Historic B&B nestled on five acres of farmland, surrounded by beautiful mountains. Bar, restaurant and accommodation. International Dark Sky Reserve In June 2012, the region gained further international recognition as the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve - at 4300 sqkm, it is the world's largest international park in the sky. A surprise evening with clear skies. New architect-designed, luxury apartments built for outstanding views. [4] In 2015, the IDA introduced the term "Dark Sky Sanctuary" and designated the Elqui Valley of northern Chile as the world's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary. The ‘reserve’ has no statutory status as yet. Avoid long lines at Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre by having admission included. A mix of luxury studio and two bedroom units in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village. Affordable rates. The Retreat and onsite Pukaki Observatory is perfectly located to explore one of the darkest skies in the world. (5616x3744px, 0KB), Star-gazing, Aoraki/Mount Cook Miles Holden (www.milesholden.com ), Download image from visuals.newzealand.com  A modern, purpose-built accommodation with uninterrupted lake and mountain views. JIM H, This was a night to remember. Clean and warm. The stunning 20km kayak course starts at Lake Ruataniwha, ... Read More, Hard Labourers take part in all three events. Historic hotel, bar, restaurant and accommodation. Transportation from The Hermitage Hotel in Aoraki Mt.Cook Village is provided. Cosy studio in relaxing yard setting, close to town centre. Modern, affordable accommodation – prioritising your comfort with every stay. Browse ladies fashion, homewares, art, plants, olive oil, baking, children's fashion, wooden goods, candles and lots lots ... Read More, As well as DOC land, it also traverses several iconic high country stations – Rhoboro Downs, Ben Ohau and Omahau Hill Station. Designations are based on stringent outdoor lighting standards and innovative community outreach. All prices are in New Zealand dollars valid until 30/09/2020. For example, the nocturnal black-footed ferret was reintroduced to the Grasslands National Park dark-sky preserve and the success of the reintroduction is enhanced by the pristine natural darkness maintained within the park by the DSP agreement. Exclusive honeymoon hideaways to rambling family baches, a home away from home. The purpose of a dark sky preserve is generally to promote astronomy. Credit: Maki Yamagimachi / Earth & Sky. Deervue are a small B&B on a working deer farm. This is a stellar experience and is a unique opportunity to stargaze in the gold level Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. 1, 2011; First RASC-designated Urban Star Park, Designated on Nov. 3, 2012 by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Designated on Aug. 15, 2009; designation is only for the Park though Manitoulin Island (276,611 ha) follows dark-sky practices, Designated in 1999; first Canadian dark sky preserve, Designated Sept. 2007; first IDA International Dark-Sky Reserve, Designated on Mar. Set amongst mature trees on the picturesque shores of beautiful Lake Tekapo. [2], The IDA recognizes and accredits dark sky areas worldwide, in three categories. “2.1 National Parks Place An Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve was ‘approved’ in June 2012 by the International DarkSky Association, with community support, to recognise that the Mackenzie Basin is one of the best stargazing sites in the world. Boutique accommodation situated in a quite peaceful location on the edge of Twizel. Quality accommodation for all budgets in one of NZ's most amazing locations. Large, spacious self-contained motel, a mix of studio and family units. 1.2 km from Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve #1 Best Value of 274 places to stay in Lake Tekapo “Zita and Walter are so friendly and welcoming. The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) chooses reserve to avoid confusion with park, when using the initialisms "IDSR" (International Dark Sky Reserve) and "IDSP" (International Dark Sky Park). Moraine Villas overlook the tawny farmscape of the Mackenzie Basin and up towards the Ben Ohau ranges. Learn more. Newly built luxury accommodation with two exclusive well-appointed suites. The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve includes also the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park (shown hatched) and the narrow area between the National Park and the region covered by the Mackenzie District Lighting Ordinance. RESERVE YOUR PREFERRED DATES Love the great outdoors or relax surrounded by New Zealand's finest landscape. Why not experience rural New Zealand lifestyle on a farmstay, or spoil yourself in luxury at The Hermitage – the focal point of Aoraki / Mount Cook Village. By continuing to use this site, you agree with our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. more. Tekapo’s Earth and Sky Ltd, which works closely with the University of Canterbury and Mt John, runs several day and night tours at the observatory. On the shores of Lake Pukaki, with stunning Aoraki/Mount Cook views. Three-bedroom country house, privately situated under the foothills of the Mackenzie. Wish I remembered his name! Stylish mid-century guest house in the centre of Fairlie. Whether you are looking for a relaxing walk in native forest, a more demanding hike or trek into alpine wilderness, or a quiet place to sit Enjoy stunning views and cosy accommodation in the country near Twizel! Credit: http://www.earthandskynz.com/, Download Image  Modern tourist accommodation located near Aoraki/Mount Cook. Entertainment, face painting, delicious food and coffee along with some fabulous market stalls. By registering as a Hard Labourer, competitors will automatically get entered into each separate event. Spacious, warm, two-bedroom apartment located on a Merino farm. New Zealand holds the world’s largest dark sky reserve, the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. A high number of clear nights throughout the year, along with the stability and transparency of the local atmosphere and its unique dark skies, contribute to the Mackenzie’s international recognition as one of the best sites for viewing and researching the southern sky. The guides will take you through a "life" orientation of the night sky. “The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve was accredited in mid-2012. Lake Tekapo is the site of New Zealand’s premier scientific astronomy observatory, Mt John Observatory. It can get cold on the mountain. Far from city lights, and under strictly controlled local ordinances, the gold-rated dark sky reserve … Luxury accommodation based in the heart of Twizel. The duration of the outdoor tour is around 90 min. The dark sky reserve is located in the Mackenzie Basin, in the South Island of New Zealand, and includes Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and the villages of Lake Tekapo, Twizel and Mt Cook. Two modern 2-bedroom villas centrally located, yet peaceful and private. Luxury wedding & events venue in the Mackenzie's outstanding landscape. This has led to confusion between the terms reserve, preserve, and park. ", "Utah's Natural Bridges National Monument Becomes First International Dark Sky Park", "Chilean Astronomical Site Becomes World's First International Dark Sky Sanctuary", "Royal Astronomical Society of Canada: Guidelines for Outdoor Lighting in Dark-sky Preserves (RASC-DSP-GOL)", "Parashant Receives International Dark Sky Status", "The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA)", "Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park Designated as a Dark Sky Preserve", "Jasper National Park named world's largest dark sky preserve", "RASC Designates Wood Buffalo National Park as a New Dark Sky Preserve", "Cattle Point National Urban Star Park Approved, BC Meteor Network news release, March 29, 2013", "Fundy National Park a Dark Sky Preserve", "Kouchibouguac National Park a Dark Sky Preserve", "esignation requires limited artificial light to protect night skies from light pollution", "Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site a Dark Sky Preserve", "The Lake Superior Provincial Park Dark Sky Preserve", "Dark Sky Preserve designation for Grasslands National Park", "Sterne Sehen Ohne Lichtverschmutzung: Deutschlands Dunkelkammer", "Sark Island and Hortobágy National Park earn dark sky status from the International Dark-Sky Association", "Southwest Kerry area receives dark skies designation", "Ramon Crater Named First International Dark Sky Place In The Mideast", "New Zealand's Aoraki Mackenzie Named World's Largest International Dark Sky Reserve", "Astronomers name Scottish park one of world's best stargazing sites", "Lights Out: Tiny Sark Named First 'Dark-Sky' Island", "Isle of Coll secures 'dark isle' status", "Dark sky status awarded to Northumberland Park area", Dark Sky designation puts Joshua Tree National Park in a new light, "Experience A 'Dark Sky Park' in Florida", "South Georgia Park Celebrates 'Dark Sky' Stargazing Status", "Central Idaho (U.S.) | International Dark-Sky Association", "Chaco Culture National Historical Park International Dark Sky Park Application", "New Mexican Skies Protected with Dark Sky Park Designation (press release)", International Dark Sky Association Recognizes state parks in New Mexico and Washington for night sky preservation efforts, "New Ohio Park Commended for Protecting the Nighttime Environment by International Dark-Sky Association (press release)", "Cherry Springs State Park: Light Pollution Analysis and Recommendations", Big Bend National Park designated as an International Dark Sky Park, Dripping Springs Named The First International Dark Sky Community In Texas, Newport State Park designated as Wisconsin's first 'dark sky' park/, "Government of Canada reintroduces lost species to the prairie wilderness", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dark-sky_preserve&oldid=977285639, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Designated on Jul. Affordable luxury accommodation with cedar outdoor baths, great views & modern interiors. Luxury holiday home on a high country station. VIEW ALBUM 25 Chalets and a self-contained Lodge within walking distance to the town centre. Brand new spacious four bedroom house has all the modern comforts of home. Modern and stylish rooms in a central location. We were absolute beginners but managed to get some memorable shots. Three luxury self-contained suites with uninterrupted views of Lake Tekapo. Jadon was our guide. The IDA established the International Dark Sky Places conservation programme in 2001 to recognise excellent stewardship of the night sky. Virtual tours of space explore the southern night sky, astronomical science through the ages and the mystery of black holes. ID:2030, Soaking up the universe from the hot pools at Tekapo Star Gazing. The Mont Mégantic Observatory in Quebec is the first such site to be recognized (in 2007) as an International Dark Sky Reserve. Twizel is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Found a safe area and lay on our backs and watched the Milky Way and the Universe move by very slowly. 4, 2013; The second world's bilateral dark-sky park, Designated on Nov. 4, 2009; the first European dark-sky park and the first world's bilateral dark-sky park, Designated an IDA International Dark Sky Reserve on Feb. 12, 2014. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States.