The Wai-iti Dark Sky Park comprises about 135ha made up of the Wai-iti Recreation Reserve and Tunnicliff Forest, owned by the Tasman District Council. It is a designated Dark Sky Park recognised by the International Dark Sky Association.
Wai-iti Dark Sky Park has no power and no lighting fixtures. The average night sky quality has been measured at 21.52 mag/arcsec2, which means it has beautiful, clear, dark skies.
A Dark Sky Park is valuable for pure enjoyment, scientific research, education about the universe, astronomy, astrophotography, teaching traditional navigation, preservation of night life (about half of all life on earth starts its day at sundown), highlighting the importance of preserving the night sky for present and future generations, and a place to teach and educate the community about the importance of a natural dark night sky for all wildlife and our own health. More details on the Dark Sky Park can be found at https://www.darkskies.nz/
Star parties are held towards the third quarter moon phase during the winter months. Moon phases for Nelson are published online at Moon Phases Nelson
Members of the Nelson Astronomical Society attend with a variety of types of telescopes for viewing and learning about the night sky. These parties are open to the public to attend, view the sky through members telescopes, or set their own ones up.
Wai-iti Dark Sky Park is located near State Highway 6 and beside the Wai-iti River at 437 Wakefield-Kohatu Highway, Wai-Iti, Wakefield 7095. It is 5 km from the village of Wakefield, about 15 km from Brightwater, about 20 km from Richmond and about 33 km from Nelson, providing easy access to these communities.