Stargaze. Learn.
Be Amazed.
Immerse yourself in the pristine darkness of Banks Peninsula or explore the fiery surface of the Sun by day. From solar flares to deep-space galaxies, discover the wonders of our Southern Skies.
RATED 5 STARS BY STARGAZERS WORLDWIDE
JUST 90 MINUTES FROM CHRISTCHURCH
Visiting Akaroa for a day trip? Drive over the scenic Banks Peninsula, enjoy dinner in the village, and join us for an unforgettable experience under the stars. Local taxi & shuttle options available.
WHEN ARE YOU VISITING?
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STAY LATE
Night Awe & Astronomy Bites
Experience the deep cosmos after dark. Choose our signature 90-minute group stargazing tour, or elevate your evening with New Zealand’s only sunset-to-stars culinary experience featuring a gourmet local platter and an exclusive 6-guest limit.
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VISIT NOW
Solar Explorer & Cosmic Quest
Making a day trip to Akaroa? Witness fiery solar flares and sunspots through specialized hydrogen-alpha telescopes, or embark on a family-friendly walking adventure that reveals the mind-bending scale of our Solar System.
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RAIN OR SHINE
Space Voyager
Cloudy outside? The discovery never stops. Our high-definition indoor theatre experience takes you on an interactive virtual journey through the universe. 100% weatherproof, 100% comfortable, and perfect for families.
ASTRONOMY BITES: SUNSET TO STARS
Witness the "Magic Hour" like never before. New Zealand’s only experience that transitions seamlessly from solar flare observation through a breathtaking Akaroa sunset to deep-sky stargazing—all while enjoying a local gourmet grazing platter. Limited to just 6 seats.
TAKE THE SOUTHERN SKIES HOME
Explore our curated selection of Southern Hemisphere planispheres, astronomy gear, and celestial gifts.
Defy gravity with the NASA Space Anomaly Space Ball! Engineered for extreme performance, this isn’t your average bouncy ball. Designed with a unique "cratered" texture that mimics the lunar surface, this ball is built to reach incredible heights with every bounce. Whether you’re playing in the driveway or testing the physics of bounce-back at the park, it’s a high-energy way to celebrate your love for NASA.
Extreme Bounce: Lightweight and super-resilient material for gravity-defying height.
Lunar Texture: Easy to grip and catch, featuring a "Moon-surface" design.
Classic Branding: Features the official NASA logo.
Perfect Gift: Great for kids, teens, and restless office workers!
Written by Rangi Matamua & Miriama Kamo
Illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White
The Matariki cluster (or Pleiades) is known by many different names and is seen and celebrated by many cultures around the world. This book features 21 stories: 9 of which highlight the Māori Matariki stars, while the others reference the stories about this cluster from different cultures, from the Pacific Islands to Australia, Asia, the Americas, Europe and Africa.
Exploring Outer Space!
Choose your cosmic adventure! Select one 100 pieces puzzle featuring a stunning NASA image of Earth, Moon, Sun, or Jupiter. Price is for a single puzzle—pick your favorite space object!
Discover the beauty of the Southern Hemisphere sky with the official New Zealand's Night Sky map from Stardome Observatory. This isn't just a map; it’s a functional tool designed for the field. The chart features two detailed maps that glow in the dark, allowing you to reference the stars without needing a bright flashlight that ruins your night vision.
Whether you are at a dark-sky site or in your backyard, this durable chart is the perfect companion for identifying the celestial wonders above Aotearoa.
Dual-Map Design: Features two detailed maps covering the seasonal changes in the New Zealand sky.
Glow-in-the-Dark: Specially printed to remain visible in the dark—just "charge" it under a light before you head outside!
Durable & Portable: Printed on heavy-duty card designed to withstand night-time use.
Educational: Includes a comprehensive list of constellations and useful descriptions to help you master the Southern Cross and beyond.
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