Opening Hours

Carter Observatory is open every day except Christmas Day (25 December) and Boxing Day (26 December).

Planetarium shows are held daily. Please see our events listing for shows and times. Bookings can be made by phone on 04 910 3140, by email bookings@carterobservatory.org, or online here.

School Term Times

Monday: 10am - 5pm

Tuesday: 10am - 9:30pm

Wednesday: 10am - 5pm

Thursday: 10am - 5pm

Friday: 10am - 5pm

Saturday: 10am - 9:30pm

Sunday: 10am - 5:30pm

School & Public Holidays

Monday: 10am - 5:30pm

Tuesday: 10am - 9:30pm

Wednesday: 10am - 5:30pm

Thursday: 10am - 5:30pm

Friday: 10am - 5:30pm

Saturday: 10am - 9:30pm

Sunday: 10am - 5:30pm

Telescope Viewing

On late nights we open the historic Thomas Cooke Telescope for star gazing after night falls. Telescope viewing is weather-dependent.