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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for stargazing
Space Place Carter Observatory
Best Time
Best for stargazing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the universe at Wellington's historic observatory, featuring a giant telescope, immersive planetarium, and interactive space exhibits.
"Highly recommend this place for anyone interested in space and science!"
🎟️ 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Giant Telescope
Observatory Dome
Peer through the historic Thomas Cooke telescope and witness solar flares and sunspots up close.

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

Interactive Exhibits
Museum Galleries
Engage with hands-on displays about space, the universe, and space missions. Fun for all ages!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Clear Skies
Bundle Up for the Cosmos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ 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.
☀️ Solar Telescope Wow
Don't miss the solar telescope for incredible sun views!
👨👩👧 Kids Go Free Deals
Look for family promotions, like kids go free with certain hotel stays.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ 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.
☀️ Solar Telescope Wow
Don't miss the solar telescope for incredible sun views!
👨👩👧 Kids Go Free Deals
Look for family promotions, like kids go free with certain hotel stays.
📱 Check Show Times
Plan your visit around planetarium show schedules.
What Travellers Say
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."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
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.
Parking can be a bit confusing for non-handicapped visitors, so the Cable Car is often the easiest option.Yes, there is parking available, but directions can be somewhat confusing for visitors not familiar with the area.
Many visitors opt for the Cable Car for easier access.Absolutely! It's a short and pleasant walk from the top of the Wellington Cable Car.
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.
The Wellington Cable Car is the primary public transport link that brings you very close to Space Place.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entry fee for both the exhibits and the planetarium shows.
Combo tickets are often available and offer good value. Check their website for current pricing and any special offers.It's highly recommended to book planetarium shows in advance, especially during busy periods, to guarantee your seat.
You can usually do this online through their website.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.
Yes, typically one planetarium show is included free with your ticket price.
However, it's always good to confirm this when purchasing your ticket.Tickets can usually be purchased on the day, but booking ahead for planetarium shows is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.
🎫 🔭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions include the historic Thomas Cooke telescope, captivating planetarium shows, and a variety of interactive exhibits on space and astronomy.
Yes, Space Place is very family-friendly with engaging interactive exhibits designed for children.
Through the giant telescope, you can observe the sun, including solar flares and sunspots, on clear days.
They offer a range of shows covering topics like astronomy, the Big Bang, and space missions, projected onto the dome.
While the exhibits are indoors, the observatory dome can be cooler, especially on clear nights. Dressing in layers is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but flash photography might be restricted during planetarium shows to avoid disturbing other visitors.
Capture stunning shots of the historic telescope, the planetarium dome, and the interactive exhibits. The views from the observatory can also be quite photogenic.
Always be mindful of other visitors and follow any specific signage regarding photography, especially during shows.
Similar to photography, personal video recording is usually permitted, but check for any specific rules regarding commercial filming or use of tripods.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🔭 Astronomy Enthusiasts
🚶 Day-Trippers from Wellington
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Cosmos: Planetarium Shows
These shows are not just visually stunning but also incredibly informative. Staff often provide detailed explanations, enhancing the learning experience. 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.
A Glimpse of the Sun: The Giant Telescope
Seeing actual solar flares and cool spots on the sun's surface was awesome, according to one visitor. 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.
Interactive Learning for All Ages
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. The friendly and helpful staff further enhance the experience, always ready to answer questions and guide visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit