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we are all made of stardust

About us

We are a social enterprise

Communicating astronomy with the public

At Star Safari, our solar-powered observatory in the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve, we invite you to access the wonders of the night sky and experience guided stargazing under New Zealand’s southern stars.

Meet the team of astrobiologists, astrophysicists, and amateur astronomers sharing New Zealand’s southern sky.

Book your Star Safari today
Hari at TEDx Chch
Hari and Sam visiting the United Nations in Vienna

Access the wonders of the night sky. Affordable to everyone, at one of the best stargazing spots in New Zealand, delivered by professionals.

About Star Safari – Wairarapa Dark Sky Observatory

Learn about Star Safari, the Wairarapa Dark Sky Observatory dedicated to connecting people with the cosmos.

Star Safari is a solar-powered observatory in the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve, created to make astronomy and space science accessible to all. Founded by an astrobiologist and an astrophysicist, Star Safari combines scientific expertise with storytelling to connect people with the Universe above. This is where curiosity meets discovery, and where visitors experience the beauty of New Zealand’s southern sky in a way that’s both personal and unforgettable.

Our Mission: Making Astronomy Accessible

Our mission is simple: to inspire. Every night we share the cosmos with people of all ages and backgrounds, showing that science and wonder belong to everyone. We believe that looking up can change how we see the world — reminding us that Earth is a shared home, and that protecting our dark skies protects our connection to the stars.

Located between Carterton and Martinborough, Star Safari sits in one of the clearest regions of the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve, where darkness reveals detail, colour, and a sense of place that few skies on Earth can match.

 

Meet the People Behind Star Safari

Hari and Sam created Star Safari in 2019. 

In 2021, we moved our observatories to Glen Eden Farms who are now our business partners.

Haritina Mogoșanu

Astrobiologist

Samuel Leske

Astrophysicist

Hari is a TEDx featured astrobiologist, who interned at NASA Ames, trained for Mars as an analog astronaut and established the New Zealand Astrobiology Network. Hari came to New Zealand in 2005 for the stars and the night sky. 

Sam has a Masters Degree in Astrophysics and he is a former airforce pilot.

Hari and Sam are professional space sciences educators, and are accredited by the Ministry of Education as Professional Learning Development (PLD) providers for teachers.

Find out more about us, check out our blog

venture with us beyond Earth

Stargaze with the best

MEET THE
sky rangers

Our Sky Rangers are storytellers, educators, and guardians of the night. They help preserve the darkness that sustains wildlife, culture, and human imagination alike.

Donna Herrick

Star Safari Experience Coordinator
About Donna
Hi, my name is Donna. I was born here in the Wairarapa and live with my husband and kids on our organic dairy farm just over the hill from Star Safari.
 
My love for the night sky began when I was about 8 years old and first got to see Venus through a telescope at South End Primary School, here in Carterton. 
 
I’ve spent many nights under these skies, watching the stars rise and set above the land I call home. Now I have the privilege of guiding others through this experience. 
 
We are incredibly fortunate to have these clear skies and open land right here in Carterton,  which can be undervalued. Whether you’re here to learn,  to explore, or just soak in the beauty, you’re in the perfect place! 

Alexis Dunkin

Star Safari Experience Operator
About Alexis
I’m Alexis, still in high school, and want to pursue a career in cosmology. Science is a major passion!
 
I’m a French-Kiwi with a love for all things space. I speak French and English (and a bit of Spanish), and can’t see myself working in anything other than space science. I’m especially fascinated by the physics behind black holes and other objects out in the universe. I also enjoy playing floorball.
 
I am fascinated by the night sky; looking at it just makes me want to learn more! I like being at Star Safari because I find it relaxing. I always love seeing objects such as my favorite two; 47-tucanae, a cluster on the edge of our galaxy; and a quasar, a super-massive black hole billions of lightyears away. 

Alison Jarden

Star Safari Experience Operator
About Alison
Hello, I’m Alison. My interest in astronomy started when I was a teenager living in rural Hawkes Bay, where the night skies were spectacular. I bought my first planisphere when I was in high school.
 
My fascination with the night sky has been rekindled since moving to Carterton in 2025, joining the Phoenix Astronomical Society, and updating my binoculars as well as using a telescope.
 
Living in a Dark Skies Reserve and having so many opportunities to learn more through events available locally has really inspired my desire to increase my knowledge and share my passion and interest in what is happening in the night sky.

Explore the night sky from one of the best places for stargazing, and discover New Zealand's most famous constellations.

Access the wonders of the night sky!

give. yourself. some. space

We are a social enterprise

kids and young people need inspiration

Bring your kids under 16 years old for FREE

Affordable access to the wonders of night sky for everyone is very important for us. We believe inspiration should start early, which is why children under 16 attend free, check out terms and conditions.

Kids