This year, we’re proud to mark a major milestone - 20 years of guiding manuhiri beneath the world’s darkest skies. To honour this journey, we’ve created a very special short documentary that captures the people, places, and purpose behind Dark Sky Project.
Watch the Documentary on YouTube A Dark Sky Legacy 20 Years Beneath the Stars
A Story Written in the Stars
From humble beginnings to the creation of the Rehua building in Takapō, the last two decades have been filled with passion, perseverance, and an unrelenting love for the night sky.
In just over 12 minutes, the film brings to life the spirit of our kaupapa - exploring how science and mātauranga (knowledge) Māori intertwine, and how our people have worked to protect and share this taonga with the world.
Voices from the Journey
The documentary features reflections from our founders, partners, astronomers, and local iwi. It’s a tribute to the people who helped make the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve what it is today - a globally recognised beacon for stargazing, sustainability, and storytelling.
A Moment to Reflect - and Look Forward
We launched the documentary at a special event in Takapō on Thursday 19 June 2025, bringing together those who have supported us along the way. It was a chance to not only look back on how far we’ve come — but to look ahead at what’s still to come.
Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning, or you’re discovering Dark Sky Project for the first time, we invite you to sit back, look up, and enjoy this special celebration of our journey.
Ngā mihi nui to all who have shared in our story. Here’s to the next 20 years beneath the stars.