Star Field is a new dark sky experience in Martinborough launching today, with dark sky tourism a growing trend globally.
As the world’s population grows and our cities expand, the opportunity to look up to the sky at the rest of the universe in complete darkness decrease. This has seen the growing trend of travellers seeking out the world’s last-remaining dark skies, where they can get a clear, unpolluted view of the stars and constellations.
Martinborough’s status as a dark sky destination will be given a major boost, as the highly anticipated Star Field observatory complex and astronomy centre opens today, Friday 18 October.
Located just ten minutes-drive from the town centre at Ruakokoputuna, Star Field Tours Martinborough will offer a premium dark sky experience in New Zealand. Martinborough is located just an hour by train or car from NZ’s capital Wellington.
Developed by keen astronomer and astrophotographer, John Whitby, he spent five years searching for the perfect site to build his observatories. The site at Ruakokoputuna, in the hills behind Martinborough, has pristine skies due to the exceptionally low light pollution aided by excellent topography and a dry climate.
At Star Field, visitors will be treated to an evening of star gazing with guides taking them on a journey through space and time. They will learn about the importance of constellations, the science of stars, looking closely at our Solar System, planets, and how to read the sky using celestial navigation.
The first Star Field Martinborough tour kicks off today, Friday 18 October. With tours now operating Friday to Sunday, plus weekdays by arrangement.
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