Aotea Great Barrier Island

Love is in the air - come stargazing with us on Valentines Day
2024-02-14 21:30 - 23:00 (Pacific/Auckland)
Is there anything more romantic than stargazing? Certainly not! ;-D
Aotea Great Barrier Island is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Here, light pollution is minimal, and the night sky is wonderfully dark.
We see ten times as many stars here as in Auckland, for example.
This is why Aotea is such a great place to discover the stars.
And why Good Heavens guides love to take you stargazing here.
Our guides will meet you on top of a sand dune,
with a telescope, binoculars, chairs and blankets
And while you lean back, hearing the waves on the beach below,
Good Heavens guides entertain you with interesting facts and the fascinating stories
Come stargazing with your loved one, and with Good Heavens! It’s the romantic thing to do.
If you need to convince someone that Good Heavens is a great option to stargaze in New Zealand:
• This Dark Sky Sanctuary is easily accessible in comparison to other Dark Sky Sanctuaries
• Good Heavens stargaze in pristine locations by the ocean
• The island’s climate is subtropical, warmer than elsewhere in NZ
• Our groups are small and intimate, with a maximum of 12 stargazers and with
• Tours of 1.5 -2 hours, there’s time for questions and some banter
• Our local guides are experienced and welcoming.
• They warmly invite questions and children from 8 years up.
• Tours are suitable for everyone, from first time stargazers to astrophysicists.
• The southern hemisphere sky is magnificent.
• Check out our Tripadvisor reviews if more convincing is required still 😉
More dates available. Please check out the calendar on our website.
As the Good Heavens team believe in romance, we’ll gift a Sanctuary book as a valentines surprise for your beloved geek.

Valentines Day at Barrier Social Club
2024-02-14 16:00 - 21:00 | Barrier Social Club

Yoga for Presence - Every Tuesday
2024-02-13 17:30 - 18:30 | Aotea Arts & History Village, 80 Hector Sanderson Road, Claris, 0991

Look Up and Get Lost Stargazing Experience with Good Heavens
2024-02-06 21:30 - 23:00
Aotea Great Barrier Island is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Here, light pollution is minimal, and the night sky is wonderfully dark.
We see ten times as many stars here as in Auckland, for example.
This is why Aotea is such a great place to discover the stars.
And why Good Heavens guides love to take you stargazing here.
Our guides will meet you on top of a sand dune,
with a telescope, binoculars, chairs and blankets
And while you lean back, hearing the waves on the beach below,
Good Heavens guides entertain you with interesting facts and the fascinating stories
Come stargazing with us!
If you need to convince someone that Good Heavens is a great option to stargaze in New Zealand:
• This Dark Sky Sanctuary is easily accessible in comparison to other Dark Sky Sanctuaries
• Good Heavens stargaze in pristine locations by the ocean
• The island’s climate is subtropical, warmer than elsewhere in NZ
• Our groups are small and intimate, with a maximum of 12 stargazers and with
• Tours of 1.5 -2 hours, there’s time for questions and some banter
• Our local guides are experienced and welcoming.
• They warmly invite questions and children from 8 years up.
• Tours are suitable for everyone, from first time stargazers to astrophysicists.
• The southern hemisphere sky is magnificent.
• Check out our Tripadvisor reviews if more convincing is required still 😉

Orama Waiting Day BBQ & Picnic
2024-02-06 14:30 - 19:00 | Orama

Toitū te Tiriti, Waitangi Day hīkoi and celebrations
2024-02-06 09:00 - 14:00 | Port Fitzroy Reclamation
Celebrate, commemorate and learn more about our founding document. Come and join us on a hīkoi from the top or Orama driveway on Aotea rd or meet us at the Rarohara (Fitzroy) wharf for stalls, games, spot prizes, art auction and waiata. This will be the first of many Waitangi Day celebrations so come along for this historic event and be apart of a positive hopefully inspiring family day in the north. Whakanuia te Tiriti o Waitangi!

Look Up and Get Lost Stargazing Experience with Good Heavens
2024-02-05 21:00 - 22:30
Aotea Great Barrier Island is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Here, light pollution is minimal, and the night sky is wonderfully dark.
We see ten times as many stars here as in Auckland, for example.
This is why Aotea is such a great place to discover the stars.
And why Good Heavens guides love to take you stargazing here.
Our guides will meet you on top of a sand dune,
with a telescope, binoculars, chairs and blankets
And while you lean back, hearing the waves on the beach below,
Good Heavens guides entertain you with interesting facts and the fascinating stories
Come stargazing with us!
If you need to convince someone that Good Heavens is a great option to stargaze in New Zealand:
• This Dark Sky Sanctuary is easily accessible in comparison to other Dark Sky Sanctuaries
• Good Heavens stargaze in pristine locations by the ocean
• The island’s climate is subtropical, warmer than elsewhere in NZ
• Our groups are small and intimate, with a maximum of 12 stargazers and with
• Tours of 1.5 -2 hours, there’s time for questions and some banter
• Our local guides are experienced and welcoming.
• They warmly invite questions and children from 8 years up.
• Tours are suitable for everyone, from first time stargazers to astrophysicists.
• The southern hemisphere sky is magnificent.
• Check out our Tripadvisor reviews if more convincing is required still 😉
More dates available. Please check out the calendar on our

Look Up and Get Lost Stargazing Experience with Good Heavens
2024-02-05 19:30 - 21:00
Aotea Great Barrier Island is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Here, light pollution is minimal, and the night sky is wonderfully dark.
We see ten times as many stars here as in Auckland, for example.
This is why Aotea is such a great place to discover the stars.
And why Good Heavens guides love to take you stargazing here.
Our guides will meet you on top of a sand dune,
with a telescope, binoculars, chairs and blankets
And while you lean back, hearing the waves on the beach below,
Good Heavens guides entertain you with interesting facts and the fascinating stories
Come stargazing with Good Heavens!
If you need to convince someone that Good Heavens is a great option to stargaze in New Zealand:
• This Dark Sky Sanctuary is easily accessible in comparison to other Dark Sky Sanctuaries
• Good Heavens stargaze in pristine locations by the ocean
• The island’s climate is subtropical, warmer than elsewhere in NZ
• Our groups are small and intimate, with a maximum of 12 stargazers and with
• Tours of 1.5 -2 hours, there’s time for questions and some banter
• Our local guides are experienced and welcoming.
• They warmly invite questions and children from 8 years up.
• Tours are suitable for everyone, from first time stargazers to astrophysicists.
• The southern hemisphere sky is magnificent.
• Check out our Tripadvisor reviews if more convincing is required still 😉
In winter, the sky is dark by 730pm. It’s a great time for stargazing with juniors and seniors.
OTHER DATES AVAILABLE. Please check our booking calendar through the below website link.

Look Up and Get Lost Stargazing Experience with Good Heavens
2024-02-05 08:00 - 17:00
Aotea Great Barrier Island is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Here, light pollution is minimal, and the night sky is wonderfully dark.
We see ten times as many stars here as in Auckland, for example.
This is why Aotea is such a great place to discover the stars.
And why Good Heavens guides love to take you stargazing here.
Our guides will meet you on top of a sand dune,
with a telescope, binoculars, chairs and blankets
And while you lean back, hearing the waves on the beach below,
Good Heavens guides entertain you with interesting facts and the fascinating stories
Come stargazing with us!
In winter, the sky is dark by 730pm. It’s a great time for stargazing for juniors and seniors.
If you need to convince someone that Good Heavens is a great option to stargaze in New Zealand:
• This Dark Sky Sanctuary is easily accessible in comparison to other Dark Sky Sanctuaries
• Good Heavens stargaze in pristine locations by the ocean
• The island’s climate is subtropical, warmer than elsewhere in NZ
• Our groups are small and intimate, with a maximum of 12 stargazers and with
• Tours of 1.5 -2 hours, there’s time for questions and some banter
• Our local guides are experienced and welcoming.
• They warmly invite questions and children from 8 years up.
• Tours are suitable for everyone, from first time stargazers to astrophysicists.
• The southern hemisphere sky is magnificent.
• Check out our Tripadvisor reviews if more convincing is required still 😉
OTHER DATES AVAILABLE. Please check our booking calendar through the below website link.

Look Up and Get Lost Stargazing Experience with Good Heavens
2024-02-02 21:30 - 23:00, 2024-01-31 21:30 - 23:00
Aotea Great Barrier Island is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Here, light pollution is minimal, and the night sky is wonderfully dark.
We see ten times as many stars here as in Auckland, for example.
This is why Aotea is such a great place to discover the stars.
And why Good Heavens guides love to take you stargazing here.
Our guides will meet you in a dark seaside location on top of a sand dune,
in one of the most pristine island environments.
Here, we invite you to lean back in a comfortable moon chair.
Hearing the waves rolling onto the beach below,
As you become aware of the universe above,
while Good Heavens guides entertain you with interesting facts and the fascinating stories
our ancestors used to make sense of this magical nighttime world
We use laser pointers, binoculars and a telescope to view various objects at the correct scale during a tour that lasts around 1.5 hours, a bit more for large groups of max. 12 stargazers.
Good Heavens is a great option to stargaze in New Zealand:
Our groups are small and intimate, with a maximum of 12 stargazers
Our local guides are experienced and welcoming.
They warmly invite question and children from eight years up.
Our tours are suitable for first time stargazers and astrophysicists
The southern hemisphere sky is magnificent and Great Barrier Island has got prime seats to this stellar spectacle.

Good Heavens Moon Walk Stargazing Experience
2024-01-28 21:30 - 23:00, 2024-01-21 21:30 - 23:00
A Good Heavens stargazing experience of 1.5-2 hours will take you on a comfortable and entertaining journey through our universe, while you learn to use constellations and stars to orientate yourself and listen to ancient myths.
For around a week each month, the moon shines brightly in the evening sky. It the perfect time to meet us at a beautiful, white sand beach for a moon- and stargazing group experience. If the tide is low enough we may go for a stroll on the moon lit beach. And we’ll definitely gaze at the moon’s features up close and hear her stories. Be prepared for moonlight shimmering on the waves. A stunning sight.

Manu Comp
2024-01-27 10:00 - 14:00 | Port FitzRoy Wharf

Capital and Local Grant Rounds Open
2024-01-15 - 2024-03-08
Aotea Great Barrier Local Board Capital and Local Grant rounds are now open and close on the 8 March. Up to $50,000 for Capital Grants and $25,000 for Local Grants, as a limit for a single project.
Higher priority for our Local Board:
› Our residents’ wellbeing is protected and enhanced
› Projects or activities which have zero- waste messages and practices
› Applications improve community resilience to climate change impact
› Activities that support mana whenua to prosper
› Members of the applicants’ community group have completed governance training
For more information visit:
bit.ly/localboardgrant

2024-01-13 19:00 - 23:30 | Barrier Social Club
Well this is one you won’t want to miss.
The legend himself KING KAPISI
LIVE AT Barrier Social Club JANUARY 13TH
Thanks to Barrier Air presents. Also supported by airport rentals gbi, Aotea lodge and Stray possum lodge.
20 bucks entry
Come boogie with us locals
Support ya local

Growers & Makers Market
2024-01-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Claris Conference Centre

Live music with Al Fleming
2024-01-10 18:00 - 21:00 | The Currach Irish Pub, 78 Blackwell Drive, Great Barrier Island, 0991, New Zealand
Visiting artist Al Fleming joins us for the first time, a fabulous old time cruiser, we can’t wait !

Yoga for presence - Every Tuesday
2024-01-09 17:30 - 19:00
Yoga for presence with local yoga teacher Lucia, every Tuesday 5.30pm at the Claris art gallery. 90mim duration.
Everyone welcome

Stargazing Experience with Good Heavens - Clear skies this week!
2024-01-08 21:30 - 23:00
Great Barrier Island is a Dark Sky Sanctuary, and while we have clear skies and the Moon is in the day time sky, now is a perfect time to enjoy a stargazing experience with the Good Heavens team.

Stargazing Experience with Good Heavens - For a stellar start to 2024
2024-01-07 21:30 - 23:00
Start the year with a Stargazing Experience on Aotea Great Barrier Island
All Good Heavens’ experiences take place in beautiful spots. Our group experience at Medlands Beach is on a sand dune. This means you’ll hear the waves lapping on the beach while looking up and getting lost in the stars.
The island’s Dark Sky Sanctuary status means that our skies are wonderfully dark and our guides are looking forward to showing you some of the best stellar objects in the Milky Way, and even some outside! The subtropical climate on Aotea Great Barrier Island allows for a warmer stargazing experience than many other New Zealand places, too. So you can just relax in comfort with your feet in the sand and a blanket over your lap.
Availability is limited to 12 stargazers.

The Wingman Festival
2024-01-06 13:00 - 23:30 | Claris Sports Club, 19 Whangaparapara Road, Claris, Great Barrier Island, New Zealand
The Wingman Festival was born from the love and loss of our brother Shane ‘Wingman’ Billingham. Shane, tragically passed away at the age of 33 while at Burning Man Festival 19 in Nevada U.S.
​
Shane had a larger-than-life soul, was easy-going, with a world-famous smile. He loved everything good in this world; most of all music, whanau, and his home – Aotea/Great Barrier.
​
Music is what Shane lived for, starting as a youngster in his family home alongside his big brother and little sister. Shane advanced musically to be a founding member and kick-arse drummer of Solomon Jamski, creating their very own album. In his mid-twenties he put the drumsticks aside and picked up a djembe drum and started traveling the world, playing at some incredible festivals alongside the likes of Rueben Stone, Grouch, Issac Chambers…….
​
Shane loved the traveling musician lifestyle but his heart and home was always on Aotea/Great Barrier. He dreamed of bringing music and his worldly experiences to the island in the form of a festival.
​
In 2020, a year after Shane’s passing the Aotea Wingman Festival Trust was created. Friends and family came together, with the support of the community, to see his dream come alive. The Wingman Festival is a not-for-profit event with money raised going to fund the tamariki’s own music and arts journeys as well as keeping the festival alive.

Medlands Sandcastle Competition
2024-01-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Medlands Beach, Oruawharo Bay, 0991, New Zealand
The Medlands Sandcastle Competition is on Friday January 5th 2024, start building at 9am.
Get there a bit early to register and find your perfect spot.
There are awesome prizes up for grabs, anyone can enter and there are adult prizes as well as kids prizes.
Please remember to bring back the trophy if you have one to pass on to this years winners.
Get amongst it people, this is always a fun event!

Stargazing Experience with Good Heavens – For a stellar start to 2024
2024-01-02 21:30 - 23:00
Make the most of your time on our beautiful island, by adding on this activity after dark. Our guides love the excitement they feel when we look up and get lost in the stars. They are looking forward to sharing this feeling with you.
Have a look at our closest neighbour planets and stars and the oldest object you will ever see. (Never mind the Antiques Roadshow). You may even gain a different perspective on our universe and your space within.
Our small groups of up to twelve participants ensure a personalised experience.
An overnight stay on Aotea Great Barrier Island is required to come stargazing with us.
Subject to availability with a maximum of 12 stargazers.

Yoga for presence - Every Tuesday 5:30pm
2024-01-02 17:30 - 19:00 | Aotea Arts & History Village, 80 Hector Sanderson Road, Claris, 0991

New Years Eve Dinner
2023-12-31 20:00 - 2024-01-01 20:00 | The Currach Irish Pub, 78 Blackwell Drive, Great Barrier Island, 0991, New Zealand
Come and ring in the New Year with us and the magical duo that make up Celtic Connections, a truly fabulous evening of entertainment, fine food and Ri Ra agus Ruaille Buaille. Very limited seats left

Rise Up Aotea @ Barrier Social Club - New Years Eve Party
2023-12-31 18:30 - 2024-01-01 00:00 | Barrier Social Club

New Years Eve with a sparkle - Stargazing Experience with Good Heavens
2023-12-31 09:30 - 23:00
Lean back comfortably in a moon chair to look up and see the thousands of stars visible in a Dark Sky Sanctuary. Aotea’s Sanctuary status means that our dark sky is certified magnificent. Plus, Aotea is warmer than many other New Zealand stargazing places, too.
Our guide will draw constellations and tell a range of multicultural stories and interesting astronomical facts. So enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or herbal tea, while you memorise what’s in the sky in a light-hearted and fun way.
Use our telescope to look at special stars and deep sky objects. Many of these are unique to the Southern Hemisphere. And they look truly dazzling in our super dark sky. A great opportunity to take a closer look at a planet. Spot a satellite, a meteor or a distant galaxy. Marvel at the stars with us. There is so much to see!
New Years Eve is a great time for a different perspective on our place in the Universe.
Subject to limited availability of 12 stargazers.

Look Up and Get Lost Stargazing Experience
2023-12-29 21:30 - 23:00
Your Good Heavens’ group stargazing experience takes place in a beautiful location under the pristine skies of Dark Sky Sanctuary Aotea Great Barrier Island.
During your stargazing experience, you will hear the waves lapping on the beach below while you look up and get lost in the stars. One of our passionate Good Heavens guides will illuminate you on this magical display, while you familiarise yourself with the night sky, and gain astronomical knowledge.
Lean back comfortably in a moon chair to look up and see the thousands of stars visible in a Dark Sky Sanctuary. The island’s Sanctuary status means that our dark sky is certified magnificent. Plus, Aotea is warmer than many other New Zealand stargazing places, too.
Our guide will draw constellations and tell a range of multicultural stories and interesting astronomical facts. So enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or herbal tea, while you memorise what’s in the sky in a light-hearted and fun way. At the moment, Matariki is in the evening sky, as well as Jupiter and Saturn.
Stargazing does not get more enjoyable than this!
Use our telescope to look at special stars and deep sky objects. Many of these are unique to the Southern Hemisphere. And they look truly dazzling in our super dark sky. A great opportunity to take a closer look at the Milky Way, or maybe a planet or our crescent moon. Spot a satellite, a meteor or a distant galaxy. Marvel at the stars with us. There is so much to see!
Make the most of your time on our beautiful island, by adding on this activity after dark. Our guides love the excitement they feel when we look up and get lost in the stars. They are looking forward to sharing this feeling with you.
Subject to availability. Limited to 12 stargazers.
