Dark skies await
WORDS Chelita Kahutianui o-te-Rangi Zainey
If you’ve ever stood under the night sky, head raised in deep admiration and awe at the stars above, then it is well worth your while to consider ‘levelling up’ and heading to the phenomenal Dark Sky Project in Takapō, nestled in the Mackenzie Basin.
Dark Sky Project is a joint venture between Ngāi Tahu Tourism and co-founders Graeme Murray and Hide Ozawa. The business prides itself on connecting manuhiri (visitors) to a unique national taonga (treasure), Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the oldest and largest gold-standard dark sky reserves in the world.
Making quite a statement on the shore of Lake Takapō lies Te Whare o Rehua, the magnificent home of the Dark Sky Project, where you’ll find the famous Brashear Telescope, fantastic lakefront dining, and of course, four different astronomy experiences for your whānau.
DSP, as it is lovingly referred to by kaimahi (staff) and locals alike, combines key Kāi Tahu values with Western science, pūrākau (stories) and the love of all things whetu (star) related. The venture was a recipient of the Hei Kai Kei Aku Ringa (Māori Tourism Award) in 2021 for its engaging range of experiences, manaakitanga, kai, and merchandise.
Māori astronomy is at the heart of the Dark Sky Project and highlights the intrinsic value Māori place on the night sky to mark time, place, connection, and seasonality. Matariki is a prime example of this as we await the rise of the constellation to signal the new year and to map the past, present, and future trajectories of all that lies above and below.
The Dark Sky Experience is the indoor, daytime, all-weather experience for all the whānau. It focuses on tātai aroraki (Māori astronomy) storytelling and science and is sure to keep even the most energetic tamariki engaged with its interactive multi-media installations.
If you’ve ever wondered about the science of the skies, then you’ll love the Virtual Star Experience. Presented by the Dark Sky Project astronomy guides, this immersive educational experience will have you feeling like you’re sitting in the rings of Saturn or sailing through the stars.
Both indoor experiences are suitable for whānau of all ages and a ‘must do’ addition for your winter travels during the chillier months ahead. Family bundles for these experiences are very reasonable at $100 for a whānau of four.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you simply cannot go past the outdoor stargazing Crater Experience to gaze at all that is above; you won’t be disappointed.
If you’re looking for a memorable moment this Matariki, come along to the Matariki Festival at Lake Takapō on Friday, 14 July.
Nā te pō, ko te ao, ko te ao mārama.
From the darkest depths of the night, we become enlightened.