Minecraft Gamers Explore Māori Astronomy with Dark Sky Project

Dark Sky Project is thrilled to be featured in the New Zealand Minecraft world, which launched this week.

Takapō (Tekapo) is home to one of the world’s largest International Dark Sky reserves, meaning it’s one of the best places on Earth to stargaze without light pollution.

Dark Sky Project’s General Manager, Victoria Campbell (Kāi Tahu), hopes the Minecraft version of the popular tourism experience will attract new visitors to the area who are passionate about gaming and digital experiences.

“We saw this as a unique opportunity to share the beauty of Te Manahuna (Mackenzie Region) and the significance of the night sky with a global audience in an interactive way.

“We hope this collaboration sparks an interest in astronomy, encourages players to visit Takapō in real life, and deepens their understanding of Māori astronomy and the importance of protecting our dark skies.”

Dark Sky Project, based in Takapō, is one of ten world-class experiences owned by Ngāi Tahu Tourism. It blends science and Māori culture to share the stories of the night sky, bringing together Western astronomy and Māori celestial knowledge.

The two South Canterbury Papatipu Rūnaka supported the inclusion of Takapō and Dark Sky Project. Upoko Tewera King also features in the game as a playable character.

Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua Chair Fiona Pimm says the engagement with the gaming studio was very reassuring.

“We enjoyed working with Piki Studios who took the time to build a genuine relationship with our whānau and earn our trust. We’re pleased that the inclusion of Takapō showcases clean and sustainable tourism. We’re also delighted to see our weaving and carvings, designed by our whānau member, Tāne Solomon, featured in the game.”

Patea/Doubtful Sound is another location within the Ngāi Tahu takiwā (tribal territory) included in the game, with Minecraft working with Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka to bring it to life digitally.

As a Kāi Tahu astronomer who has dedicated much of her life to the stars, Victoria Campbell says playing the game with her two sons will be truly special.  

“It’s incredible to see how the essence of Takapō and Dark Sky Project has been captured in the game,” she says.

“While nothing can match the feeling of standing under the real night sky, the DLC does an amazing job of bringing the landscape, the observatory experience, and even elements of Māori astronomy into the Minecraft world. My boys are avid Minecrafters, and I love that Kāi Tahu are now featured in the game, giving us an international platform to celebrate our iwi, whenua, sky, and korero.

“It’s a surreal experience seeing a digital version of such a special place and knowing that people around the world can explore it.”

Victoria Campbell hopes players will become more curious about understanding our place in the universe and preserving this incredible natural wonder for future generations.

“There’s nothing like seeing the stars with your own eyes, so I encourage players to visit us in Takapō for the full immersive experience of looking through our powerful telescopes to connect with the sky and planets. The sensory experience of visiting in person and hearing stories from our kaimahi (guides) makes visiting in real life truly special.”

To book an indoor or nighttime astronomy tour, visit darkskyproject.co.nz or phone 0800 327 5759.

Background

• For more about the Minecraft New Zealand world, visit Tourism New Zealand’s announcement: https://www.tourismnewzealand.com/news-and-activity/tourism-new-zealand-launches-world-first-destination-new-zealand-minecraft-world-to-attract-visitors/ Tourism New Zealand worked with eleven mana whenua groups, Warner Bros, Mojang Studios (the creators of Minecraft) and NZ game developers, Piki Studios, to create the New Zealand Minecraft world.  

About Ngāi Tahu Tourism

• Ngāi Tahu Tourism owns and operates ten iconic world-class tourism experiences which showcase the best of Aotearoa.
• These businesses include Shotover Jet, All Blacks Experience, Hollyford Wilderness Experience, Guided Walks NZ, Dart River Adventures, Dark Sky Project, Franz Josef Glacier Guides, Hukafalls Jet, Agrodome, and National Kiwi Hatchery.
• Ngāi Tahu tīpuna (ancestors) guided many of the first European explorers. Through tourism, the iwi hosts manuhiri, reconnects with te taiao (the environment), and creates lasting memories for visitors.