New Zealand’s got a pretty wide range of space tourism experiences, from stargazing on the ground to the real possibility of future orbital launches. You’ll find a mix of remote, dark-sky stargazing spots and a growing commercial spaceflight scene.
Travelers can pick from several space tourism options here. Right now, ground-based astrotourism leads the way, thanks to dedicated dark-sky reserves and local tour companies.
Dark Sky Tourism is definitely the easiest way in. The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve gives visitors a shot at incredibly clear night skies. Guides bring out powerful telescopes and point out stars and galaxies you’d never see in the city.
Educational Space Experiences help people connect with New Zealand’s fast-growing space industry. At Rocket Lab’s Mahia Peninsula, you can actually watch commercial satellite launches. It’s a rare chance to see real modern spaceflight up close.
Future Orbital Opportunities are on the horizon, too. With its great launch conditions and business-friendly rules, New Zealand keeps drawing in international space companies that want to launch over the Pacific.
NASA’s super-pressure balloon launches from Wanaka offer another unique viewing opportunity. Tourists can check out these high-altitude research missions that come close to the edge of space.
Astrotourism has really taken off in New Zealand’s space tourism scene. The Dark Sky Project has become a standout example of sustainable space tourism here.
Operators design their tours to be both educational and environmentally friendly. Visitors get a crash course in astronomy and learn firsthand about the effects of light pollution.
Regional Distribution stretches across both the North and South Islands. Tekapo in Canterbury leads the pack, thanks to its International Dark Sky Reserve. Northland and Southland also offer impressive dark-sky adventures.
Tour guides blend Māori astronomical knowledge with modern science. That mix gives New Zealand’s astrotourism a distinct flavor you won’t find in more technical or generic tours elsewhere.
Astrotourism boosts local economies, especially in rural spots where standard tourism doesn’t reach far. International travelers come specifically for these authentic, world-class dark-sky experiences.
Mahia Peninsula stands out as New Zealand’s top space tourism spot, thanks to Rocket Lab’s private orbital launch site. It’s actually the world’s first commercial small satellite launch site that isn’t run by a government.
Launch fans can watch actual rockets lift off, carrying satellites into orbit. The area’s remoteness means you get clear views and safety is easy to maintain.
Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve draws in astrotourists from all over, especially those after Southern Hemisphere night skies. The reserve covers a huge 4,300 square kilometers of protected darkness.
Lake Tekapo is home base for professional astronomy tours, which run all year. Some lodges even have their own observatories and astronomy guides for guests.
Wanaka Launch Site is where NASA sends up its scientific balloons into the stratosphere. Tourists can watch these launches and get a taste of real atmospheric research.
Central Otago is a bit of a two-for-one deal. You can mix space tourism with classic New Zealand outdoor adventures, all in one trip.
New Zealand’s untouched night skies make for jaw-dropping stargazing at certified Dark Sky Reserves and astronomy centers. The country’s leading the charge to protect natural nightscapes, all while letting visitors use high-tech telescopes and learn from passionate guides during cosmic exploration.
Aoraki Mackenzie boasts the world’s largest gold-status Dark Sky Reserve. It covers an impressive 4,300 square kilometers on the South Island.
The high altitude and remote setting create perfect conditions for stargazing. Locals stick to strict lighting rules, which keeps light pollution almost nonexistent.
Visitors get to see celestial wonders that most people never catch. The Southern Hemisphere location means you can spot the Magellanic Clouds and the Southern Cross—pretty cool if you ask me.
Observatories operate right inside the reserve. Mount John Observatory is home to New Zealand’s largest telescope, a 1.8-meter beast used for international research.
Best viewing is in winter when the skies are at their clearest. Meteor showers look especially stunning here, with the Geminids and Perseids lighting up the sky far brighter than in most cities.
The Dark Sky Project runs the country’s top commercial astronomy center at Lake Tekapo. They blend cutting-edge tech with hands-on education for space-curious travelers.
You can pick from different experiences. The Summit Experience takes you up Mount John for guided telescope sessions, while the Crater Experience offers small-group observing from private domes.
They don’t stop at just looking up. Multimedia presentations and virtual stargazing let you explore the universe—rain or shine.
The center brings Māori astronomy into the mix along with Western science. Visitors discover how indigenous people navigated using the stars and planned their seasons by the sky.
Professional astronomers lead every session, talking through planetary moves, stellar lifecycles, and deep-space sights through high-powered telescopes. Over 40,000 people come each year for these real-deal astronomy adventures.
Besides Mackenzie, New Zealand protects three more Dark Sky Sanctuaries and Parks. Each spot has its own perks for stargazers and aspiring space tourists.
Rakiura National Park on Stewart Island is the southernmost dark sky sanctuary in the country. Its isolation wipes out light pollution completely, which is honestly rare anywhere in the world.
Great Barrier Island sits off Auckland’s coast and still holds Dark Sky Sanctuary status. Even with the city nearby, conservation efforts keep the skies super dark for those who want a quick escape from urban lights.
100% Pure New Zealand pushes these places as must-see natural wonders. Local observatories and astronomy clubs across both islands offer guided sessions and gear for anyone keen on a deeper cosmic dive.
New Zealand has gone from an outsider to a major commercial launch player, all thanks to Rocket Lab and some seriously innovative facilities. Now, the country’s launch services reach customers all over the world.
Launch Complex 1, which opened in 2016 on a remote peninsula, became the world’s first privately owned orbital launch site. This place really kicked off New Zealand’s commercial space launch era.
By 2019, the space industry had pumped $1.69 billion into the economy. More than 240 space-related companies now call New Zealand home, creating a lively ecosystem for launches.
Key Launch Capabilities:
The government moved quickly, rolling out space legislation in just nine months. This made it easier for commercial operators to set up shop and get launches going.
New Zealand’s spot on the map is pretty ideal for sun-synchronous and polar orbits. These paths are perfect for Earth observation and reconnaissance satellites.
Rocket Lab leads New Zealand’s launch scene, firing off the Electron rocket from Launch Complex 1 at Mahia Peninsula. They’ve pulled off dozens of successful missions so far.
The Electron rocket is all about small satellites, handling payloads up to 300 kilograms to low Earth orbit. It’s a much cheaper option than the old-school big rockets.
Rocket Lab brings some cool innovations:
NASA, the U.S. Space Force, and private satellite companies all book rides with them. Rocket Lab has carved out a solid chunk of the small satellite market.
They also build space vehicles and satellite parts in New Zealand. By doing everything in-house, they keep costs down and reliability up.
New Zealand keeps adding to its launch infrastructure. The Tāwhaki Joint Venture is building a new aerospace testing range in Canterbury for different kinds of space vehicles.
Dawn Aerospace is working on reusable space planes out of Christchurch. Their Aurora vehicle is supposed to reach the edge of space several times a day—pretty ambitious, honestly.
Facility Development Projects:
Canterbury is also where they’re testing self-flying electric aircraft, which might one day help with space tourism. It’s not just about rockets anymore.
Naseby has a huge space radar system tracking satellite debris. This keeps launch operations safer and helps New Zealand manage space traffic.
With several launch sites, New Zealand can avoid scheduling headaches and offer backup options. That means customers get reliable access to space, no matter the mission.
The New Zealand Space Agency acts as the main regulator for all things space in the country, but it also pushes for commercial space tourism to grow. It sits within the Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment, which helps space tourism companies and international partners find support.
The New Zealand Space Agency follows the Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act 2017. This law covers all space activities in the country.
The agency reviews launch licenses for commercial operators. Companies need to meet strict safety rules before launching space tourism flights.
Key regulatory responsibilities:
The agency sits inside the Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment, so business development is a bit smoother. That setup cuts down on bureaucracy for space tourism startups.
New Zealand’s government moved fast with its space laws, getting them done in just nine months. That’s a clear sign they’re serious about supporting the industry.
The agency also keeps an eye on space debris and works with international groups. Their efforts help protect both commercial and tourism spacecraft from collisions.
The New Zealand Space Agency puts a lot of energy into commercial space tourism opportunities. Being part of a tourism-focused ministry helps create natural connections.
Government officials promote New Zealand as a space tourism hotspot. They talk up the country’s unique location for launches.
The agency helps out with:
Over 240 space-related businesses operate here now, from dark-sky tourism to satellite launches and space planes.
The agency helps different sectors work together. They’re involved in everything from suborbital flights to early planning for space hotels and lunar trips.
Canterbury has also become a testbed for electric air taxis, which could be a big part of space tourism’s future. The agency backs these new transportation ideas.
The New Zealand Space Agency teams up with international partners on space policy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade handles the diplomatic side of things.
Primary collaboration areas include:
The agency joins global space debris tracking networks. By working together, they help keep space tourism operations safer for everyone.
New Zealand uses its Asia-Pacific location to build partnerships. The country acts as a gateway for international space tourism companies.
The agency works directly with NASA and other national space agencies. These relationships set safety standards for commercial space tourism.
International partnerships also tackle space mining and cleanup technologies. These new sectors will eventually support space tourism infrastructure.
New Zealand’s space tourism sector faces increasing pressure to balance industry growth with environmental responsibility. The country deals with tough challenges—managing rocket emissions, protecting natural landscapes, and building tourism models that respect conservation and indigenous partnerships.
The space tourism industry in New Zealand is working on frameworks that put environmental stewardship front and center. The Tāwhaki Aerospace National Centre near Christchurch shows how companies can build sustainability into projects from the very start.
In 2021, the country rolled out the Carbon Challenge to cut greenhouse gas emissions across tourism. This move lines up with the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in tourism. Now, space tourism operators have to factor their carbon footprint into New Zealand’s broader sustainability goals.
Dark Sky Project initiatives prove that space-related tourism can have a light touch on the environment while offering real educational value. Stargazing experiences cause much less environmental harm than traditional tourist activities. These programs boost environmental awareness for visitors and help keep New Zealand’s night skies clean.
Industry leaders see the need for standardized emissions accounting across the aerospace supply chain. Companies are starting to use reporting standards similar to those in mining and energy, though it’s still early days.
Rocket launches create environmental hazards that New Zealand’s space industry can’t ignore. Launch emissions put alumina and soot particles into the atmosphere, which could set back ozone recovery efforts.
The space sustainability paradox is a real headache for policymakers. Space tech helps track Earth’s emissions and climate change, but more aerospace activity brings its own environmental risks. How do you balance those benefits and costs?
Re-entry activities add even more particles to the atmosphere. These hazards need a coordinated industry response, not just piecemeal fixes from single companies.
New Zealand’s government wears a lot of hats—customer, investor, regulator—which sometimes leaves leadership gaps in environmental oversight. This approach has led to uneven environmental standards across the space tourism sector.
Space tourism development in New Zealand overlaps with big conservation challenges. Tourism growth often pressures pristine environments, and things like nitrate run-off could hurt sensitive ecosystems.
The aerospace sector, according to University of Auckland research, currently puts economic growth ahead of environmental sustainability. Industry leaders see sustainability as a short-term cost that slows things down, even though there’s evidence of long-term economic benefits.
Conservation efforts now push for Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in space tourism planning. Working with tangata whenua can create governance models that respect indigenous stewardship and support responsible growth.
Climate action in the sector looks at lifecycle assessments and supply chain monitoring. Companies are starting to use greenhouse gas emissions accounting, but full adoption across aerospace is still limited.
New Zealand’s space tourism sector builds on strong national branding while opening up new economic opportunities. The tourism industry brings in $36 billion a year and employs over 180,000 people, giving space tourism a solid base to grow from.
New Zealand uses a national branding approach that paints the country as both environmentally conscious and tech-savvy. The government set up several brand layers for different audiences.
Brand New Zealand acts as the umbrella identity. It ties together tourism, trade, and innovation under one message.
In 2002, the country reworked its brand to focus on innovation and creativity. This helped New Zealand shake off old agricultural stereotypes and attract high-value industries.
Space tourism fits right into this branding system. The New Zealand Space Agency sits within the Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment, which also looks after tourism.
This setup lets the government coordinate marketing between classic tourism and new space ventures. Campaigns can spotlight both wild landscapes and high-tech achievements.
The 100% Pure New Zealand campaign is one of the most recognized tourism brands worldwide. It highlights environmental quality and authentic experiences.
Space tourism operators can tap into this brand equity. People already think of New Zealand as clean, green, and full of adventure.
That image helps space tourism marketing by suggesting responsible development. Environmental consciousness attracts the kind of travelers who buy space experiences.
Still, rocket launches could clash with the 100% Pure message. Emissions and industrial growth might challenge the country’s green reputation.
Tourism operators need to walk a fine line between technological progress and environmental care. That balance is crucial for keeping the brand real.
Space tourism brings in revenue streams beyond the usual tourist spending. The industry draws high-value customers who tend to stick around longer.
Direct Economic Benefits:
Space tourists typically stay for weeks to prepare and recover. These longer visits boost the economic impact far beyond the average tourist.
The sector also brings in business travelers and conferences. Aerospace companies set up local offices to support launches.
Tourism infrastructure gets a lift from space industry investment. Better transportation, hotels, and facilities end up serving both tourists and the space crowd.
Media coverage of launches gives New Zealand free international marketing worth millions. This attention positions the country as a tech destination.
New Zealand’s space tourism industry draws on rich indigenous astronomical traditions that have guided Pacific navigation for over a thousand years. Māori culture offers visitors stargazing experiences that blend ancient sky knowledge with modern discoveries.
Māori astronomy, or tātai arorangi, forms the backbone of indigenous navigation and seasonal planning. Stars acted as ocean compasses during the epic Pacific journeys that brought Māori ancestors to Aotearoa.
Traditional Māori observers grouped the night sky into meaningful patterns. They called stars and planets Te Whanau o Marama, or “the family of light.” This helped navigators track celestial movements across huge ocean distances.
Orion’s Belt is known as Tautoru in Māori tradition. It’s part of a bigger celestial waka (canoe), reflecting the cultural importance of sea travel. The bright star Antares in Scorpius is called Rehua, believed to give energy and strength to people below.
Meteors go by the name te mata kokiri or “the darting ones.” These quick visitors carried special meaning in stories passed down for generations. The Māori system wove together practical navigation and spiritual beliefs about the cosmos.
Matariki stands out as the most important star cluster in Māori astronomy. It marks the Māori New Year and signaled the best times for planting and planning.
The cluster has several visible stars, each with its own meaning. Traditional observers used them to predict weather and farming success for the year ahead. When Matariki rose above the eastern horizon, it meant winter was ending and new growth was coming.
Maramataka is the Māori lunar calendar, based on moon phases and star positions. It guided fishing, farming, and ceremonies all year. Many Māori communities still use maramataka principles for cultural events and land decisions.
Space tourism operators now weave Matariki stories into stargazing tours. Visitors learn how indigenous astronomers tracked the seasons without modern tools. These cultural connections add real depth to New Zealand’s astronomical tourism.
The Dark Sky Project in Lake Tekapo brings together Māori astronomy and modern stargazing tech. Set in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, this operation offers guided tours that mix indigenous star knowledge with science.
Māori guides lead cultural astronomy tours that explain traditional navigation methods. Visitors use advanced telescopes while learning how Pacific voyagers crossed oceans using only the stars. These tours connect ancient wisdom with today’s space exploration.
The Society of Māori Astronomy Research & Traditions (SMART) works to keep indigenous astronomical knowledge alive. They provide resources that help tourists understand why Māori star traditions matter.
Cultural astronomy experiences usually include traditional stories that explain natural events through the stars. These pūrākau (stories) taught values and passed down knowledge before written records. Space tourists come away with new perspectives on how different cultures see the same night sky.
New Zealand’s astrotourism scene thrives on advanced telescopes and digital planetarium systems that offer world-class stargazing. Thanks to these innovations, visitors can enjoy the Southern Hemisphere’s clear dark skies no matter the weather or time of year.
The Dark Sky Project runs the 1.8-meter MOA telescope at Mount John Observatory. This is the biggest telescope in New Zealand and supports international research while serving tourists.
Mount John offers several telescope setups for different experiences. The Summit Experience uses high-powered scopes for deep-sky viewing. These instruments reveal star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies you can’t see with the naked eye.
Private operators like Astro Tekapo bring portable telescope systems to spots across the Mackenzie Basin. They use computerized mounts with GPS tracking to automatically find celestial objects. This makes stargazing easy for beginners and impressive for seasoned observers.
Modern telescope features include:
The 125-year-old Brashear telescope at Tekapo’s astronomy center still works, showing off both historical craftsmanship and clear planetary images. It connects visitors to the heritage of astronomy in a way that’s hard to beat.
The Dark Sky Experience brings 13.8 billion years of cosmic history indoors with multimedia technology. This planetarium-style show runs all year, no matter the weather or time of day.
At Lake Tekapo, advanced space-rendering software drives the Virtual Stargazing Experience. The system pulls data from astronomical databases, generating real-time star maps and constellation patterns. Visitors get to explore interactive sky simulations that closely match what they’d see at night.
Digital planetarium domes project sharp images from space telescopes and Mars rovers. These immersive environments sweep guests through the solar system and out to distant galaxies. The tech blends NASA imagery with 3D modeling for a photorealistic trip through space.
Key digital innovations include:
Motion sensors and touch screens let visitors navigate digital star fields. The system responds to each person’s input and keeps celestial positions and movements scientifically accurate.
New Zealand leads in virtual space tourism with cutting-edge VR programs and AR applications. The country mixes NASA-funded software with local ideas to create realistic space experiences for anyone craving a cosmic adventure without leaving the ground.
VR tech is changing space tourism by making celestial experiences available to almost anyone. New Zealand’s space centers use virtual reality headsets to put people right in the middle of simulated missions and orbital flights.
At the Te Awamutu Space Centre, visitors can try a 15-minute VR experience that puts them in space. Every guest gets a free turn with comfy headsets, and you don’t need any VR experience to join in. Most people just sit back and enjoy the stunning space views.
Key VR Features:
VR serves as a training tool for future space tourists. People can practice zero-gravity movements and spacecraft controls in a safe, virtual setting. These sessions help reduce nerves and give visitors a taste of what real spaceflight might feel like.
Space tourism companies use VR to show off different spacecraft and flight options. Customers can check out their journey before booking, so they know what to expect—orbital or suborbital.
VR educational programs blend entertainment and science, making space exploration more approachable. The Dark Sky Project in Lake Tekapo uses advanced space-rendering tech to bring galaxies to life for families and school groups.
New Zealand’s space education software is funded by NASA, the US National Science Foundation, and the Swedish Academy of Sciences. This partnership means programs always feature the latest science and accurate data.
Educational VR Content:
Students get to travel the universe without ever leaving their classroom. These programs take participants from Earth to other planets and even distant galaxies, all with scientifically accurate simulations.
In places like Wanaka, 45-minute VR adventures include space walks and exploring alien worlds. No gaming experience is needed, and groups of friends or classmates can join together.
These programs aim to make space science fun and accessible for all ages. Kids learn about planets, while adults can dive into more complex astrophysics—all in immersive virtual worlds.
AR technology spices up real-world space tourism by adding digital info to physical surroundings. New Zealand companies have built AR apps that go hand-in-hand with classic stargazing and observatory visits.
With AR, visitors can point their phone or tablet at the night sky and instantly identify constellations, planets, or even passing spacecraft. The apps overlay real-time info right on your screen.
AR Space Applications:
The “He karapitipitinga mariko” project creates AR visitor experiences that aim to be universal and accessible. This research is opening up new forms of virtual and physical tourism using extended reality tech.
AR adds extra context to observatory visits. Visitors see detailed scientific info overlaid on telescope images, making planets and stars come alive.
Space museums use AR to recreate historic space missions and launches. Visitors can watch rocket launches or see space station construction on their mobile devices as they explore exhibits.
New Zealand’s space tourism industry rolls out educational programs for students and public outreach that builds understanding of commercial spaceflight. These efforts connect local communities with space opportunities and help inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals.
New Zealand schools get specialized space education programs that introduce students to commercial spaceflight and aerospace careers. The Royal Society of New Zealand teams up with local space companies to deliver lessons on rocket propulsion, orbital mechanics, and space tourism safety.
Students join hands-on activities with model rockets and satellite tracking gear. These programs teach basic physics in a practical, space-focused way. More schools now include space projects in their science classes.
The New Zealand Space Agency works with schools to provide teacher training workshops. Educators get up-to-date industry info and classroom resources. Sometimes, astronauts and engineers visit to share their real-life stories.
Key educational components include:
Secondary schools offer special aerospace tracks that prep students for university engineering. Courses cover satellite tech, launch vehicles, and space tourism business models that link directly to New Zealand’s growing commercial space sector.
Space tourism companies in New Zealand run community events to teach the public about commercial spaceflight safety and accessibility. These events clear up common myths about civilian space travel and highlight local aerospace achievements.
Rocket Lab hosts open days at its Mahia Peninsula launch site, so visitors can see spacecraft assembly and launch prep up close. The company demonstrates how commercial space operations work together with local communities. Public viewing areas let people watch launches safely.
Space museums and science centers across New Zealand feature interactive exhibits that explain suborbital flights and orbital tourism. Visitors try simulated weightlessness and learn about astronaut training through hands-on displays.
Community groups get presentations from industry pros who explain how regular people can join in space tourism. Sessions cover medical requirements, training timelines, and costs for commercial spaceflight.
Local universities work with space companies to offer public lectures on commercial space. Topics range from spacecraft tech and launch sites to the future of tourism beyond Earth.
New Zealand’s space tourism sector is growing fast, but faces tricky regulatory and environmental hurdles. The industry has to balance new tech, safety, and sustainability.
Space tourism companies in New Zealand expect strong market growth through 2031. The sector is picking up speed as reusable rockets drive down launch costs.
Private companies are building more accessible spacecraft. These advances make civilian flights safer, and training is getting shorter and easier.
Key Growth Drivers:
The industry is creating jobs in engineering, hospitality, and mission support. Local communities see new tourism infrastructure and technical skills.
Companies are exploring cultural and artistic projects in space. These unique experiences draw in high-value customers, not just thrill-seekers.
New Zealand’s location gives it year-round launch opportunities. Clear skies and little air traffic make for great space operations.
New Zealand’s space industry needs clear rules for tourist launches. Current aviation laws don’t really cover commercial space passenger flights.
Environmental impact checks are now required for space tourism projects. Launches can affect wildlife, noise, and air quality, so companies have to show they’re keeping disruption low.
Critical Regulatory Areas:
The government is working with industry leaders to set clear guidelines. These rules keep passengers safe while letting businesses innovate.
Sustainable tourism is a must for long-term success. Companies are putting money into cleaner fuels and carbon offset programs.
International partnerships shape New Zealand’s space tourism policies. Treaties with other space nations ensure safe operations and rescue plans for passengers.
Public trust depends on open environmental monitoring. Regular reports help keep communities on board with continued launches.
New Zealand’s space tourism scene revolves around companies like RocketLab and astrotourism experiences at the Dark Sky Project. Most visitors join stargazing tours or educational experiences rather than actual spaceflights.
RocketLab stands out as New Zealand’s main space company. Peter Beck started it in 2006, and while it operates in both New Zealand and the US, the focus is on launching satellites—not people.
The Dark Sky Project offers the most accessible space tourism in New Zealand. It’s based in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve and runs stargazing tours and astronomy experiences.
Visitors can pick from several Dark Sky Project options. The Summit Experience takes guests to Mount John Observatory for premium stargazing, while the Crater Experience offers smaller tours at Cowan’s private observatory.
Right now, no companies offer actual space flights for tourists from New Zealand. RocketLab focuses on commercial satellite launches and doesn’t fly passengers.
If you want space-related experiences, you can book tours through the Dark Sky Project. Their website lets you book stargazing and astronomy tours directly.
For actual space flights, you’ll need to travel to the United States. Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, and SpaceX all launch passengers from American sites.
Since there aren’t any tourist spaceflights in New Zealand, traditional spaceflight safety rules don’t really apply. The Dark Sky Project follows normal tourism safety measures for their ground-based experiences.
The Summit Experience includes safety protocols for trips up Mount John Observatory. Guides give safety briefings before tours, especially for nighttime events.
Weather can affect how safe or visible a tour is. The company keeps an eye on conditions and may reschedule if needed.
The Dark Sky Project’s experiences range from about $50 to $200 NZD per person. The Summit tour costs more than basic stargazing.
Virtual stargazing and indoor multimedia shows are more affordable. These options cost less than outdoor telescope tours and still offer plenty to learn.
Actual space flights, booked with overseas companies, cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and take off outside New Zealand.
There’s no spaceflight training in New Zealand since no one is flying tourists yet. The Dark Sky Project doesn’t require special training for its astronomy experiences.
Visitors get a quick orientation before stargazing tours. Guides explain how to use telescopes and point out what’s visible in the sky.
Anyone wanting real astronaut training needs to sign up with space companies overseas. Those programs usually last a few days to several weeks, depending on the flight.
The Dark Sky Project works hard to promote environmental conservation by preserving dark skies. They aim to cut down on light pollution and help everyone enjoy the natural night sky.
RocketLab launches rockets that leave a much smaller environmental footprint than bigger space programs. Their smaller rockets use cleaner fuel, which feels like a step in the right direction.
The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve sets a good example for sustainable tourism. This gold-status reserve proves that space-related tourism can actually help protect the environment.
