Wonderful Wairarapa Dark Sky pictures which feature in a first-ever local astronomy calendar show why protection is a key motivation for setting up and maintaining the region’s Dark Sky Reserve. From Waingawa in the north to the south coast, more than 5,600 hectares are protected from light pollution by the reserve.
The brilliant night sky captured by astrophotographers in the 2026 calendar is only part of the motivation for protecting the night. So too are human health, animal and plant well-being and heritage protection.
After all, it was the unspoiled view of the stars which guided both Kupe and Cook to the shores of Wairarapa. As you read this, a group in Masterton is actively working to add that district to the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve.
International certification body, Dark Sky International, has recently confirmed the 250th dark sky place on the planet, while the tourism bible, Lonely Planet Guide, has chosen Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve as one of its key destinations for global travellers in 2026.
Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve’s executive has thanked the following for the stunning images donated for this first-ever Dark Sky Calendar:
Chris Murphy of Last Quarter Photography (who recently won an award from National Geographic NZ for his astrophotography), David Jensen, Glen Butler, (also recently recognized in the NZ Astrophotography competition), Keith Malloy, Matt Balkam (who is capturing stunning imagery form the recently-opened Cretney Observatory in Ruakokopatuna) and Mike Heydon of Jet Productions.
Sharing some of the magic of our night skies could well be a perfect Christmas gift.
By buying one you support the work we do. With your help, Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve can preserve and enhance the benefits of having stunning night skies to both observe and admire, which we all enjoy just by stepping outside on a clear night.
Purchase a calendar by contacting us directly or head to Martinborough Isite and P&K Grocers who are both stocking them. Thank you for the donation, and Season’s Greetings.
Viv Napier, chair, Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve
Website: https://www.wairarapadarksky.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
