Hundreds of people have marked the start of the International Year of Astronomy by gazing at the New Year Sky.
Public events in Wellington, Auckland and Dargaville were the first in the world to celebrate the worldwide push to raise awareness about astronomy.
An open-air event at the Carter Observatory in Wellington, hosted by the Wellington Astronomical Society, attracted more than 100 people.
The society's president Gordon Hudson said members of the public were given a chance to look at the sun and the new moon through specially filtered telescopes.
Similar events were held in Auckland and Dargaville.
Mr Hudson hopes the year will raise awareness about the issues of environmental pollution and light pollution as well as teaching people about astronomy.
Hopes for sky park
Astronomers also hope the International Year of Astronomy will provide more impetus for UNESCO to recognise the airspace above the Mackenzie Country as the world's first starlight reserve.
Professor John Hearnshaw from the University of Canterbury, which owns and operates the Mt John Observatory in the Mackenzie District, said a sky park would recognise the area's unique characteristics.
Professor Hearnshaw said the area has low light and air pollution, which is beneficial for researchers and the public.
The Mackenzie District Council has already put in place lighting restrictions that reduce light pollution.