[5][6][7] A working group led by Nicky McArthur held their first public seminar to promote the Kaikōura dark-sky initiative in February 2021.

[10] The trust was established with seed funding provided by the North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery alliance.

[11] In addition to seeking accreditation as a dark-sky preserve, the objectives of the trust include protecting and enhancing the night skies and leading initiatives to reduce light pollution in the Kaikōura District.

The New Zealand Transport Agency agreed to change the street lighting on State Highway 1 through the town in 2024, using fully-shielded luminaires with colour temperature of 2200K or 2700K.

[16][17] In April 2022, the Mayor of Kaikōura said that the dark-sky preserve had the full support of the council, and would be a boost to tourist numbers, especially during the winter period.

[20] A dark sky sanctuary is a type of dark sky place defined as:[21] A public or private land that has an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural, or educational value, its cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.DarkSky International announced the designation on 11 September 2024.

[2] Kaikōura is the third dark sky sanctuary to be accredited in New Zealand, after Aotea Great Barrier Island in 2017 and Stewart Island/Rakiura in 2019.