The area covered by the reserve is 3,665 km2 (1,415 sq mi) and includes the Aorangi Forest Park, and the South Wairarapa and Carterton Districts.

Measurements taken in the town of Martinborough show that although it is located in the periphery of the reserve, it almost meets the minimum requirements for the core.

At that time, the mayor of Carterton stated that their lighting already complied with the standards, and that they would join with the South Wairarapa District in making an application for designation.

[3] The certification by DarkSky International in 2023 was the result of 5 years of volunteer work by the Wairarapa Dark Sky Association Incorporated (a registered charity in New Zealand),[6] and the South Wairarapa and Carterton district councils, together with other local interested parties.

[7][8] In 2023, the Masterton District Council, governing an area of 2,298 km2 (887 sq mi) adjacent to the designated reserve, began planning and consultation for potentially expanding the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve to include the Masterton District.