December & January | Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve
Summer of Space at Star Safari
Every summer, the Milky Way arches above the Eastern Wairarapa hills — from the Southern Cross through to Vela, Canis Major, Orion, Taurus and Aries the Ram.
Summer of Space is our curated programme of premium night-sky experiences, blending stargazing, astrophotography, celestial navigation, telescope training and dark-sky ethics into unforgettable evenings beneath one of the world’s most celebrated dark skies.
Whether you want to see, understand, or capture the universe, Summer of Space offers fun, expert-led experiences designed for curious travellers, families, creatives, explorers and lifelong learners. All events take place under the same southern skies recognised by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s top stargazing destinations.
Summer of Space 2025–26
Browse the events below:
Stargazing • Sky Navigation • Telescope Mastery • Astrophotography
🌱 Every Summer of Space booking supports dark-sky wildlife protection and space-science education in schools through Spaceward Bound New Zealand.
Star Safari
Perihelion Sunrise
Navigate the night sky
Draw the Moon
Telescope Mastery Course
Astrophotography Masterclass
Why Summer of space is different
Held under internationally recognised dark skies
Led by Hari and Sam. Hari is an astrobiologist, former NASA intern and a TEDx speaker. Sam is an astrophysicist, former Air Force pilot and diplomat.
Combines science, navigation, creativity and environmental ethics
Small-group experiences — never mass tourism
Deep respect for dark-sky wildlife and light-friendly practices
Connected to real school outreach through Spaceward Bound NZ
Summer of space is for
- Curious travellers and Wellington weekender
- Couples seeking meaningful night experiences
- Families with older children
- Creatives and photographers
- Amateur astronomer
- Lifelong learners
- Anyone who has ever looked up and wondered
Star Safari’s Summer of Space programme offers stargazing, astrophotography, telescope training and celestial navigation experiences in the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve. Events run December and January under the southern Milky Way.