-talks-and-demos/

14/06/2026

A great example of what can be achieved when organisations work together.

This SH1 lighting upgrade brought together NZTA, Kaikōura District Council, Connetics, Energylight and the Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust to improve road safety while reducing light pollution and helping protect Kaikōura’s internationally recognised dark skies. The project also aims to reduce impacts on the flight paths of the endangered Hutton’s shearwater through the use of carefully designed, fully shielded warm-colour lighting.

We're proud to have been part of this collaboration and grateful to everyone involved in delivering such a positive outcome. Read the full case study and view some great video footage here: https://energylight.net/why-energy-light/case-studies/kaikoura-sh1/

Photo credit: Andrew Spencer

11/06/2026

A simple question for our community:
What motivates you to fight light pollution?
We're keen to hear what matters most to you and why. Share your thoughts below or PM us🥰

05/06/2026

Ever wondered how astronomers know exactly where to find objects in the night sky, or why the constellations change with the seasons?

Join Larry and Brian for the next free Astronomy Talk on Tuesday as we explore celestial coordinates, astronomical time, the structure of our Milky Way galaxy, and some of the fascinating constellations and deep-sky objects visible from Kaikōura.

Tuesday 9 June
5.30pm – 6.30pm
Kaikoura Museum
Free entry (koha to the museum is appreciated)

Whether you're new to astronomy or keen to build on what you've learned at previous sessions, everyone is welcome.

Find out more about all the talks here: kaikouradarksky.nz/astronomy-talks-and-demos/

04/06/2026

We were incredibly proud to see Kaikōura represented at the recent 2026 RASNZ Conference in Blenheim, including several of our local tamariki who attended and immersed themselves in all things astronomy, science and discovery.

Seeing young people engaging with the night sky alongside experts and enthusiasts from across Aotearoa is exactly what dark sky education is all about.

Read more about their experience at the conference here: https://kaikouradarksky.nz/rasnz-conference-2026/

On Saturday 16th May a delegation from Kaikōura High School travelled up to Blenheim for the 2026 Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand (RASNZ) Conference. Recount from the four Kaikōura High School students who attended: After an early start from KHS, we arrived at the Scenic Marlborough Hote...

28/05/2026

Great to see the South Island’s night skies getting some attention today.
Kaikōura is proud to be part of the growing dark sky story, with our International Dark Sky Sanctuary helping protect the incredible night environment we’re lucky to have right here on our doorstep.

Interesting read with a local perspective - https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/360985030/why-now-time-visit-south-island-hotspot-epic-night-skies

Kaikōura Mayor Craig Mackle says winter is the best time to come to Kaikōura, as fuel prices continue to bite.

27/05/2026

What a fantastic turnout for the second informal astronomy session last night with Larry and Brian at the Kaikōura Museum. Around 20 people joined us to explore how to use paper star charts and the Stellarium app to help locate constellations in our night sky.

The group spent time learning about Crux, the smallest constellation, along with the larger and slightly trickier Centaurus constellation. It was wonderful to feel the enthusiasm in the room and the boys made it really easy to follow along.

We’d love to see you at the next session from 5.30pm–6.30pm on Tuesday 9 June at the Kaikōura Museum.

Check out https://kaikouradarksky.nz/astronomy-talks-and-demos/ to see what might be discussed.

24/05/2026

Curious about the night sky but not sure where to start? Come along to 'Putting Astronomy into Practice' on Tuesday where Larry and Brian will offer practical tips for observing comfortably at night, understanding dark adaptation, learning constellations, and making the most of star charts and smartphone apps.

This Tuesday 26 May for the next FREE informal astronomy gathering at the Kaikoura Museum from 5.30pm – 6.30pm.
Free to attend (koha to support the museum welcome)

Find out more about the full Winter Astronomy Talk Series here:
https://kaikouradarksky.nz/astronomy-talks-and-demos/

21/05/2026

AGT are proud to support the Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust and their work leading community education and practical support to help reduce light pollution in Kaikōura.

Working alongside residents, businesses, schools and organisations, the Trust is helping improve outdoor lighting practices to protect the area’s International Dark Sky Sanctuary status and support its journey toward Dark Sky Community accreditation.

This initiative will help strengthen Kaikōura’s reputation as a destination for astro-tourism, supporting both the local community and economy while preserving its incredible night skies for future generations.

19/05/2026

Looking for something different to do this winter? Come along to informal Astronomy talks & practical demonstrations at the Kaikōura Museum and explore the wonders of the night sky with local astronomers Larry and Brian.

A chance to learn, connect and ask questions.

From constellations and the Milky Way to telescopes, deep sky treasures and astrophotography, each gathering will cover a different topic in a relaxed and welcoming setting. We will confirm the topic ahead of each evening.

Happening on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month
Kaikoura Museum from 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Free (a koha to support the museum is welcome)

Upcoming dates:
✨ 26 May
✨ 9 & 23 June
✨ 14 & 28 July

Suitable for high school age and up. Come along to one session or join us for all of them!

Check out the weblink for further information about the topics.

Curious about the night sky? Interested in learning to use a telescope or camera to explore the Milky Way? Wondering what stars are made of, or what there is to see on the Moon? Then come along... Join local astronomers Dr Larry Field and Brian Horsfall for informal and relaxed…