Rimutaka Crossing, Night & Light Photography
When the sun goes down, Wairarapa lights up!
From 13 - 27 April, this region-wide celebration brings together International Dark Sky Week and Conservation Week with a vibrant programme of local events, displays and storytelling.
Discover world-class stargazing in our International Dark Sky Reserves and meet the weird and wonderful wildlife that comes alive after dusk. Our dark skies are globally recognised - now it’s time to experience the magic right on your doorstep!
Thanks to our sponsors for their support to promote Nature at Night 2026:
Matt the Bat @ Martinborough Storywalk®
13 - 27 April, Considine Park, Martinborough, Free
Bringing the joy of reading to an outdoor setting. Flit like a bat from post to post to enjoy the story of Matt The Bat. A story inspired by the unforgettable moment a bat won NZ bird of the year in 2021.
Rangi Tako Winterstellar Exhibition Autumn Tour
13 - 17 April, Carterton Events Centre, Free
Step into the cosmos with Rangi Takō: Winterstellar, a breathtaking astrophotography exhibition hosted at Wairarapa Event Centre.
From shimmering auroras to the glowing sweep of the Milky Way, this stunning collection captures the magic of our night skies — celebrating the beauty of Te Waipounamu after dark.
Globe at Night Citizen Science
13 - 18 April, your own backyard, Free
Globe at Night is an international citizen-science campaign to raise public awareness of the impact of light pollution by inviting citizen-scientists to measure & submit their night sky brightness observations. Grab your phone and join us for the April constellation challenge and make a recording to be part of this worldwide monitoring activity!
City Dark Movie
13 April, 5.45pm for 6pm start, The Screening Room, Masterton
Join us to watch the documentary "The City Dark" After moving to New York City from rural Maine, filmmaker Ian Cheney asks a simple question, "What do we lose, when we lose the night?". This free screening is sponsored by Masterton District Council. Limited seats, please register via EventFinda - open soon.
Under the Night Sky - The Secret Life of Bats
14 April, 7pm, Carterton Events Centre, Free
These flying mammals are the superheroes of the night sky and Monique Leerschool is going to share why on an evening to bust myths and learn more about long tailed bats and work in the wider Mangatarere catchment area to monitor and protect them.
Dark Sky Connections
15 April, 5.30pm - 7pm, Copthorne Solway, Masterton, Free
Lonely Planet announced stargazing in the Wairarapa as one of the top 25 things to do in the world! If your a local business keen to explore how you can connect your business and the magic of our dark skies head to this event to get inspired. Guest Speaker, Dark Sky International Chair Nalayini Brito will share why she thinks we have an amazing opportunity not to be missed. Then connect with all the key people supporting the potential of Dark Skies Wairarapa.
Nocturnal Creature Hunt
16 - 20 April, 10am - 4pm, Chicken & Frog Bookshop, Featherston, Free
Visit Chicken & Frog bookshop to hunt down the nocturnal creatures hidden around the shop. Stop off to have a look at our Nature at Night books and make sure to visit the Glow worm cave!
Pukaha Twilight Tours
17 + 18 + 24 April, 7.30pm - 9pm, Pukaha National Wildlife Centre
Guided after-hours night wildlife experience offering visitors a rare opportunity to explore Pūkaha at night while learning about nocturnal species and conservation.
Walk in the Dark
18 April, 6pm, Carterton Golf Course, Free
As we walk together, the transition from dusk to dark will naturally unfold, helping us acclimatise to the night. For those new to walking in the dark, handy red-light torches will be provided to keep you comfortable. This is less about distance and more about slowing down, stepping slightly outside of your comfort zone, and embracing the calm of night.
Pukaha Trapping Workshop
19 April, 10am - 4pm, Pukaha National Wildlife Centre, Free
Join Toby Cantwell and be part of the solution. Learn practical trapping skills that will benefit your local ecosystem, including proper techniques and equipment for effective pest control on your property and in your wider community. The morning will focus on theory, followed by a hands-on session “into the wild” after lunch.
RSVP: info@pukaha.org.nz
Discover your Backyard with iNaturalist
20 April, 12noon - 1pm, 6.30 - 7.30pm
The Bakhouse Collective, Wakefield Street, Featherston, Free
The Wairarapa is a remarkable place. iNaturalist helps us see, and share, just how remarkable. In Conservation Week 2026, Celia Wade-Brown is leading two free “How to use iNaturalist” sessions at The Bakehouse Collective. Bring a smartphone with some photos of plants or animals. Bring lunch if you’re joining at midday, nibbles provided for evening workshop. Download iNaturalist free from the App Store or Google Play.
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Walk into the Dark
20 April, 6pm, Fensham Reserve - Belvedere Road Entrance, Free
Join us on a walk into the dark to explore the good, the bad and the ugly that impact our night time environment and the amazing people working to protect it. Finish off with a cup of hot chocolate and fingers crossed some star gazing.
Heke Rangatira - Waipoua Whaitua spot lighting
21 April, 6-8pm, meet at Tūrangarau-Paerau Bridge, Masterton, Free
The heke tuna is a special time of the year and wonderful opportunity for kaittiaki to observe and monitor our taonga species. Mai uta ki Tai- The Waipoua awa comes alive at night. Come out for an adventure in the river with Kahungunu ki Wairarapa and Mountains to Sea Wellington.
Nau mai Haere mai. RSVP: sam@kahungunuwairarapa.iwi.nz
Light – a Vital Time Cue For Life on Earth
21 April, 6pm, The Courthouse, Holloway Street, Carterton, Free
Across evolutionary time, the daily, monthly, and annual light cycles have provided vital environmental time cues that keep diverse biological clocks in step with the day/night cycle, the tides, the phases of the moon, and the seasons. Artificial light at night is the most rapid environmental change we have made – increasing by 10% in 2023 alone. This presentation will focus on the ecological disruption being caused and some possible solutions.
Bat Spotting at Mangatarere Valley
24 April, 5 - 7.30pm, Mangatarere Valley, Free
Our evening will highlight the night life along the stream from a grassy
paddock with old trees. We will listen to bat activity with acoustic detectors, probably hear rūrū (owls) and see kōura (freshwater crayfish), tuna (eels) and pūrātoke/titiwai (glowworms).
Please arrive between 5:00 - 5:15pm; and depart by 7.30pm. In the event of unfavourable weather conditions, this event will be postponed to Saturday 25 April 2026. You will be notified via email by Friday 24th at noon if the event is postponed. The details of the location will be shared upon registration. The number of cars of participants will be restricted.
On the evening please:
Wear warm clothing (winter jacket and hat) and sturdy footwear.
Bring your own snacks/picnic food and hot drink or cold drinks, and
a blanket to sit on or wrap around yourself
Bring a torch or a headlamp with red light (red cellophane is a cheap option), and insect repellent.
Please note:
This event is not accessible; it involves walking short distances over rough terrain. There is no mobile phone reception in the Mangatarere Valley. Please bring your satellite-ready cellphone if you have one. There may be a bonfire if it's calm.
Health and Safety
Your safety is paramount at this event. Children are welcome if closely supervised by their parents at all times. No dogs. No alcohol. Inform the First Aid person of any medical problems we should know about and ensure your medication is easily accessible.
If you have any questions about this event, please contact kiaora@waip2k.org.nz
Aro matawai – Wairarapa Moana by Night
26 April, 7 - 9pm, Lake Domain Reserve, Featherston, Free
A relaxed gathering on the lake shore where we can sit together sharing kōrero, listening to the sounds of the moana at night and observe the stars with a hot cuppa and a warm heart. Bring a blanket, something to sit on and an open mind to hear and share kōrero. Hot drink and snack provided, BYO kai if desired. Postponement date Saturday 2nd May
