International Dark Sky Park status for Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park has become the largest International Dark Sky Park in the Southern Hemisphere.

The global accreditation from Dark Sky International recognises Fiordland's natural darkness and the commitment to protect it for the future.

The park covers 12,607 square kilometres, also making it the world's third-largest international dark sky park.

DarkSky International Places programme manager Amber Harrison said the accreditation represented a significant contribution to large-scale dark sky conservation in Aotearoa.

"Fiordland's extraordinary scale and natural darkness are an integral part of what makes this landscape exceptional," she said.

"Protecting its night skies is a natural extension of protecting the resources of the land. Equally as important is the appreciation of the night sky's cultural significance, reflected in Māori knowledge, navigation, seasonal cycles and Matariki."

Efforts were also underway to include protection for dark skies into future district planning, she said.

Great South Destination development manager Amie Young said the accreditation followed years of collaboration and commitment with the Department of Conservation and others from across the region.

That mahi included monitoring sky quality, assessing and improving public lighting, community engagement and education.

"It's a significant achievement for Fiordland and for Murihiku Southland's wider dark sky story," she said.

"It also creates opportunities to help visitors connect with Fiordland in new ways, while encouraging a better understanding of why natural darkness matters and how we can all help protect it."

Department of Conservation Te Anau operations manager John Lucas said protecting Fiordland's natural darkness also benefited local fauna and ecosystems.

"Many native species rely on natural light cycles," he said.

"This accreditation recognises the importance of managing artificial light carefully, allowing lighting where it is needed for safety and essential operations while limiting its impact on the night environment."

A nomination letter was provided by DarkSky International president Nalayini Brito-Davies after she experienced the night skies while tramping the Milford Track.

Brito-Davies, a New Zealander, has been leading a push to make New Zealand a 'Dark Sky Nation'.

Fiordland accounted for close to five percent of the country's land mass and the accreditation was an huge step towards reaching this goal, she said.

"Its scale, exceptional natural darkness and strong local commitment create a valuable opportunity to protect the night environment and help visitors from around the world understand the importance of dark skies," she said.

The mahi was not over with continued monitoring, management of light, education and interpretation part of the ongoing work.