Dark Sky Project

About

The Dark Sky Project was founded in 2004 when local sky enthusiasts Graeme Murray and Hide Ozawa were helping with the construction of the Mt John Observatory. Along with working on an impressive telescope, the pair also had the region made a Dark Sky Reserve to protect it from light pollution. To this day, it’s still the largest in the world. Since 2019, a state-of-the-art center has been offering a daytime astronomy experience through multimedia displays, antique equipment, and other tools of the trade. The center combines modern science with Māori tradition - it’s even named after Rehua, the eldest child of the Māori gods and an important star where knowledge originated. If you time your visit for after dark you can join in some of the best stargazing in the world at either the Mt John Observatory (weather permitting), or smaller crater observatory. These must be booked in advance at www.darkskyproject.co.nz