Pre-School Visits to Carter Observatory

This page will help you plan your pre-school’s visit to Carter Observatory. If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, or to check availability, please contact our Education Team at (04) 910 3140, or email education@carterobservatory.

Please note: We are fully booked for Term 2 of this year. Please contact us for availability for Terms 3 and 4.

What programmes does Carter offer for pre-schools?

Carter Observatory is fun for all ages, including pre-schoolers! Pre-school sessions comprise a 40-minute planetarium show featuring the animated film, Tycho to the Moon, and a brief overview of the night sky. The visit also includes an optional 30-minute sing-along workshop, as well as time to explore our interactive galleries, including the Tūhura Module, a special hands-on exhibition designed for children.

What days/times are pre-school sessions offered?

Pre-school sessions are available Monday- Friday mornings from 9:45am to 11:30am. Each session time can accommodate a group of up to 40 (including adults). The education team will put together a timetable for your visit and this will be confirmed in writing before your arrival.

How do I book a pre-school visit to Carter?

Booking a pre-school visit to Carter is easy! 

1. Call or email our Education Team at (04) 910 3140, or education@carterobservatory.org to check availability. Our educational programmes are popular and do fill up quickly, so do book as soon as you can.
2. Download our online pre-school booking form and email to education@carterobservatory.org or mail to Carter Observatory, PO Box 2909, Wellington 6140
3. Once your form has been received, our Bookings Co-ordinator will contact you for the deposit payment and to confirm the details of the booking.

How much does it cost?

Pre-schoolers and supervising adults: $6.50 each

Under-2s: free (if seated on an adult's lap during the planetarium show. Please note that prams are not allowed in the planetarium.)

Can I pay for my pre-school’s visit on the day?

In order to create a seamless and stress-free visit to Carter, we kindly request for schools to be invoiced for the cost of their visit, rather than paying on the day.

At the time of booking, Carter Observatory will contact you to make a 50% deposit in order to confirm the booking. Once the deposit has been received, we will send out a confirmation letter for your booking.

The outstanding amount will be invoiced to your school after your visit. If paying by invoice is not possible, please contact Carter staff at (04) 910 3140 in order to make other arrangements.

Please note that cheques should be made out to Wellington Museums Trust.

Can I visit Carter beforehand?

Yes! If you are making  a booking for your school, you are welcome to visit Carter Observatory free of charge prior to your visit, and to speak with member of our education team in person. To schedule a visit, please email education@carterobservatory.org or call (04) 910 3140.

How do I get to Carter?

Carter Observatory is located in Wellington's beautiful Botanic Garden at the top of the Cable Car.

There is no car parking at the Observatory.  Buses can drop off and pick up students on Upland Road, Kelburn, at the top of the Cable Car / Cable Car Museum. There is also a small pay and park lot at the Skyline Centre with $3 per hour parking for up to four hours.  The Observatory is a two minute walk from the Cable Car terminus.

Do you have a Risk Assessment Management (RAM) Form? 

Yes! You can download it here. To request a copy of our full health and safety policy, email us at education@carterobservatory.org.

What happens if I need to cancel my visit?

We require at least 20 days’ notice if you wish to cancel your confirmed booking. If you cancel your booking before this time, we will refund your 50% deposit. Unfortunately if you cancel with less than 20 days’ notice, we are unable to refund your deposit.

Still have questions?

Give us a call at (04) 910 3140, or email education@carterobservatory.org