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7 Observatories & Planetariums in North Island That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in North Island, New Zealand including Planetarium North, Stardome Observatory & Planetarium, Space Place at Carter Observatory, Stonehenge Aotearoa, Hawkes Bay Holt Planetarium, Starmate Observatory, Elizabeth Ekart Observatory.
Restaurants in North Island
1. Planetarium North
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
No visit to the southern hemisphere is complete without a tour of the evening sky. We are fortunate to have our closest neighbouring star, and the nearest galaxy, visible to the unaided eye - if you know where to look. Our Planetarium displays the sky perfectly no matter what the weather is doing outside. We have 5000 stars ready to admire and a wealth of knowledge to show you how to find your direction, perhaps even to read the time using the stars above. And visitors to the Planetarium have the added treat of using our telescopes after the main program if weather conditions allow.
2. Stardome Observatory & Planetarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 298 reviews
Experience the unique wonders of New Zealand’s southern hemisphere night sky at Stardome. Discover the history and significance to New Zealanders of prominent constellations like the Southern Cross and Matariki, in a live presentation. The sky of the Southern Hemisphere contains beautiful star clusters, gas cloud nebulae and star patterns that can only be seen from this latitude. Experience the unique wonders of New Zealand’s southern night sky at Stardome Observatory & Planetarium.
Reviewed By tomtom755 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
We loved our visit to The Satardome Observatory, it was very informative and could be enjoyed by all ages.
3. Space Place at Carter Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 461 reviews
Space Place tells the stories of the southern skies through full-dome digital planetarium films, interactive exhibitions and events including workshops and courses to help people discover the spaces above New Zealand, Earth. Cast your eyes skyward at Space Place’s dazzling full-dome planetarium that’ll take you on an unforgettable journey from Wellington to the outer regions of our solar system. Most shows feature a live exploration through the southern skies over New Zealand. Take a look at our skies through the historic Thomas Cooke telescope during late nights when the weather is clear. During school terms, the centre is working with school groups, and open to the public, Tuesday and Friday evenings and weekends, while during school holidays it is open every day. There is no better place to learn about the beauty and the greatness of the universe around us than at Space Place.
Reviewed By ChristineJ219 - Bargara, Australia
We came here on a Tuesday night to go through the museum part of the building and to see one of the shows in the planetarium. We missed out on the first session as it was fully booked but got to see the 9pm session. The first half of the show was about the impact of climate on our earth and the second half was a session on our night sky with close up views of planets and distant views of our galaxy. Fascinating stuff. It costs $NZ14 which includes the shows, the museum and if the sky is clear and conditions are right an opportunity to look through a telescope at the night sky. This place is located at the top of the tram car in the botanic gardens - the last tram car goes back down at 10pm.
4. Stonehenge Aotearoa
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 158 reviews
Welcome to New Zealand's only hands-on observatory where you can learn about astronomy, see the sky through our telescopes, attend amazing science talks and learn about how past civilisations deciphered the cosmos. Although similar in size and appearance to the Stonehenge on Salisbury plain, Stonehenge Aotearoa is not a replica. It is a complete and working structure designed for its precise location in New Zealand. We use it for both talking about our ancestors and explaining the night sky during our stargazing sessions at evening time. Check our website for more details and bookings. Daytime Take a tour into the past and discover the secrets of lost civilizations with our guided tours during the day. Nighttime Telescope viewing every Friday and Saturday evenings with operators who are astronomers.
Reviewed By Diver764965 - Auckland, New Zealand
Fantastic evening at the henge watching the sun set then looking at the stars through the telescopes. Hari the Astro biologist and Sam the Astro physicist were fantastic. So passionate about the stars and wanting to share that knowledge. We have visited the real stone henge as originally from the uk, but it is not a working henge and you can’t get up close to the stones. Although not made of stone It was fascinating to here how this is a working henge and how it is relevant to the night sky in the Southern Hemisphere here in NZ, for $15 fantastic value. Tip, where something warm once the sun goes it can be chilly even in January.
5. Hawkes Bay Holt Planetarium
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
