Space Place at Carter Observatory, Wellington (2024) - Images, Timings

Space Place at Carter Observatory, Wellington Overview

Space Place at Carter Observatory is a planetarium housed inside the historical unit of the famous astronomical observatory located at the top of Wellington Botanic Garden in Wellington, New Zealand. The observatory is named after Charles Carter, who left his estate that turned into what we know as the Royal Society of New Zealand. This society aimed to build a full-fledged astronomical observatory unit near Wellington Parliament which eventually led to the set up of the Space Place Carter Observatory.

Initially a site for academic research in astronomy, the observatory turned into the National Observatory of New Zealand in 1977. The place is now a full-fledged tourist spot that attracts visitors from far and wide to have a peek into the subject of astronomy with a curious objective.
The observatory is fully equipped with modern facilities that will make your visit a fulfilled and memorable one with a lot of detailed insight into space and astronomy. Therefore if you plan a trip to New Zealand anytime soon, you should make it a point to visit the observatory, especially if you have children accompanying you.

Things to Do

Planetarium- The observatory has a fully equipped, digital planetarium with a dome-shaped virtual sky that promises an old school wonderful star hunting escapade. It has everything ranging from aliens to actual planets in the sky over New Zealand being seen through telescopes, all in live time zone.

Interactive Galleries- The galleries are carved to be extremely informative in the observatory. It has Matariki theatre that gives you a theatrical insight as to how the Maori navigated past the vast Pacific Ocean by guiding themselves through stars. It relates the native custom of the Maori New Year and its conception through the astronomical event of Matariki. You can also have a first-hand experience of inside a spaceship, its dynamic and how it functions and learn about the historic Apollo missions of the 1960s and experience a rocket blast off.
Thomas Cooke Telescope- One of the finest spaces to stargaze with its highly equipped telescopes. If your trip aligns with either of clear skies, you have to make it a point to visit this place and hunt stars. It usually happens every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, you may contact Space Place in case of any uncertainties.
Space News heads up- Each week, renowned astronomer Haritina Mogoșanu keeps us updated about anything and everything that appears in the night sky of the southern hemisphere. Any astronomy enthusiasts? This is where you should be headed

How To Reach Space Place at Carter Observatory

40 Salamanca Rd, Kelburn, Wellington 6012. A cable car can be availed and is at a short walking distance from the terminus head. Parking is available for personal vehicles.