Space Place Carter Observatory - An observatory building with a dome.
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Space Place Carter Observatory

4.6
·2k reviews·Wellington, New Zealand

Explore the universe at Wellington's historic observatory, featuring a giant telescope, immersive planetarium, and interactive space exhibits.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Clear evenings

Best for stargazing

CrowdMedium
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Space Place Carter Observatory - An observatory building with a dome.

Space Place Carter Observatory

Best Time

Clear evenings

Best for stargazing

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the universe at Wellington's historic observatory, featuring a giant telescope, immersive planetarium, and interactive space exhibits.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"Highly recommend this place for anyone interested in space and science!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Combo Tickets Save

Consider a combo ticket for exhibits and planetarium shows for the best value.

🚶‍♀️ Walk from Cable Car

Easily accessible via the Cable Car; enjoy the views on the short walk.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Giant Telescope

The Giant Telescope

Observatory Dome

Peer through the historic Thomas Cooke telescope and witness solar flares and sunspots up close.

InstagramReddit
Planetarium Shows

Planetarium Shows

Planetarium

Immerse yourself in the cosmos with captivating shows projected onto the dome.

InstagramReddit
Interactive Exhibits

Interactive Exhibits

Museum Galleries

Engage with hands-on displays about space, the universe, and space missions. Fun for all ages!

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Clear Skies

Check the weather forecast before you go! Clear nights are best for stargazing. Consider booking planetarium shows in advance, especially during peak times, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Reddit

Bundle Up for the Cosmos

Evenings can get chilly, especially at higher elevations. Dress in layers to stay comfortable while exploring the exhibits and enjoying the night sky. Comfortable shoes are a must for navigating the observatory. TikTok

Best Times

When
Clear evenings
Why
Best for stargazing
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more space
Crowd
Low
When
During Matariki
Why
Special events & family focus
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tour My Backyard Observatory!
@astrobackyard
62.4K likes • 694.8K views

🎟️ Combo Tickets Save

Consider a combo ticket for exhibits and planetarium shows for the best value. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walk from Cable Car

Easily accessible via the Cable Car; enjoy the views on the short walk. Reddit

On a clear night explore the southern skies through our Thomas Cooke telescope. There is no better place to learn about the beauty and the greatness of the universe around us than at Space Place. This fantastic shot is courtesy of @maninsingapore #SpacePlace #Wellington #WellingtonNZ #NewZealand #stars #telescope #stargazing #space #science #astronomy #universe
wellingtonmuseum
26 likes • 0 views
Had a lovely evening dining at the top of the Cable Car with gorgeous views, before taking in a Planetarium show, with fine company! #naefilter #wildsaturdaynightout #veganpizza #spacethefinalfrontier
jennifer_a_evans
20 likes • 0 views

☀️ Solar Telescope Wow

Don't miss the solar telescope for incredible sun views! Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧 Kids Go Free Deals

Look for family promotions, like kids go free with certain hotel stays. Instagram

✨ Plans for Matariki? We've teamed up with Space Place to offer your little stars free entry to Wellington's historic observatory with our Little Stars Stay promotion ✨⁠ ⁠ Book an applicable stay in a two-bedroom Bolton Suite or Premier Twin Suite and receive your kids go free voucher for Space Place. ⁠ ⁠ Terms and Conditions Apply.⁠ ⁠
bolton_hotel
11 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Combo Tickets Save

Consider a combo ticket for exhibits and planetarium shows for the best value. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walk from Cable Car

Easily accessible via the Cable Car; enjoy the views on the short walk. Reddit

☀️ Solar Telescope Wow

Don't miss the solar telescope for incredible sun views! Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧 Kids Go Free Deals

Look for family promotions, like kids go free with certain hotel stays. Instagram

📱 Check Show Times

Plan your visit around planetarium show schedules. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Space Place for its engaging interactive exhibits, captivating planetarium shows, and the unique opportunity to view the sun through its historic telescope. The friendly staff and good value for money are frequently highlighted, making it a highly recommended destination for families and space enthusiasts alike. Some minor confusion regarding parking was noted, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.

"Space Place is just a 2-minute walk from the cable car stop and is definitely worth a visit. There is an entry fee for both the exhibits and the planetarium show, but it’s absolutely worth getting both. You can learn all about our planet, the universe, the Big Bang, and more. The highlights for me were the giant telescope and the planetarium show, which was projected onto the ceiling. I watched the one about astronomy, and it was one of the best-made shows I’ve seen. Highly recommend this place for anyone interested in space and science!"

H x N

"Loved it. Great displays and interactive aspect for the kids. Staff incredibly friendly and helpful. Entry price good value. Would recommend more option ir clearer directions around parking. For non handicapped parking it was somewhat confusing. Highly recommend"

Daran Buckland

"We always enjoy a visit to Space Place. You can find it not far from the top of the Cable Car and sometimes get a special deal to travel the cable car and enter Space Place, so check their website beforehand.
There are planetarium shows at certain times of the day, with one included free with your ticket price.
The museum is a mix of information and interactive stations about space in general and space missions that have happened."

Playgrounds of Porirua

What People Like

Interactive exhibits
Planetarium shows
Solar telescope viewing

What People Dislike

Confusing parking directions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Space Place is conveniently located near the top of the Wellington Cable Car. You can take the Cable Car up and enjoy a short, scenic walk to the observatory. Reddit Parking can be a bit confusing for non-handicapped visitors, so the Cable Car is often the easiest option. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available, but directions can be somewhat confusing for visitors not familiar with the area. Reddit Many visitors opt for the Cable Car for easier access. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a short and pleasant walk from the top of the Wellington Cable Car. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Space Place at Carter Observatory website before your visit. They typically open in the afternoon and stay open into the evening for stargazing. Reddit

The Wellington Cable Car is the primary public transport link that brings you very close to Space Place. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is an entry fee for both the exhibits and the planetarium shows. Reddit Combo tickets are often available and offer good value. Reddit Check their website for current pricing and any special offers. Reddit

It's highly recommended to book planetarium shows in advance, especially during busy periods, to guarantee your seat. Reddit You can usually do this online through their website. Reddit

Keep an eye out for special promotions, such as family deals where children get free entry with paying adults, often in partnership with local hotels. InstagramReddit

Yes, typically one planetarium show is included free with your ticket price. Reddit However, it's always good to confirm this when purchasing your ticket. Reddit

Tickets can usually be purchased on the day, but booking ahead for planetarium shows is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. Reddit

🎫 🔭 Onsite Experience

The main attractions include the historic Thomas Cooke telescope, captivating planetarium shows, and a variety of interactive exhibits on space and astronomy. InstagramReddit

Yes, Space Place is very family-friendly with engaging interactive exhibits designed for children. Reddit

Through the giant telescope, you can observe the sun, including solar flares and sunspots, on clear days. Reddit

They offer a range of shows covering topics like astronomy, the Big Bang, and space missions, projected onto the dome. InstagramReddit

While the exhibits are indoors, the observatory dome can be cooler, especially on clear nights. Dressing in layers is recommended. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but flash photography might be restricted during planetarium shows to avoid disturbing other visitors. Instagram

Capture stunning shots of the historic telescope, the planetarium dome, and the interactive exhibits. The views from the observatory can also be quite photogenic. Instagram

Always be mindful of other visitors and follow any specific signage regarding photography, especially during shows. Instagram

Similar to photography, personal video recording is usually permitted, but check for any specific rules regarding commercial filming or use of tripods. TikTok

Daytime offers good lighting for exhibits, while evening visits provide opportunities for capturing the observatory's ambiance and potentially the night sky if conditions are right. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Space Place is a fantastic outing for families. The interactive exhibits are a huge hit with children, offering hands-on fun that makes learning about space exciting. Reddit The planetarium shows are also captivating for younger audiences, providing a magical visual experience. InstagramReddit Look out for family promotions, like 'kids go free' deals, which can make your visit even more budget-friendly. InstagramReddit Consider visiting during weekday afternoons to avoid the biggest crowds and give the kids more space to explore. Reddit

🔭 Astronomy Enthusiasts

For those with a passion for the cosmos, Space Place offers a rich experience. The historic Thomas Cooke telescope is a major draw, providing opportunities to view the sun and its features. Reddit The planetarium shows are highly regarded for their quality and educational content, delving into complex astronomical topics. Reddit Don't miss the chance to explore the interactive exhibits that detail various space missions and scientific discoveries. Reddit Check the schedule for any special talks or events that might be happening during your visit. Reddit

🚶 Day-Trippers from Wellington

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Cosmos: Planetarium Shows

Space Place at Carter Observatory offers a unique journey through the universe with its captivating planetarium shows. These immersive experiences are projected onto the large dome, making you feel like you're truly among the stars. Visitors rave about the quality of the shows, with one reviewer calling it 'one of the best-made shows I’ve seen.' Reddit The program features a variety of shows, so it's wise to check the schedule and choose one that aligns with your interests, whether it's learning about the Big Bang, exploring distant galaxies, or understanding our own solar system. Reddit Booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot, as these shows are a major draw. Reddit

These shows are not just visually stunning but also incredibly informative. Staff often provide detailed explanations, enhancing the learning experience. Reddit The planetarium is a fantastic way to grasp complex astronomical concepts in an engaging and accessible manner, making it a highlight for many visitors, including families. InstagramReddit

A Glimpse of the Sun: The Giant Telescope

The historic Thomas Cooke telescope at Space Place is a star attraction, offering visitors a rare opportunity to observe the sun up close. On clear days, you can witness incredible phenomena like solar flares and sunspots, providing a tangible connection to the power and activity of our nearest star. Reddit Guides operating the telescope are often praised for their generosity and willingness to explain everything in detail, making the experience both educational and awe-inspiring. Reddit This is a must-see for anyone interested in astronomy and a truly memorable part of a visit. TikTokReddit

Seeing actual solar flares and cool spots on the sun's surface was awesome, according to one visitor. Reddit The telescope itself is a piece of history, adding another layer of fascination to the experience. It’s a powerful reminder of the vastness and dynamism of the universe we inhabit. Instagram

Interactive Learning for All Ages

Space Place excels at making astronomy and space science accessible and fun through its interactive exhibits. These hands-on displays cater to all ages, encouraging exploration and discovery. Reddit From learning about the Big Bang to understanding space missions, the exhibits are designed to be engaging and educational. Reddit Visitors frequently mention how much children enjoy these interactive elements, making it a great destination for families. Reddit

The museum strikes a good balance between informative content and playful engagement. It’s a place where you can learn at your own pace and interact with the wonders of space in a tangible way. Reddit The friendly and helpful staff further enhance the experience, always ready to answer questions and guide visitors. Reddit

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