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Wai-iti Recreation Reserve

Wai-iti Recreation Reserve sits beside the Wai-iti River near Wakefield, roughly 33 km from Nelson in the Tasman District of New Zealand's South Island.

Established as a recreation domain in the late nineteenth century, it has long served as a green, open parkland getaway for Nelson-area residents. The reserve encompasses 135 hectares that also include Tunnicliff Forest.

The site is designated a freedom camping area under Tasman District Council bylaws, accommodating up to ten self-contained vehicles on a first-come, first-served basis.

In 2020 the reserve gained international recognition as New Zealand's first International Dark Sky Park, accredited by DarkSky International.

The Nelson Astronomical Society regularly hosts public stargazing events here, and the reserve is open to visitors at any time as a public space.


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