NZ’s Fiordland becomes an International Dark Sky Park

Stargazers have another reason to visit New Zealand, with Fiordland National Park officially recognised as the largest International Dark Sky Park in the Southern Hemisphere.

The accreditation, awarded by DarkSky International, recognises Fiordland’s exceptional natural darkness and the efforts being made to protect its night skies for future generations.

Covering an impressive 12,607 square kilometres, Fiordland is also the world’s third-largest International Dark Sky Park. It becomes the second internationally recognised dark sky destination in Southland, joining Stewart Island Rakiura, which received International Dark Sky Sanctuary status in 2019.

DarkSky International Places programme manager Amber Harrison said the accreditation was an important contribution to large-scale dark sky conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“Fiordland’s extraordinary scale and natural darkness are an integral part of what makes this landscape exceptional,” she said.

She also highlighted the cultural significance of the night sky to Māori, including its role in traditional navigation, seasonal cycles and Matariki, the Māori New Year.

Protecting Fiordland’s darkness has involved years of work by Great South, the Department of Conservation and regional partners. Initiatives have included monitoring sky quality, assessing and improving public lighting, and educating and engaging local communities.

Great South destination development manager Amie Young said the recognition was a significant achievement for Fiordland and the wider Murihiku Southland region.

The accreditation is also expected to create new opportunities for visitors to experience Fiordland after dark, discover its spectacular star-filled skies and better understand the importance of protecting natural darkness.

After all, in a place as remote and spectacular as Fiordland, the night sky is every bit as impressive as the landscape beneath it.