Glenorchy Dark Skies: Help us protect our pristine night skies at the head of Lake Whakatipu… for generations to come

Did you know that 80% of the world’s population live under light-polluted skies, and light pollution is growing at twice the speed of population growth? (International Dark Skies Association [IDSA] data)

Glenorchy Dark Skies seeks to celebrate and protect the bright, brilliant night skies at the head of Lake Whakatipu, NZ.

Our spectacular stars and aurorae inspire our creative communities, excite our scientists and conservationists, and provide the nocturnal darkness our native bats, insects, birds and biodiversity depend upon, whilst also holding a special place in Te Ao Māori. Crystal-clear night skies support GY’s shared vision for regenerative, ‘slow tourism,’ turning day visitors into overnight guests and creating opportunities for local businesses.

GY's mountains and proximity to the Te Wāhipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area put us in an especially unique position to protect the majesty of our dark skies.

Based on initial light monitoring data, the support of GCA, QLDC, DOC, and all local station owners who fall into the Sanctuary area, IDSA is welcoming Glenorchy to become a formal candidate for Sanctuary status. Our plan is to submit the application by YE2023.

The IDSA Sanctuary application process and supporting activities are long, detailed, and rigorous; we seek to raise one-time funding of $35,000 to cover these costs.

We invite you to contribute to creating an intergenerational sanctuary protecting our night skies as seen by those for hundreds of years before us.