Dark Sky Reserve status sets up Wairarapa for astronomical tourism impact
With official international recognition of Wairarapa's Dark Sky Reserve status now confirmed, the potential for tourism and downstream economic benefits for the region are astronomical, says Destination Wairarapa.
The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) has now signed off accreditation for an area covering the South Wairarapa and Carterton districts. This ensures Wairarapa night skies are kept pristine and remain among the best in the world.
"The Dark Sky Reserve status is a great win for our region," says Anna Nielson, General Manager of Destination Wairarapa, the Regional Tourism Organisation. "The potential for future tourism development around dark sky themes greatly enhance the range of experiences we already offer visitors and locals."
Already a number of Wairarapa businesses and enthusiasts offer people the chance to be guided through the night sky with telescopes, and such experiences have been gaining in popularity over the last few years. With the solid backing of the Reserve status as a platform, space-themed experiences are to be further developed in the Wairarapa as the demand increases for interpretive and educational experiences, says Nielson.
Dark skies experiences offer year-round appeal to visitors. This is a boon for the region which traditionally had seen less tourism activity in winter months.
With darkness and stars appearing earlier, winter offers excellent viewing. There are potential innovations for tourism and star gazing events, which will align perfectly with established winter events, including Matariki, Greytown's Festival of Christmas, and Featherston's Booktown Festival.
"Our vision is also to grow strong cultural aspects to the dark skies sanctuary," adds Nielson. "In time, we would like to draw upon the unique Wairarapa perspective of Matariki and share local stories about the region, its history and incorporate Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) into the mahi."
Wairarapa's proximity to Wellington is an exceptional point of difference for star lovers – the new Reserve is one that's not off the beaten track and arguably, the most accessible of the 21 protected Dark Sky Reserves in the world. It's hoped it will draw Wellington locals and visitors from further afield and tempt them to stay for longer.
Wairarapa already enjoys a solid reputation for world-class vineyards, wine production, stunning accommodation, and an array of food and lifestyle attractions. Staying on a few extra days for a 'visit to the stars' will be another gem for visitors who travel the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. Wairarapa sits right at the heart of this wine and food route which runs along State Highway 2. Martinborough Wine Village, packed with charm, is home to 20, mainly family-owned wineries all within easy walking or cycling distance of each other.
The reserve accreditation process for Wairarapa has been at least five years in the making. Hopeful of a successful dark sky application,astro-tourism was identified in the the region's Destination Management Plan, finalised last year. Nielson says the plan is a critical document which spells out policies and actions to ensure tourism grows sustainably, and continues to provide social, environmental, cultural and economic benefits for every Wairarapa community.
ENDS
For further information/comment contact: Anna Nielson, General Manager Destination Wairarapa Phone 027 277 3388 anna@wairarapanz.com
For imagery and other media support, contact: Denise Landow, Media Communications Phone 022 515 3363 denise@wairarapanz.com
NOTES FOR EDITORS An IDA International Dark Sky Reserve is defined as public or private land possessing,"an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage and/or public enjoyment."
Reserves consist of a core area which meets minimum criteria for sky quality and natural darkness, and a peripheral area that supports dark sky preservation in the core.
For Wairarapa, the core zone will be the
Aorangi Forest Park, a 194 square kilometre protected area which is managed by the Department of Conservation.
Dark sky reserves are formed through a partnership of multiple land managers who recognize the value of the natural night-time environment through regulations and long-term planning.
The IDA designates International Dark Sky Places following a rigorous application process which requires applicants to demonstrate robust community support for dark sky protection and document specific programme requirements.
Space-themed experiences and events currently operating in Wairarapa include:
· Stonehenge Aotearoa Stonehenge Aotearoa is New Zealand's unique open-air astronomical observatory, built following ancient knowledge of the stone circles and adapted to the conditions of New Zealand. This open-air observatory is located on a rural property in Carterton.
· Wairarapa Space Science Centre, Carterton This summer, a special pop-up space-themed centre is open daily with a free Dark Skies exhibition, the chance to fly through space in the planetarium show, and visit the International Space Station via Virtual Reality technology.
· Under the Stars Under The Stars provides nomadic astronomy tours in the Wairarapa, offering private stargazing sessions and school space education throughout the region.
· Star Safari Star Safari is a 90-minute night sky experience where people learn about astronomy, space, astrophysics, astrobiology, telescopes, Mars, life in the universe. Based at Ponatahi near Carterton.
·· The Phoenix Astronomical Society The Phoenix Astronomical Society, was formed in 1997 and aims to share information about astronomy and related topics. Members range from absolute beginners and hobbyists, students, telescope-makers, experts in electronics and optical systems, and those doing research astronomy. The Society is based at Stonehenge Aotearoa, Carterton in a rural setting.