F neollowing Kaikōura’s recognition as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, travel experts at New Zealand In Depth have crafted an itinerary for guests to sample the local cuisine and experience the night sky. Activities include watching the region’s endangered birds, ziplining, foraging to make a gourmet meal and stargazing from cabins in the trees.
New Zealand’s Kaikōura was officially recognized as an International Dark Sky sanctuary in September after a four-year campaign by a group of volunteers and local astronomers. It is just the 22nd location globally to earn this recognition and the third destination in New Zealand alongside Aotea Great Barrier Island and Stewart Island/Rakiura.
While travelers can experience Kaikōura’s unspoiled night sky from anywhere in the sanctuary’s 1,267-mile area, the team at New Zealand In Depth has combined the best places to reconnect with nature and enjoy the rugged landscape of Kaikōura.
From the great albatross and petrels to Kaikōura’s endangered Hutton’s shearwater, travelers can view the largest number of different species of seabird on a tour with Albatross Encounter. The shallow coastal waters are rich in nutrients and provide the perfect food source for the birds and marine life residing there. One of the motives behind Kaikōura becoming a Dark Sky Sanctuary was to protect the Hutton’s shearwater from crash landing due to the impact of artificial lighting.
Those keen to experience the dark skies over Kaikōura can stay at new Clifftop Cabins nestled on the edge, offering views over the ocean. The cabins are equipped with outdoor baths, ideal for stargazing.
Thrill-seekers will love Kaikōura’s new Ecozip, where they can take a trail through native New Zealand Forest before embarking on a series of ziplines that provide a bird’s-eye view of the mountains rising out of the Pacific Ocean as they fly over the region’s farmlands. For those keen to experience Kaikōura’s landscape from up high without the need for safety gear, Hapuku Tree Houses provide luxury accommodation over 32 feet above the ground. Large windows look out over mountain ranges and provide the perfect backdrop to soak in the night sky.
Culinary enthusiasts will enjoy reconnecting to land and sea with quality food and wine pairings from Hapuku Kitchen. They can forage in the kitchen gardens for seasonal ingredients to cook alongside head chef, Fiona Read, and enjoy meals prepared from sustainably farmed produce.
Manakau PurePod is situated 20 minutes inland from Kaikōura, and offers glass eco-cabins overlooking the Seaward Kaikōura Mountain Range. Travelers can bushwalk to their secluded luxury cabin where they will be totally off grid and free to explore or unwind without distraction. Each cabin has a telescope—perfect for watching nature’s free astronomical show.
The new “Nature and Night Skies” itinerary from New Zealand In Depth includes 14 nights of accommodation in a range of four-star cabins, pods, select meals and car hire, Albatross Encounter tour, and dolphin viewing tour (or swim).
Related Articles
Extraordinary Journeys Introduces Stargazing Adventure in Chile
Returning to New Zealand: Adventuring the South Island