Dark Sky Project.
Takapō.
The challenge was to build on the success of the Earth and Sky Astro Tourism business, to create an all-weather astronomy product and deliver to the aspirations of the Joint Venture partners to create an iconic building to house the historical Brashear Telescope and educate manuhiri on the importance of Dark Sky Preservation.
Location: Takapō (Tekapō), New Zealand
Budget: ~$11M
Open Date: July 2019
Project background
To build on an already iconic star gazing tourism attraction (Earth & Sky) and create an internationally recognised landmark that could house the historical Brashear telescope, and create a indoor tourism experience that could fuse science and culture in to one narrative and further showcase the clarity of the night sky, the projects of the University of Canterbury and portray the importance of the night sky to mana whenua to manuhiri.
Nā te pō, ko te ao, ko te ao mārama From the darkest depths of the night we become enlightened.
The centre includes the Dark Sky Diner offering spectacular lake and mountain views, and a range of day and night dining options. It is the departure point for the astro-tourism business’s outdoor, evening stargazing experiences. It houses the Dark Sky Experience embarking on a journey 13.8 billion years in the making. The only place in the world to experience the meeting of ancient Māori knowledge and cutting-edge science, a guided multi-media turn through space and time.
Services (as part of the Ngai Tahu Tourism Leadership Team)
Development of Business Case
Board Governance
Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Visitor Experience Design and Development
Client management of consultants for the design and build process
Programme and budget management
Manage Government funding requirements (Tourism Growth Partnership Fund $3M)
Recruitment
Brand and Marketing strategy
Sales strategy
Retail design and development
Food and Beverage Design and Development
Iwi liaison
