Kaikōura Dark Sky Sanctuary

Kaikōura Dark Sky Sanctuary
Milky Way over the Kaikōura mountains
Interactive map of Kaikōura Dark Sky Sanctuary
LocationKaikōura District, New Zealand
Nearest townKaikōura
Coordinates42°15′47″S 173°40′29″E / 42.26306°S 173.67472°E / -42.26306; 173.67472
Area2,039 km2 (787 sq mi)
Designated2024
Governing bodyKaikoura Dark Sky Trust
Websitekaikouradarksky.nz

The Kaikōura Dark Sky Sanctuary is a dark-sky preserve located in the Kaikōura District in the South Island of New Zealand. It covers an area of 2,039 km2 (787 sq mi), representing around 98% of the District, excluding the Kaikōura township. The Kaikōura Dark Sky Sanctuary was accredited as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary by DarkSky International in September 2024. Kaikōura is the third dark sky sanctuary to be accredited in New Zealand.

The Kaikōura Dark Sky Sanctuary has a pristine night sky, providing particularly clear viewing of the Milky Way galaxy. The average night sky luminance is 21.58 mag/arcsec2 (corresponding to Bortle scale 3).

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