{"id":277,"date":"2020-08-20T08:06:28","date_gmt":"2020-08-19T20:06:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/littlebizonline.co.nz\/greatbarrierisland2020\/?page_id=277"},"modified":"2024-04-19T17:00:09","modified_gmt":"2024-04-19T05:00:09","slug":"our-great-skies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/our-great-skies\/","title":{"rendered":"Great Skies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aotea&#8217;s Dark Sky Sanctuary<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Great Barrier Island  Dark Sky Sanctuary\" width=\"1140\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/H814cVVVz3o?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id277_5c1691-6e > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id277_5c1691-6e > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id277_5c1691-6e > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(70% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2))) minmax(0, calc(30% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id277_5c1691-6e > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id277_5c1691-6e > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id277_5c1691-6e > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id277_5c1691-6e alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-left-golden kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column277_c85074-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column277_c85074-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column277_c85074-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column277_c85074-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column277_c85074-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column277_c85074-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column277_c85074-3c{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column277_c85074-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column277_c85074-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column277_c85074-3c inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<p>On Aotea, we enjoy the trifecta of pristine ngahere, clear moana and the darkest rangi. Stunning beaches stretch between the bush and the sea stretch and these wide-open beaches provide a superb setting for observations of our Dark Sky Sanctuary skies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our community values the protection of our land, sea and skies: 60% of the island is conservation park, there is a rahui around the island which is the ancient Maori way to protect some of our food sources and our sky is protected under a Dark Sky Sanctuary. We feel that preservation of our skies is particularly important to the health and wellbeing of our community, visitors and also for the night-time protection of our natural environment which teems with endemic flora and fauna, many protected species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Elsewhere on the planet, many of these endangered species are affected by light pollution and to a lesser extent, elsewhere in New Zealand as well. Aotea, for instance, is a haven to the tokoketai black petrel and to long and short tailed bat species. Under Aotea\u2019s dark skies, they are not distracted by light at night. On Aotea the population density if very low. We generate our own limited power, so are frugal with lights, and as there are no streetlights and definitely no bill boards, there is no light glow. So, when islanders have gone to bed, the island rests in wholesome, blissful darkness.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Medlands-9-with-photo-credit-Steve-Wardle-less-pixels-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5476\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Medlands-9-with-photo-credit-Steve-Wardle-less-pixels-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Medlands-9-with-photo-credit-Steve-Wardle-less-pixels-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Medlands-9-with-photo-credit-Steve-Wardle-less-pixels-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Medlands-9-with-photo-credit-Steve-Wardle-less-pixels-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Medlands-9-with-photo-credit-Steve-Wardle-less-pixels-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Medlands-9-with-photo-credit-Steve-Wardle-less-pixels-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Medlands-9-with-photo-credit-Steve-Wardle-less-pixels-272x182.jpg 272w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Medlands-9-with-photo-credit-Steve-Wardle-less-pixels.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dark skies on Oruawharo Medlands. Captured by Steve Wardle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There a many other Dark Sky Places in the world, see&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.darksky.org\/our-work\/conservation\/idsp\/\">here<\/a>, but Aotea Great Barrier Island is unique, because it is so easily accessible from a large international airport (Auckland), and you don\u2019t have to forego your creature comforts, as you can stay within the sanctuary,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/accommodation\/\">in comfortable accommodation<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Some people may be drawn to bright lights for their holidays but more and more are recognising that dark skies are a precious and scarce resource, and are choosing to holiday is dark sky reserves, parks or sanctuaries like Aotea. The island also has a wonderful subtropical climate and seaside stargazing is different level. Try it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Did you know?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>*Light pollution, the excessive or inappropriate use of outdoor&nbsp;artificial&nbsp;light, is affecting human health, wildlife behavior, and our ability to observe stars and other celestial objects.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>*An increased amount of light at night lowers melatonin production, which results in sleep deprivation, fatigue, headaches, stress, anxiety, and other health problems.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>*More than 80 percent of the world\u2019s population, and 99 percent of Americans and Europeans, live under sky glow. It sounds pretty, but sky glow caused by&nbsp;anthropogenic&nbsp;activities is one of the most pervasive forms of light pollution.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>*Some of the most light-polluted countries in the world are Singapore, Qatar, and Kuwait,&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8230;but Europe and the United States are very much affected my light pollution too, see this&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lightpollutionmap.info\/#zoom=8.43&amp;lat=-43.9349&amp;lon=170.8241&amp;state=eyJiYXNlbWFwIjoiTGF5ZXJCaW5nUm9hZCIsIm92ZXJsYXkiOiJ3YV8yMDE1Iiwib3ZlcmxheWNvbG9yIjpmYWxzZSwib3ZlcmxheW9wYWNpdHkiOjYwLCJmZWF0dXJlc29wYWNpdHkiOjg1fQ==\">map<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>*Because of light pollution, sea turtles and birds guided by moonlight during migration get confused, lose their way, and often die.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>*Large numbers of insects, a primary food source for birds and other animals, are drawn to artificial lights and are instantly killed upon contact with light sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find more light pollution facts <a href=\"https:\/\/education.nationalgeographic.org\/resource\/light-pollution\/)\">here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ&#8217;s about our Dark Sky Sanctuary<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>.kt-accordion-id277_a0784d-49 .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);}.kt-accordion-id277_a0784d-49 .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kt-accordion-id277_a0784d-49 .wp-block-kadence-pane .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:0px solid #f2f2f2;border-right:0px solid #f2f2f2;border-bottom:0px solid #f2f2f2;border-left:0px solid 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#f2f2f2;border-right:0px solid #f2f2f2;border-bottom:0px solid #f2f2f2;border-left:0px solid #f2f2f2;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id277_a0784d-49 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id277_a0784d-49 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus{border-top-color:#eeeeee;border-top-style:solid;border-right-color:#eeeeee;border-right-style:solid;border-bottom-color:#eeeeee;border-bottom-style:solid;border-left-color:#eeeeee;border-left-style:solid;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id277_a0784d-49 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{border-top-color:#444444;border-top-style:solid;border-right-color:#444444;border-right-style:solid;border-bottom-color:#444444;border-bottom-style:solid;border-left-color:#444444;border-left-style:solid;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-accordion-id277_a0784d-49 .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{display:block;}.kt-accordion-id277_a0784d-49 .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;}.kt-accordion-id277_a0784d-49 .wp-block-kadence-pane .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:0px solid #f2f2f2;border-right:0px solid #f2f2f2;border-bottom:0px solid #f2f2f2;border-left:0px solid #f2f2f2;}.kt-accordion-id277_a0784d-49 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id277_a0784d-49 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus{border-top-color:#eeeeee;border-top-style:solid;border-right-color:#eeeeee;border-right-style:solid;border-bottom-color:#eeeeee;border-bottom-style:solid;border-left-color:#eeeeee;border-left-style:solid;}.kt-accordion-id277_a0784d-49 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{border-top-color:#444444;border-top-style:solid;border-right-color:#444444;border-right-style:solid;border-bottom-color:#444444;border-bottom-style:solid;border-left-color:#444444;border-left-style:solid;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-accordion alignnone\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-wrap kt-accordion-id277_a0784d-49 kt-accordion-has-2-panes kt-active-pane-0 kt-accordion-block kt-pane-header-alignment-left kt-accodion-icon-style-basic kt-accodion-icon-side-right\" style=\"max-width:none\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-inner-wrap\" data-allow-multiple-open=\"false\" data-start-open=\"0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-1 kt-pane277_8a01eb-12\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">How Dark is the night sky on Aotea Great Barrier Island?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p>Aotea&#8217;s skies are exceptionally clear and dark. It is one of the darkest places to view the night sky in the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aotea Great Barrier Island is a Dark Sky Sanctuary. An&nbsp;IDA Dark Sky&nbsp;Sanctuary is public or private land that has an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights, with a magnitude per square arc second over 21.5 (around Bortle 1 or 2) and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural, or educational value, its cultural heritage and\/or public enjoyment. The darkness of the sky on Aotea is monitored yearly to ensure the island remains within the range specified by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-2 kt-pane277_3e9991-c5\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">How can you experience our dark night skies<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p><strong>Guided experiences: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/activities-directory\/listing\/good-heavens\/\" data-type=\"activities_dir_ltg\" data-id=\"597\">Good Heavens<\/a>&#8216; friendly local guides provide comfortable chairs and blankets, and an 8\u201d telescope. They entertain with interesting facts and fascinating stories of this magical night-time world. Discover our place in the universe, while looking up and getting lost in the stars. Private and group experiences available.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/activities-directory\/listing\/star-treks\/\" data-type=\"activities_dir_ltg\" data-id=\"1156\">Star Treks<\/a> craft day and twilight treks &#8211; the Kaitoke hot pools twilight trek includes star gazing through binoculars, where one of their local guides, who is a dark sky ambassador will guide you through the dark sky sanctuary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a data-type=\"activities_dir_ltg\" data-id=\"1600\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/activities-directory\/listing\/astrophotography-adventures\/\">Carol Comer<\/a> offers bespoke astrophotographers adventures for who want to learn more about astrophotography  and photography some of the clearest night skies in the world. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kt-accordion-id277_1bbbab-0b .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);}.kt-accordion-id277_1bbbab-0b 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.kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#ffffff;}.kt-accordion-id277_1bbbab-0b:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#ffffff;}.kt-accordion-id277_1bbbab-0b:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id277_1bbbab-0b:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#444444;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id277_1bbbab-0b .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id277_1bbbab-0b .wp-block-kadence-pane .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:0px solid #f2f2f2;border-right:0px solid #f2f2f2;border-bottom:0px solid #f2f2f2;border-left:0px solid #f2f2f2;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id277_1bbbab-0b .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id277_1bbbab-0b .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus{border-top-color:#eeeeee;border-top-style:solid;border-right-color:#eeeeee;border-right-style:solid;border-bottom-color:#eeeeee;border-bottom-style:solid;border-left-color:#eeeeee;border-left-style:solid;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id277_1bbbab-0b .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{border-top-color:#444444;border-top-style:solid;border-right-color:#444444;border-right-style:solid;border-bottom-color:#444444;border-bottom-style:solid;border-left-color:#444444;border-left-style:solid;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-accordion-id277_1bbbab-0b .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{display:block;}.kt-accordion-id277_1bbbab-0b .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;}.kt-accordion-id277_1bbbab-0b .wp-block-kadence-pane .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:0px solid #f2f2f2;border-right:0px solid #f2f2f2;border-bottom:0px solid #f2f2f2;border-left:0px solid #f2f2f2;}.kt-accordion-id277_1bbbab-0b .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id277_1bbbab-0b .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus{border-top-color:#eeeeee;border-top-style:solid;border-right-color:#eeeeee;border-right-style:solid;border-bottom-color:#eeeeee;border-bottom-style:solid;border-left-color:#eeeeee;border-left-style:solid;}.kt-accordion-id277_1bbbab-0b .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{border-top-color:#444444;border-top-style:solid;border-right-color:#444444;border-right-style:solid;border-bottom-color:#444444;border-bottom-style:solid;border-left-color:#444444;border-left-style:solid;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-accordion alignnone\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-wrap kt-accordion-id277_1bbbab-0b kt-accordion-has-8-panes kt-active-pane-0 kt-accordion-block kt-pane-header-alignment-left kt-accodion-icon-style-basic kt-accodion-icon-side-right\" style=\"max-width:none\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-inner-wrap\" data-allow-multiple-open=\"false\" data-start-open=\"0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-1 kt-pane277_bb932c-17\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">What can I expect to see with the naked eye? Binoculars? Telescope?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p>The Milky Way traverses the evening sky throughout the year, with several thousand stars visible to the naked eye plus numerous binocular and telescopic deep sky objects such as star clusters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Southern Hemisphere sky that we see, large and small Magellanic Cloud, our nearest galaxies, are also easily visible to the naked eye. The Crux, Southern Cross and Milky Way can be seen with the naked eye year round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On Aotea, with a Bortle scale between 1 and 2, there is a lot of detail to be observed in the sky with the naked eye. Have a look at the Orion Nebula&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/academo.org\/demos\/bortle-scale\/\">here<\/a>&nbsp;and use the slider to the left of the image to see how much difference true darkness makes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bring binoculars to have a close look at open clusters, such as Matariki, the five of diamonds, Ptolemy\u2019s cluster and the Beehive cluster and see how they sparkle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or grab a telescope, ask if your accommodation has one for you to use or book a stargazing tour with the Good Heavens team to observe deep sky objects with lots of definition and detail.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-3 kt-pane277_c6d65a-c7\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">Seeing the Dark sky sanctuary is a priority of my visit to Aotea. When is best to visit?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p>The best stargazing on Aotea happens when there are no clouds and no Moon in the night sky. We love it when the centre of the Milky Way is high up in the sky, in July\/August, but it\u2019s a bit cooler than in the summer months, say from October to the end of April.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It does always cool down after dark, though, and a down jacket, a blanket and a chair or a dune pan heated up by the sun in summer, make stargazing so much more comfortable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The time of Matariki, when the Matariki\/Pleiades cluster reappears in the pre-dawn sky, is special to New Zealanders and there is now a holiday that celebrates this special event. Check if there is a pre-dawn ceremony that you may be able to join in with.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But whether you come in summer, winter or in between, there is always something interesting to see in the sky, provided it is at least partially clear.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several free stargazing apps available, and they are a great way to get you bearings. If you want to make fast progress on your stargazing journey, consider a guided stargazing experience.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What about the moon?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you like you the moon, you will love the moon above Aotea. As our night sky is so dark, once the moon is more than 50% illuminated, it plays a large role in the nighttime environment. For the evening sky, this is the case around 1\/3 of the month.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our moon is stunning to view at this time! You may like to bring binoculars, if you want to have a close-up look. This time is less suitable for astrophotography and if you would like to see the Milky Way in all its glory, come at another time. When the moon is a waxing crescent for instance, or not in the evening sky. Use this&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeanddate.com\/moon\/@2190504\">moon phase<\/a>&nbsp;link to help you plan your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-2 kt-pane277_6758f0-d2\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">Matariki &#8211; What and when?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p>Matariki is the Maori name for an open star cluster, also known as the Pleiades, Subaru, the Seven Sisters and by other names. It\u2019s also the name of the brightest star within this cluster.&nbsp;And in&nbsp;Maori tradition, Matariki is the Maori New Year, at the heliacal rising of Matariki. It\u2019s a time to remember the dead and to release their spirits to become stars. It is also a time to reflect, to be thankful to the gods for the harvest, to feast and to share the bounty of the harvest with family and friends.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditionally, Matariki festivities included lighting ritual fires, making offerings and various celebrations to farewell the dead, honour ancestors and celebrate life. This ancient tradition has seen a revival, and Matariki has become a national holiday in 2022. Now people across Aotearoa come together to remember their ancestors, share kai (food), sing waiata (songs), korero (tell stories) and to play music. If you have the chance to attend a hautapu ceremony and don\u2019t mind getting up early, we would recommend this. Ask your host.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When is Matariki?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The celebration of the rising of the Matariki cluster in the sky is depending on when this cluster is clearly visible, and that depends on the Maori lunar calendar, but roughly the celebrations take place between mid June and mid July.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What are the dates of the Matariki public holiday?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Matariki public holiday is based on the winter heliacal rising of the Matariki cluster in the early morning sky during the Tangaroa period of the lunar month of Pipiri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The dates for the Matariki public holiday fall on the closest Friday to the Tangaroa lunar period during the lunar month of Pipiri. Tangaroa is not a single phase of the moon but rather the last quarter period of the lunar calendar. Because of this, the dates to celebrate Matariki differ from year to year.&nbsp;Read more on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tepapa.govt.nz\/discover-collections\/read-watch-play\/matariki-maori-new-year\/dates-for-matariki-public-holiday\">this Te Papa website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-4 kt-pane277_9c9ba0-82\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">Is there bioluminescence on Aotea? Where and when can it be seen?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p>Bioluminescence is&nbsp;<strong>the production and emission of light by a living organism<\/strong>. Bioluminescent creatures are found throughout marine habitats, from the ocean surface to the deep seafloor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On Aotea bioluminescence in the water mainly seems to happen on calm, warm days, and if you want to see it in along the beach, there has to be some swell. It\u2019s a magical appearance that we have mostly observed in February.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-5 kt-pane277_cc8f3e-d9\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">Where are the best locations on the island to view the stars with the naked eye or using a phone app?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p>All of our island is a Dark Sky Sanctuary. This means that on a clear night, our night sky is amazing wherever you are on the island. So, if the place you are staying at has a deck\/veranda or a lawn, and not a lot of trees around, this is a great place for stargazing once you turn the lights off. In summer, you can just lie back and look up, in winter you may want to put on a warm jacket and grab a blanket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aotea is a hilly, bushy place. And trees and hills can hinder stargazing efforts. To get around this, we recommend heading for the beach. Beaches are plentiful on the island, and usually after dark, it will just be you and the stars. If you can, plan for the tides, see&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tideschart.com\/New-Zealand\/Auckland\/Auckland\/Great-Barrier-Island-(Aotea)-Medlands-Beach-(Oruawharo)\/\">here<\/a>. If the beach is narrow, go on a low tide. If the tide is high, stay above the high tide mark. You may like to scope your nighttime terrain while it\u2019s light, because after dark, it does get very dark on Aotea, and even if you use a torch, your vision is limited to the beam of your torch.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, bring a torch (a red torch is best to protect your night vision). Be careful not to stumble into a stargazing tour. These take place most nights, usually at Twin Pines at Medlands. There are many other places along Medlands Beach and elsewhere, to enjoy the stars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Self-directed viewing <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are new to stargazing and would like to have some basic guidance, you may find a phone app sufficient. The team at Good Heavens Stargazing Experiences recommend Sky Safari and Universe2Go. Both have free options. Good Heavens also have a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/goodheavens.co.nz\/faqs-about-stargazing-in-new-zealand-and-on-great-barrier-island\/\">web page<\/a>&nbsp;with more FAQ that you may find helpful.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-7 kt-pane277_41a018-87\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">Where are the best locations for astrophotographers?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p>All of our island is a Dark Sky Sanctuary. This means that on a clear moonless night, our night sky is amazing wherever you are on the island.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The selection of the landscape for astro (landscape) photography is often part of the creative process, and Aotea has the most wonderful landscapes galore. Our beaches are fantastic, as they offer the sky, and some stunning landscape features, usually puhutakawa trees. Long shots with a few lonely dwellings in the far hills can be captivating, and there are a few interesting old buildings, such as the church in Medlands and the old school house next to the community hall in Tryphena.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need a level surface for deep sky photography, check with your host for recommendations before you book.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider a bespoke&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.carolcomer.nz\/astrophotography-workshops\">astrophotography workshop<\/a>&nbsp;with Carol Comer photography if you are a newby in the field, if you want to learn some new tricks, or if you like to be guided to Carol\u2019s favourite landscape astrophotography spots on the island.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-6 kt-pane277_967950-fe\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">I&#8217;m from the Northern hemisphere. Whats so different looking at the sky upside down?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p>When you look at the sky from down under there are a few things that are very different:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can\u2019t see northern circumpolar constellations and objects, such as Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Draco and Polaris, the Pole star, they are beyond the northern horizon for us.&nbsp;&nbsp;But! you can see deep into the southern sky, and the Southern Cross and amazing celestial objects like the Magellenic Clouds (naked eye), open clusters like Ptolemy\u2019s cluster (binoculars) and the largest globular clusters (telescope) become visible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a generalisation, the Southern Hemisphere sky is also darker than the sky in the Northern Hemisphere. This makes New Zealand, and specifically the darkest places in New Zealand, such as Aotea, so amazing for stargazing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-8 kt-pane277_2e15ec-16\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\"><strong>What can you do to protect the sky?<\/strong><\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p>You can help protect our night skies in one minute.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.darksky.org\/light-pollution\/wildlife\/\">Here\u2019s<\/a>&nbsp;how.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column277_b18983-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column277_b18983-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column277_b18983-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column277_b18983-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column277_b18983-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column277_b18983-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column277_b18983-43{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column277_b18983-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column277_b18983-43 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column277_b18983-43 inner-column-2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.darksky.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"280\" height=\"173\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Aotea-IDSS-logo.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-348\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Aotea-IDSS-logo.png 280w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Aotea-IDSS-logo-240x148.png 240w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-277_12f02f-47 .kt-block-spacer{height:38px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-277_12f02f-47 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-277_12f02f-47\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/dark-skies.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/dark-skies-thumb.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-346\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/dark-skies-thumb.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/dark-skies-thumb-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/dark-skies-thumb-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/dark-skies-thumb-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/dark-skies-thumb-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/dark-skies-thumb-32x32.jpg 32w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/dark-skies-thumb-48x48.jpg 48w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/dark-skies-thumb-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/dark-skies-thumb-180x180.jpg 180w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dark sky readings<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-277_931df8-01 .kt-block-spacer{height:46px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-277_931df8-01 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-277_931df8-01\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-very-dark-gray-color\"><strong>Five shocking facts from the International Dark Sky Association<\/strong><\/mark><\/h4>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-277_c177da-0c .kt-block-spacer{height:20px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-277_c177da-0c .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-277_c177da-0c\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Exposure to light pollution at night puts your health at risk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Light pollution kills millions of birds a year <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Light pollution contributes to climate change<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Artificial light at night disrupts the seasonal cycles of trees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The sky glow of cities like Los Angeles are visible from an aeroplane 200 miles away!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.darksky.org\/5-appalling-facts-about-light-pollution\/\">Find out more from the IDA here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-277_083aee-a2 .kt-block-spacer{height:60px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-277_083aee-a2 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-277_083aee-a2\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Guided Experiences<\/h3>\n\n\n<div id=\"drts-platform-render-663b6ac1d9cd2-1\" class=\"drts drts-main\"><div class=\"drts-view-entities-container drts-view-entities-container-list\" data-view-bundle-name=\"activities_dir_ltg\" data-view-name=\"dark_skies\" 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drts-display-element-group-2   drts-display-element-no-header\" style=\"\"><div data-name=\"entity_field_directory_photos\" class=\"drts-display-element drts-display-element-entity_field_directory_photos-1 directory-listing-photo drts-display-element-with-background drts-display-element-hover-effect drts-display-element-hover-zoom drts-display-element-with-link\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Photo-credit-James-Rua-DebTourLaserPen-683x1024.jpg);\" onclick=\"location.href='https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/activities-directory\/listing\/good-heavens\/'; return false;\"> <\/div>\n<div data-name=\"button\" class=\"drts-display-element drts-display-element-button-1 drts-display-element-inlineable directory-listing-buttons\" style=\"\"><div class=\"drts-bs-btn-group \"><button class=\"drts-bs-btn drts-bs-btn-link drts-voting-button\" style=\"color:#fff;\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-label=\"Bookmark\" data-label-active=\"Unbookmark\" 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class=\"drts-entity-field-label drts-entity-field-label-type-form\">Categories<\/div><div class=\"drts-entity-field-value\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/activities-directory\/categories\/tour-providers\/\" title=\"Tour Providers\" class=\" drts-entity-permalink drts-entity-3\" data-type=\"term\" data-content-type=\"directory_category\" data-content-name=\"activities_dir_cat\">Tour Providers<\/a>|<a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/activities-directory\/categories\/nature\/\" title=\"Nature\" class=\" drts-entity-permalink drts-entity-6\" data-type=\"term\" data-content-type=\"directory_category\" data-content-name=\"activities_dir_cat\">Nature<\/a>|<a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/activities-directory\/categories\/star-gazing\/\" title=\"Star Gazing\" class=\" drts-entity-permalink drts-entity-10\" data-type=\"term\" data-content-type=\"directory_category\" data-content-name=\"activities_dir_cat\">Star Gazing<\/a>|<a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/activities-directory\/categories\/conservation\/\" title=\"Conservation\" class=\" drts-entity-permalink drts-entity-221\" data-type=\"term\" data-content-type=\"directory_category\" data-content-name=\"activities_dir_cat\">Conservation<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>        <\/div>\n                <div class=\"drts-col-12 drts-col-md-6 drts-col-xl-3 drts-view-entity-container\">\n            <div id=\"drts-platform-render-663b6ac1d9cd2-1-post-1156\" data-entity-id=\"1156\" class=\"drts-entity drts-entity-post drts-display drts-display--summary drts-display-default-summary\" data-type=\"post\" data-content-type=\"directory__listing\" data-content-name=\"activities_dir_ltg\" data-display-type=\"entity\" data-display-name=\"summary\"><div data-name=\"group\" class=\"drts-display-element drts-display-element-group-2   drts-display-element-no-header\" style=\"\"><div data-name=\"entity_field_directory_photos\" class=\"drts-display-element drts-display-element-entity_field_directory_photos-1 directory-listing-photo drts-display-element-with-background drts-display-element-hover-effect drts-display-element-hover-zoom drts-display-element-with-link\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Ben-Hot-springs-bridge-683x1024.jpg);\" onclick=\"location.href='https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/activities-directory\/listing\/star-treks\/'; return false;\"> <\/div>\n<div data-name=\"button\" class=\"drts-display-element drts-display-element-button-1 drts-display-element-inlineable directory-listing-buttons\" style=\"\"><div class=\"drts-bs-btn-group \"><button class=\"drts-bs-btn drts-bs-btn-link drts-voting-button\" style=\"color:#fff;\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-label=\"Bookmark\" data-label-active=\"Unbookmark\" data-voting-type=\"bookmark\" data-voting-icon-active=\"fas fa-heart\" data-voting-icon=\"far fa-heart\" data-voting-guest=\"1\" data-entity-id=\"1156\" data-entity-type=\"post\" title=\"Bookmark\" data-button-name=\"voting_bookmark\"><i class=\"far fa-heart\"><\/i><\/button><\/div><\/div>\n<div data-name=\"entity_field_post_title\" class=\"drts-display-element drts-display-element-entity_field_post_title-1 drts-display-element-inlineable directory-listing-title \" style=\"font-size:1.2rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/activities-directory\/listing\/star-treks\/\" target=\"_self\" title=\"Star Treks\" class=\" drts-entity-permalink drts-entity-1156\" data-type=\"post\" data-content-type=\"directory__listing\" data-content-name=\"activities_dir_ltg\">Star Treks<\/a><\/div>\n<div data-name=\"entity_field_directory_category\" class=\"drts-display-element drts-display-element-entity_field_directory_category-1 drts-display-element-inlineable  \" style=\"\"><div class=\"drts-entity-field-label drts-entity-field-label-type-form\">Categories<\/div><div class=\"drts-entity-field-value\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/activities-directory\/categories\/tour-providers\/\" title=\"Tour Providers\" class=\" drts-entity-permalink drts-entity-3\" data-type=\"term\" data-content-type=\"directory_category\" data-content-name=\"activities_dir_cat\">Tour Providers<\/a>|<a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/activities-directory\/categories\/heritage\/\" title=\"Heritage\" class=\" drts-entity-permalink drts-entity-5\" data-type=\"term\" data-content-type=\"directory_category\" data-content-name=\"activities_dir_cat\">Heritage<\/a>|<a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/activities-directory\/categories\/nature\/\" title=\"Nature\" class=\" drts-entity-permalink drts-entity-6\" data-type=\"term\" data-content-type=\"directory_category\" data-content-name=\"activities_dir_cat\">Nature<\/a>|<a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/activities-directory\/categories\/walking\/\" title=\"Walking\" class=\" drts-entity-permalink drts-entity-8\" data-type=\"term\" data-content-type=\"directory_category\" data-content-name=\"activities_dir_cat\">Walking<\/a>|<a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/activities-directory\/categories\/star-gazing\/\" title=\"Star Gazing\" class=\" drts-entity-permalink drts-entity-10\" data-type=\"term\" data-content-type=\"directory_category\" data-content-name=\"activities_dir_cat\">Star Gazing<\/a>|<a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/activities-directory\/categories\/conservation\/\" title=\"Conservation\" class=\" drts-entity-permalink drts-entity-221\" data-type=\"term\" data-content-type=\"directory_category\" data-content-name=\"activities_dir_cat\">Conservation<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>        <\/div>\n                <div class=\"drts-col-12 drts-col-md-6 drts-col-xl-3 drts-view-entity-container\">\n            <div id=\"drts-platform-render-663b6ac1d9cd2-1-post-1600\" data-entity-id=\"1600\" class=\"drts-entity drts-entity-post drts-display drts-display--summary drts-display-default-summary\" data-type=\"post\" data-content-type=\"directory__listing\" data-content-name=\"activities_dir_ltg\" data-display-type=\"entity\" data-display-name=\"summary\"><div data-name=\"group\" class=\"drts-display-element drts-display-element-group-2   drts-display-element-no-header\" style=\"\"><div data-name=\"entity_field_directory_photos\" class=\"drts-display-element drts-display-element-entity_field_directory_photos-1 directory-listing-photo drts-display-element-with-background drts-display-element-hover-effect drts-display-element-hover-zoom drts-display-element-with-link\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/carol2-1024x697.jpg);\" onclick=\"location.href='https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/activities-directory\/listing\/astrophotography-adventures\/'; return false;\"> <\/div>\n<div data-name=\"button\" class=\"drts-display-element drts-display-element-button-1 drts-display-element-inlineable directory-listing-buttons\" style=\"\"><div class=\"drts-bs-btn-group \"><button class=\"drts-bs-btn drts-bs-btn-link drts-voting-button\" style=\"color:#fff;\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-label=\"Bookmark\" data-label-active=\"Unbookmark\" data-voting-type=\"bookmark\" data-voting-icon-active=\"fas fa-heart\" data-voting-icon=\"far fa-heart\" data-voting-guest=\"1\" data-entity-id=\"1600\" data-entity-type=\"post\" title=\"Bookmark\" data-button-name=\"voting_bookmark\"><i class=\"far fa-heart\"><\/i><\/button><\/div><\/div>\n<div data-name=\"entity_field_post_title\" class=\"drts-display-element drts-display-element-entity_field_post_title-1 drts-display-element-inlineable directory-listing-title \" style=\"font-size:1.2rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/activities-directory\/listing\/astrophotography-adventures\/\" target=\"_self\" title=\"Astrophotography Adventures\" class=\" drts-entity-permalink drts-entity-1600\" data-type=\"post\" data-content-type=\"directory__listing\" data-content-name=\"activities_dir_ltg\">Astrophotography Adventures<\/a><\/div>\n<div data-name=\"entity_field_directory_category\" class=\"drts-display-element drts-display-element-entity_field_directory_category-1 drts-display-element-inlineable  \" style=\"\"><div class=\"drts-entity-field-label drts-entity-field-label-type-form\">Categories<\/div><div class=\"drts-entity-field-value\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/activities-directory\/categories\/star-gazing\/\" title=\"Star Gazing\" class=\" drts-entity-permalink drts-entity-10\" data-type=\"term\" data-content-type=\"directory_category\" data-content-name=\"activities_dir_cat\">Star Gazing<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"drts-view-entities-footer drts-bs-mt-4\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", function(event) { var $ = jQuery;\nDRTS.init($(\"#drts-platform-render-663b6ac1d9cd2-1\"));\n});<\/script><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Upcoming dark sky events you may be interested in:<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"ecs-no-events\">There are no upcoming events.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:55px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Read more about Aotea&#8217;s Dark Sky Sanctuary here&#8230;<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>.kt-post-loop277_0986b3-35 .kadence-post-image{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kt-post-loop277_0986b3-35 .kt-post-grid-wrap{gap:30px 30px;}.kt-post-loop277_0986b3-35 .kt-blocks-post-grid-item{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;border-top-color:currentColor;border-top-style:solid;border-right-color:currentColor;border-right-style:solid;border-bottom-color:currentColor;border-bottom-style:solid;border-left-color:currentColor;border-left-style:solid;overflow:hidden;}.kt-post-loop277_0986b3-35 .kt-blocks-post-grid-item .kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner{padding-top:0px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:30px;}.kt-post-loop277_0986b3-35 .kt-blocks-post-grid-item header{padding-top:0px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:15px;margin-top:-30px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;background-color:#ffffff;}.kt-post-loop277_0986b3-35 .kt-blocks-post-grid-item .entry-title{padding-top:10px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:5px;padding-left:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;font-size:28px;line-height:40px;}.kt-post-loop277_0986b3-35 .entry-content{padding-top:0px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:15px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}.kt-post-loop277_0986b3-35 .kt-blocks-post-footer{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;border-left-width:0px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:5px;padding-left:15px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}.kt-post-loop277_0986b3-35 .entry-content:after{height:0px;}.kt-post-loop277_0986b3-35 .entry-content .kt-blocks-post-readmore{background-color:#ffffff;border-color:#333333;color:#333333;border-width:1px;padding-top:5px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:5px;padding-left:16px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}.kt-post-loop277_0986b3-35 .entry-content .kt-blocks-post-readmore:hover{color:#ffffff;border-color:#333333;background-color:#333333;}.kt-post-loop277_0986b3-35 .kb-filter-item{border-top-width:0px;border-right-width:0px;border-bottom-width:2px;border-left-width:0px;padding-top:5px;padding-right:8px;padding-bottom:5px;padding-left:8px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:10px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-post-loop277_0986b3-35 .kt-blocks-post-grid-item{border-top-color:currentColor;border-top-style:solid;border-right-color:currentColor;border-right-style:solid;border-bottom-color:currentColor;border-bottom-style:solid;border-left-color:currentColor;border-left-style:solid;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-post-loop277_0986b3-35 .kt-blocks-post-grid-item{border-top-color:currentColor;border-top-style:solid;border-right-color:currentColor;border-right-style:solid;border-bottom-color:currentColor;border-bottom-style:solid;border-left-color:currentColor;border-left-style:solid;}}<\/style><div class=\"wp-block-kadence-postgrid kt-blocks-post-loop-block alignnone kt-post-loop277_0986b3-35 kt-post-grid-layout-grid \"><div class=\"kt-post-grid-layout-grid-wrap kt-post-grid-wrap\" data-columns-xxl=\"3\" data-columns-xl=\"3\" data-columns-md=\"3\" data-columns-sm=\"2\" data-columns-xs=\"1\" data-columns-ss=\"1\"data-item-selector=\".kt-post-masonry-item\"><article class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item post-10776 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-aotea-advocate category-issue-4\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner-wrap kt-feat-image-align-top kt-feat-image-mobile-align-top\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-intrisic kt-image-ratio-66-67\" style=\"padding-bottom:66.67%\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-intrisic\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/navigating-our-night-skies-in-autumn\/\" class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Lights-out-on-GBI_-Dark-Sky-Sanctuary-Launch-Night_Full-Res-photo_-Mark-Russell-5-720x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Lights-out-on-GBI_-Dark-Sky-Sanctuary-Launch-Night_Full-Res-photo_-Mark-Russell-5-720x1024.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Lights-out-on-GBI_-Dark-Sky-Sanctuary-Launch-Night_Full-Res-photo_-Mark-Russell-5-211x300.jpg 211w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Lights-out-on-GBI_-Dark-Sky-Sanctuary-Launch-Night_Full-Res-photo_-Mark-Russell-5-768x1092.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Lights-out-on-GBI_-Dark-Sky-Sanctuary-Launch-Night_Full-Res-photo_-Mark-Russell-5-1080x1536.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Lights-out-on-GBI_-Dark-Sky-Sanctuary-Launch-Night_Full-Res-photo_-Mark-Russell-5-127x180.jpg 127w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Lights-out-on-GBI_-Dark-Sky-Sanctuary-Launch-Night_Full-Res-photo_-Mark-Russell-5-960x1366.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Lights-out-on-GBI_-Dark-Sky-Sanctuary-Launch-Night_Full-Res-photo_-Mark-Russell-5-480x683.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Lights-out-on-GBI_-Dark-Sky-Sanctuary-Launch-Night_Full-Res-photo_-Mark-Russell-5-360x512.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Lights-out-on-GBI_-Dark-Sky-Sanctuary-Launch-Night_Full-Res-photo_-Mark-Russell-5.jpg 1406w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner\"><header><h2 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/navigating-our-night-skies-in-autumn\/\">Navigating Our Night Skies in Autumn<\/a><\/h2><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-top-meta\"><\/div><\/header><div class=\"entry-content\">A Sparkle of Stargazing In this stargazing snippet let\u2019s gaze at Orion and his dogs before they set in the west. Start by popping on some warm clothes and turning all the lights off. Go outside and take at least &hellip; <a class=\"kt-excerpt-readmore more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/navigating-our-night-skies-in-autumn\/\" aria-label=\"Navigating Our Night Skies in Autumn\">Read More<\/a><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-readmore-wrap\"><a class=\"kt-blocks-post-readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/navigating-our-night-skies-in-autumn\/\">Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> Navigating Our Night Skies in Autumn<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><footer class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-left\"><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-right\"><\/div><\/footer><\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item post-10108 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-aotea-advocate category-issue-3\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner-wrap kt-feat-image-align-top kt-feat-image-mobile-align-top\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-intrisic kt-image-ratio-66-67\" style=\"padding-bottom:66.67%\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-intrisic\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/celebrating-international-dark-sky-week\/\" class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"915\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/International-Dark-Sky-Week-Placeholder--915x1024.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/International-Dark-Sky-Week-Placeholder--915x1024.png 915w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/International-Dark-Sky-Week-Placeholder--268x300.png 268w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/International-Dark-Sky-Week-Placeholder--768x859.png 768w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/International-Dark-Sky-Week-Placeholder--161x180.png 161w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/International-Dark-Sky-Week-Placeholder--960x1074.png 960w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/International-Dark-Sky-Week-Placeholder--480x537.png 480w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/International-Dark-Sky-Week-Placeholder--720x806.png 720w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/International-Dark-Sky-Week-Placeholder--360x403.png 360w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/International-Dark-Sky-Week-Placeholder-.png 1178w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 915px) 100vw, 915px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner\"><header><h2 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/celebrating-international-dark-sky-week\/\">Celebrating International Dark Sky Week<\/a><\/h2><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-top-meta\"><\/div><\/header><div class=\"entry-content\">Aotea\/ Great Barrier signs international dark sky proclamation On 26 March 2024 Aotea Great Barrier Island made&nbsp;a \u201cDark Sky Proclamation\u201d to mark International Dark Sky Week. \u201cA Dark Sky Proclamation is a ceremonial document that a community or organisation signs &hellip; <a class=\"kt-excerpt-readmore more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/celebrating-international-dark-sky-week\/\" aria-label=\"Celebrating International Dark Sky Week\">Read More<\/a><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-readmore-wrap\"><a class=\"kt-blocks-post-readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/celebrating-international-dark-sky-week\/\">Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> Celebrating International Dark Sky Week<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><footer class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-left\"><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-right\"><\/div><\/footer><\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item post-10241 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-aotea-advocate category-island-stories category-issue-3\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner-wrap kt-feat-image-align-top kt-feat-image-mobile-align-top\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-intrisic kt-image-ratio-66-67\" style=\"padding-bottom:66.67%\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-intrisic\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wonder-women\/\" class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"704\" height=\"496\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/432280232_805395001615080_7804109418901706880_n.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/432280232_805395001615080_7804109418901706880_n.jpg 704w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/432280232_805395001615080_7804109418901706880_n-300x211.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/432280232_805395001615080_7804109418901706880_n-240x169.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/432280232_805395001615080_7804109418901706880_n-480x338.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/432280232_805395001615080_7804109418901706880_n-360x254.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 704px) 100vw, 704px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner\"><header><h2 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wonder-women\/\">Wonder Women<\/a><\/h2><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-top-meta\"><\/div><\/header><div class=\"entry-content\">Deb Kilgallon and Hilde Hoven of Good Heavens join Tim Higham in the AoteaFM studio ahead of Dark Sky week The night sky above Aotea calls people from all walks of life to admire its beauty. For Good Heavens Dark &hellip; <a class=\"kt-excerpt-readmore more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wonder-women\/\" aria-label=\"Wonder Women\">Read More<\/a><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-readmore-wrap\"><a class=\"kt-blocks-post-readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wonder-women\/\">Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> Wonder Women<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><footer class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-left\"><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-right\"><\/div><\/footer><\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item post-3795 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-island-stories\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner-wrap kt-feat-image-align-top kt-feat-image-mobile-align-top\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-intrisic kt-image-ratio-66-67\" style=\"padding-bottom:66.67%\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-intrisic\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/a-guide-to-aoteas-nightlife\/\" class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Carol-Comer-Bioluminescence-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Carol-Comer-Bioluminescence-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Carol-Comer-Bioluminescence-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Carol-Comer-Bioluminescence-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Carol-Comer-Bioluminescence-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Carol-Comer-Bioluminescence-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Carol-Comer-Bioluminescence-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Carol-Comer-Bioluminescence-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Carol-Comer-Bioluminescence-272x182.jpg 272w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Carol-Comer-Bioluminescence-scaled-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Carol-Comer-Bioluminescence-scaled-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Carol-Comer-Bioluminescence-scaled-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Carol-Comer-Bioluminescence-scaled-360x240.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner\"><header><h2 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/a-guide-to-aoteas-nightlife\/\">A Guide to Aotea\u2019s Nightlife<\/a><\/h2><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-top-meta\"><\/div><\/header><div class=\"entry-content\">Aotea\u2019s nightlife is remarkable. I\u2019m not talking Thursday open mike nights at the Currach, the sets by local DJs at the clubs or the annual Aotea Live showcase of musical talent. Rather, the island is world famous as a Dark &hellip; <a class=\"kt-excerpt-readmore more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/a-guide-to-aoteas-nightlife\/\" aria-label=\"A Guide to Aotea\u2019s Nightlife\">Read More<\/a><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-readmore-wrap\"><a class=\"kt-blocks-post-readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/a-guide-to-aoteas-nightlife\/\">Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> A Guide to Aotea\u2019s Nightlife<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><footer class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-left\"><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-right\"><\/div><\/footer><\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item post-1099 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-itineraries category-under-the-stars\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner-wrap kt-feat-image-align-top kt-feat-image-mobile-align-top\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-intrisic kt-image-ratio-66-67\" style=\"padding-bottom:66.67%\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-intrisic\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/dark-sky-escape-to-great-barrier-island\/\" class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DGBIT-Dark-Sky-Licenced-Photos-from-Mark-Russell-Web-Resolution-3-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DGBIT-Dark-Sky-Licenced-Photos-from-Mark-Russell-Web-Resolution-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DGBIT-Dark-Sky-Licenced-Photos-from-Mark-Russell-Web-Resolution-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DGBIT-Dark-Sky-Licenced-Photos-from-Mark-Russell-Web-Resolution-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DGBIT-Dark-Sky-Licenced-Photos-from-Mark-Russell-Web-Resolution-3-240x160.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DGBIT-Dark-Sky-Licenced-Photos-from-Mark-Russell-Web-Resolution-3-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DGBIT-Dark-Sky-Licenced-Photos-from-Mark-Russell-Web-Resolution-3-272x182.jpg 272w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DGBIT-Dark-Sky-Licenced-Photos-from-Mark-Russell-Web-Resolution-3-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DGBIT-Dark-Sky-Licenced-Photos-from-Mark-Russell-Web-Resolution-3-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DGBIT-Dark-Sky-Licenced-Photos-from-Mark-Russell-Web-Resolution-3-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DGBIT-Dark-Sky-Licenced-Photos-from-Mark-Russell-Web-Resolution-3-480x320.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/DGBIT-Dark-Sky-Licenced-Photos-from-Mark-Russell-Web-Resolution-3.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner\"><header><h2 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/dark-sky-escape-to-great-barrier-island\/\">Dark Sky Escape to Great Barrier Island<\/a><\/h2><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-top-meta\"><\/div><\/header><div class=\"entry-content\">Many of our visitors come to see the night sky. Aotea\/Great Barrier Island was the first island dark sky sanctuary in the world and the only sanctuary in city limits. With minimal light pollution on the island, at night, when &hellip; <a class=\"kt-excerpt-readmore more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/dark-sky-escape-to-great-barrier-island\/\" aria-label=\"Dark Sky Escape to Great Barrier Island\">Read More<\/a><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-readmore-wrap\"><a class=\"kt-blocks-post-readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/dark-sky-escape-to-great-barrier-island\/\">Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> Dark Sky Escape to Great Barrier Island<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><footer class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-left\"><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-right\"><\/div><\/footer><\/div><\/div><\/article><article class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item post-8387 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-aotea-advocate category-issue-1\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner-wrap kt-feat-image-align-top kt-feat-image-mobile-align-top\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-intrisic kt-image-ratio-66-67\" style=\"padding-bottom:66.67%\"><div class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-intrisic\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/dark-sky-sanctuary\/\" class=\"kadence-post-image-inner-wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"655\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_0227-655x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_0227-655x1024.jpg 655w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_0227-192x300.jpg 192w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_0227-768x1201.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_0227-115x180.jpg 115w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_0227-600x938.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_0227-480x751.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_0227-720x1126.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_0227-360x563.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/IMG_0227.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 655px) 100vw, 655px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner\"><header><h2 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/dark-sky-sanctuary\/\">Dark Sky Sanctuary<\/a><\/h2><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-top-meta\"><\/div><\/header><div class=\"entry-content\">A Sparkle of Stargazing Have you been looking up and wondering what it is that\u2019s sparkling down at you? Well here\u2019s a stargazing snippet just for you. Turn all the lights off, go outside and take 10 minutes for your &hellip; <a class=\"kt-excerpt-readmore more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/dark-sky-sanctuary\/\" aria-label=\"Dark Sky Sanctuary\">Read More<\/a><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-readmore-wrap\"><a class=\"kt-blocks-post-readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/dark-sky-sanctuary\/\">Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> Dark Sky Sanctuary<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><footer class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-left\"><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-right\"><\/div><\/footer><\/div><\/div><\/article><\/div><\/div><!-- .wp-block-kadence-postgrid -->\n\n\n<div style=\"height:39px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Interviews with local Dark Sky Ambassadors: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: Wonder women\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"152\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/episode\/4ALzOsZpb3F1URzW52C69Z?si=842df5fed3294226&#038;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Aotea&#8217;s Dark Sky Sanctuary On Aotea, we enjoy the trifecta of pristine ngahere, clear moana and the darkest rangi. Stunning beaches stretch between the bush and the sea stretch and these wide-open beaches provide a superb setting for observations of &hellip; <a class=\"kt-excerpt-readmore more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/our-great-skies\/\" aria-label=\"Great Skies\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"kt_blocks_editor_width":"","_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","footnotes":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Great Skies - Aotea Great Barrier Island<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/our-great-skies\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Great Skies - Aotea Great Barrier Island\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Aotea&#8217;s Dark Sky Sanctuary On Aotea, we enjoy the trifecta of pristine ngahere, clear moana and the darkest rangi. 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Stunning beaches stretch between the bush and the sea stretch and these wide-open beaches provide a superb setting for observations of &hellip; Read More","og_url":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/our-great-skies\/","og_site_name":"Aotea Great Barrier Island","article_modified_time":"2024-04-19T05:00:09+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Medlands-9-with-photo-credit-Steve-Wardle-less-pixels-1024x682.jpg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"12 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/our-great-skies\/","url":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/our-great-skies\/","name":"Great Skies - Aotea Great Barrier Island","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/our-great-skies\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/our-great-skies\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Medlands-9-with-photo-credit-Steve-Wardle-less-pixels-1024x682.jpg","datePublished":"2020-08-19T20:06:28+00:00","dateModified":"2024-04-19T05:00:09+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/our-great-skies\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-NZ","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/our-great-skies\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-NZ","@id":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/our-great-skies\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Medlands-9-with-photo-credit-Steve-Wardle-less-pixels.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Medlands-9-with-photo-credit-Steve-Wardle-less-pixels.jpg","width":2000,"height":1333},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/our-great-skies\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Great Skies"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/","name":"Aotea Great Barrier Island","description":"A world of its own","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-NZ"}]}},"taxonomy_info":[],"featured_image_src_large":false,"author_info":{"display_name":"leah.harold","author_link":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/author\/leah-harold\/"},"comment_info":0,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/277"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=277"}],"version-history":[{"count":37,"href":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/277\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11209,"href":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/277\/revisions\/11209"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greatbarrier.co.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=277"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}