Great Barrier Island the first island in the world designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 2017-Jun-30 — /Travel PR News/ — Great Barrier Island, off the north-eastern coast of Auckland, has become the first island in the world to be designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary.

Great Barrier Island, off the north-eastern coast of Auckland, has become the first island in the world to be designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary.

Located 100km north-east of central Auckland, Great Barrier Island’s night skies will now be protected for present and future generations.

Great Barrier Island becomes the first island and only the third place in the world to achieve this status. The other two sanctuaries are in New Mexico (US) and Chile.

A Dark Sky Sanctuary is public or private land that has an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural or educational value, cultural heritage and/or public enjoyment.

With much of Great Barrier Island ’off the grid’, light pollution is minimized on the island, allowing for great viewing of the spectacular night sky.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says Great Barrier Island is home to a community focused on protecting and preserving its stunning natural beauty which makes it the ideal location to receive International Dark Sky Sanctuary status.

“Great Barrier Island is a place of rugged beauty and untouched wilderness, and is one of the most tranquil and unspoilt places in the wider Auckland region,” Goff says.

The island is accessible by air from Auckland, Coromandel, Northland, Tauranga and Hamilton, or by ferry from Auckland’s downtown waterfront.

Great Barrier Island joins the Aoraki Mackenzie in the central South Island as a leading New Zealand astro-tourism destination. Aoraki Mackenzie is an International Dark Sky Reserve and must-do tourism experience for international visitors to New zealand. Now with two recognised dark sky areas, New Zealand has become a bucket list destination for astronomers and lovers of the night sky.

A sanctuary differs from a Dark Sky Park or Reserve in that it is typically situated in a very remote location with few (if any) nearby threats to the quality of its dark night skies, and it does not otherwise meet the requirements for designation as a park or reserve.

Great Barrier Island
Great Barrier Island, also known by its Māori name of Aotea, has a population of just over 900 people. More than 60% of the island’s 285 square kilometres is public land administered by the Department of Conservation. The native forest is laced with beautiful walking tracks, which lead to secluded natural hot springs and an historic kauri dam. These wilderness areas, foreshores and estuaries are home to several unique plant and bird species. Rising 627 metres above the sea, Hirakimata (Mount Hobson) beckons the hiker with the promise of incredible 360-degree views.

Great Barrier Island is a popular destination for diving, fishing, surfing, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and camping. Accommodation options range from tent sites to luxury eco lodges.

Great Barrier is the fourth largest island in New Zealand’s main chain behind the North, South and Stewart islands.

Contact:

Miles Erwin 021 569 715 or email miles.erwin@tnz.govt.nz
Candice Johanson 021 220 8031 or email candice.johanson@tnz.govt.nz
Trish Green 021 243 0386 or email trish.green@tnz.govt.nz 

Source: 100% Pure New Zealand

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