What to expect at Carter...
Carter Observatory is open from 10am every day (except Christmas, Boxing and New Year's Days).
We close at 5pm EXCEPT on Saturdays, when we stay open until 930pm to open the historic Thomas Cooke Telescope for star-gazing! Note that this activity is weather-permitting.
The newly refurbished Carter Observatory includes a multimedia exhibition all about the Southern Skies, a 9m digital full-dome planetarium, heritage telescopes, and space-themed gift shop.
Shows in the planetarium are scheduled regularly across the day. You can browse in the exhibition, then take in a show - or enjoy a show then wander around the exhibition and gift shop. It's entirely up to you.
Our friendly staff will be able to advise you on what fits in with the time you have available.
When you visit Carter, give yourself at least an hour and a half to appreciate what is on offer. If space is of special interest to you, we'd suggest you give yourself a good few hours.
Call us on 04 910 3140 if you need additional information, wish to book and schools or group visit, or hold an evening or daytime event at Carter .
Pelorus Trust Planetarium
Take a journey to space in the Pelorus Trust Planetarium, a state of the art, digital experience that will take you on a virtual space journey, from Wellington to some of the outer regions of our own Solar System and beyond.
This is a special domed theatre, set with reclined seats that allow you to relax, lean back and take in a very different view of the sky above you, day or night.
You'll have Carter Observatory staff with you who can answer your burning questions about our Southern Skies.
Planetarium session times:
Please note planetarium sessions start promptly on the hour.
Monday – Friday (during school term)11.00am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 3pm
Saturday
Hourly sessions on the hour from 11am - 4pm and 6pm - 8pm (please note we do not run a 5pm session)
Sunday
Hourly sessions on the hour from 11am - 4pm
During School Holidays and on Public holidays we run the Sunday timetable.
The Exhibit
You're invited to take a walk through our multimedia, interactive exhibition. This will begin with the story of Space, Time and Matter - the sheer scale of the Universe, the Big Bang, an interpretation of how our world began. You'll also hear the Maori story of creation, experience a gravity well and can examine the possibilities of life on other planets!
Travel through Carter's very own Black Hole into our Solar System. You can learn all about the planets that surround us, New Zealand's astronomy community and understand our Southern Skies. You can even handle an actual space rock, read interperative panels, watch video stories and learn at your own pace.
The Astronomy of Oceania
Matariki, and the role of the stars in Maori New Year is explained, along with the ways of Polynesian and Maori astronavigation. Become absorbed in the journey of Maori from Hawaii to Aotearoa New Zealand, and learn how Maui caught the Sun.
European aspects of early navigation, particularly the astronomical aspects of Captain Cook's visits including early time keeping and astronomy in New Zealand are displayed in our stunning library that also houses a treasure trove of books and materials from across centuries and around the world.
The Telescopes
Carter Observatory houses the following telescopes:
The Cooke telescope is a beautiful, historical 9 1/4 inch refracting telescope that is routinely used as the main telescope for visitor viewing at Carter. The telescope is used for both viewing during the night time and safe viewing of the Sun.
The Thomas King telescope is housed in an adjacent building and can be run independently of the opening times at Carter. Wellington Astronomical Society kindly lend us their expertise in this smaller observatory.
The Ruth Crisp telescope is a reflecting telescope reserved for research purposes by staff and the local astronomical community.
Several smaller telescopes can be mounted outside on viewing nights.
Telescope Viewing Times:
Telescope viewings are held every Saturday evening (weather permitting).
Throughout the year there will be other opportunities for telescope viewings around special space events. Keep an eye on our website and newsletter for details.
How to find us...
Carter is located in Wellington's Botanic Gardens, 2 minutes from the top of the Cable Car. Click here to find the Observatory on Google Maps.
