Exploring distant parts of the galaxy, astrophysicist Denis Sullivan has collaborated on the discovery of about six extrasolar planetsnot bad for an accidental astronomer.

Soak up the atmosphere chomping whitebait pizza on the Hokitika beach; cook paua on a camp oven at Tapoutupotu by Cape Reinga or tramp through dense bush up into alpine meadows to the snow-capped peaks above Kaikoura.

Wellington, May 8 NZPA - New Zealand's bid to make Tekapo the world's first night sky reserve is moving ahead with the formation of an expanded working party.

7 MAY 2009 - An expanded New Zealand working party has been formed to ensure the Tekapo bid to become world night-sky reserve is successful, former Cabinet minister Margaret Austin said today.