Destination Development
Dark Sky Tourism
Murihiku Southland is becoming a key destination for dark sky enthusiasts with international accreditation protecting the views we experience today for generations to come.
Expanding Dark Sky Accreditation
Our region has limited light pollution and a strong focus on protecting our natural environment. This aligns well with astro tourists who seek out the world’s most dark destinations, which are scarce in the larger urban areas of the northern hemisphere.
Rakiura Stewart Island is already an International Dark Sky Sanctuary and this accreditation has led to growth in visitor numbers. The skies above Fiordland National Park are also of exceptional quality, and Great South is working towards achieving International Dark Sky Park status on behalf of the community and in partnership with the Department of Conservation.
If the application is successful, Murihiku Southland would be home to the southernmost (Rakiura Stewart Island) dark sky sanctuary and second largest (Te Rua-o-Te-Moko Fiordland) dark sky park in the world.
