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Unlock the potential of the night sky.
Expert consulting to grow your astrotourism and dark sky credentials.
Photo by star-safari.nz
Introduction
New Zealand’s pristine dark skies aren't just spectacular; they're also great for business. We are now one of Lonely Planet’s Top 25 visitor experiences in the world!
Dark Sky NZ helps aspiring investors, tourism operators, councils and community groups turn that asset into opportunity.
We provide practical, technical and commercial support to grow your dark sky offering, whether you’re adding stargazing experiences to your existing product, designing a startup, or aiming for international dark sky accreditation. Our groundbreaking courses in the Wairarapa have stellar reviews, and we are now taking our mission nationwide.
Our team of professionals are ready to launch your business into the stars. Are you?
We provide practical, technical and commercial support to grow your dark sky offering, whether you’re adding stargazing experiences to your existing product, designing a startup, or aiming for international dark sky accreditation. Our groundbreaking courses in the Wairarapa have stellar reviews, and we are now taking our mission nationwide.
Our team of professionals are ready to launch your business into the stars. Are you?
Photo by star-safari.nz
Our core services
On-site astrotourism assessment & development plan
Transform your location into a destination for stargazers. We visit your site, assess its potential, and provide a tailored development plan, covering everything from lighting design, orientation and infrastructure to storytelling and enhanced visitor experience.
We can support you to source and calibrate the right equipment, as well as deliver practical stargazing techniques, tips and tricks! All of our clients are connected into’ our astronomy portal - to maximise visitor experiences from astronomical events.
Business capability training
Equip your team with the skills to succeed within the growing astrotourism sector. Our 2 day hands-on package is delivered right here in the Wairarapa International Dark Sky Reserve.
The training package covers:
- Introduction to the reserve – boundaries, accreditation, the district plan and visitor statistics
- Astrotourism business models - through case studies, guest speakers and lived experience!
- Product design and visitor engagement, including managing weather risks
- Marketing and language for dark sky destinations
- Working with councils, mana whenua, and conservation agencies
- Understanding the principle of Kaitiakitanga, and cultural importance of the night sky
- Practical sessions ‘on the tools’ at our private observatory in Ponatahi
- Connect you with the business support and funding opportunities available
Dark sky accreditation support
Achieving recognition as an International Dark Sky Place or Reserve can elevate your region to global significance. We can step you through understanding the full process, from technical compliance to community engagement and application preparation. We can share the lessons learned and connect you with the correct contacts and equipment to accelerate the process.
Our expertise covers:
- Understanding IDSA (International Dark-Sky Association) standards
- Lighting management plans
- Data collection and mapping
- Policy alignment and partnership facilitation
Guest speaking & conference engagements
Inspire your audience with expert insights on the future of dark sky tourism, through the grassroots story of Star Safari and how they put Wairarapa stargazing on the world map!We can tailor a presentation or keynote addresses for your conference, seminar or business summit, sharing lessons from our Wairarapa business startup journey.
Topics include:
- The economic potential of dark sky tourism
- Our grassroots experience of pioneering a business from our passion
- Partnering with the rural community for mutual success
- Turning astronomy into authentic storytelling for visitors
Bring our training to you
We bring our courses and workshops directly to your region, business or organisation. Choose from our existing suite of dark sky capability programmes, or work with us to tailor a training experience that fits your local goals.
Available formats:
- Half-day or full-day workshops
- Custom sessions aligned to regional or organisational priorities
Why work with us
Expertise rooted in Aotearoa:
Deep understanding of NZ’s astrotourism landscape
Science meets strategy:
Combining expert knowledge with practical business tools
Proven impact:
Helping regions and operators enhance sustainability and economic growth
Deep understanding of NZ’s astrotourism landscape
Science meets strategy:
Combining expert knowledge with practical business tools
Proven impact:
Helping regions and operators enhance sustainability and economic growth
