Places to visitWellingtonAttractions

Space Place at Carter Observatory

4.6
(1566)
•
4.5
(475)
4.6
(1566)
•
4.5
(475)
•#7 on "Top 50 things to do and attractions in Wellington"
Science museum
Museums
Historical landmark
Observatories & Planetariums
Map
Address
40 Salamanca Road, Kelburn, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
Website
http://www.museumswellington.org.nz/space-place/
Phone
+64 4 910 3140
Hours
SuSunday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
MoMonday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
TuTuesday: 10:00 AM–11:00 PM
WeWednesday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
ThThursday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
FrFriday: 10:00 AM–11:00 PM
SaSaturday: 10:00 AM–11:00 PM
40 Salamanca Road, Kelburn, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
Sunday: 10AM–5PM
SuMoTuWeThFrSaShow times
SuSunday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
MoMonday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
TuTuesday: 10:00 AM–11:00 PM
WeWednesday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
ThThursday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
FrFriday: 10:00 AM–11:00 PM
SaSaturday: 10:00 AM–11:00 PM
Hide times
People typically spend 2 hr here
+64 4 910 3140
http://www.museumswellington.org.nz/space-place/

About

Space Place at Carter Observatory is a must-visit astronomy and space museum in Wellington, New Zealand. It features planetarium shows, interactive exhibits, and a giant telescope for an immersive stargazing experience. Visitors can explore the stories of New Zealand skies through multimedia exhibits and observe the southern skies through telescopes on clear nights. The museum offers valuable insights into celestial bodies, including planets, stars, constellations, and galaxies while highlighting New Zealand's role in space exploration.
Why you should go
    1
  1. Immersive planetarium shows projected onto the ceiling offer a unique viewing experience
    2. 2
  2. Interactive exhibits provide hands-on learning opportunities about our planet and universe
    3. 3
  3. Integration of Maori culture with astronomy offers a rich cultural perspective

Menu and popular items

Highlighted reviews

Slide 1 of 3
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!
As part of the cable car stop activities, I had the chance to visit the Space Place planetarium. Although the planetarium show wasn't available during my visit, the gallery was still pretty impressive and offered plenty of interactive exhibits to explore.
Visiting the Carter Observatory was an unexpected delight. I came in expecting the usual displays you'd find at most observatories, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much it had to offer - especially the rich integration of Māori culture and astronomy. The exhibits were not only informative but also deeply engaging, offering insights I hadn’t encountered elsewhere. I did find the observatory to be on the smaller side, but I felt the experience worthwhile since the admission price was fair for what you get. In the end I walked away having learned a lot. Definitely worth a visit!
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!
As part of the cable car stop activities, I had the chance to visit the Space Place planetarium. Although the planetarium show wasn't available during my visit, the gallery was still pretty impressive and offered plenty of interactive exhibits to explore.
Visiting the Carter Observatory was an unexpected delight. I came in expecting the usual displays you'd find at most observatories, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much it had to offer - especially the rich integration of Māori culture and astronomy. The exhibits were not only informative but also deeply engaging, offering insights I hadn’t encountered elsewhere. I did find the observatory to be on the smaller side, but I felt the experience worthwhile since the admission price was fair for what you get. In the end I walked away having learned a lot. Definitely worth a visit!
See all reviews

Know before you go

  • Check the website before your visit to see which planetarium show is playing during your time there
  • Arrive early to explore both the museum exhibits and attend any scheduled shows or presentations
  • If interested in stargazing through telescopes, aim for clear nights when visibility is optimal
  • Consider adopting your own star as a special souvenir from your visit

Reviews

Space Place at Carter Observatory in Wellington is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in space and science. Visitors rave about the informative planetarium shows, interactive exhibits, and the unique integration of Maori culture with astronomy. Highlights include the giant telescope offering views of solar flares, engaging staff members, and a variety of documentaries to choose from. The observatory provides an immersive experience for both adults and children, making it perfect for a family day out.
Review score
4.6
out of 5
Wonderful
1566 reviews
From Google
Review score
4.5
out of 5
Wonderful
475 reviews
From Tripadvisor
5 stars
1088
4 stars
359
3 stars
84
2 stars
22
1 star
11
5/5H N
•
Oct 13, 2024 from
Google
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!
4/5Angel K
•
Nov 9, 2024 from
Google
As part of the cable car stop activities, I had the chance to visit the Space Place planetarium. Although the planetarium show wasn't available during my visit, the gallery was still pretty impressive and offered plenty of interactive exhibits to explore.
4/5RJB
•
Apr 22, 2025 from
Google
Visiting the Carter Observatory was an unexpected delight. I came in expecting the usual displays you'd find at most observatories, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much it had to offer - especially the rich integration of Māori culture and astronomy. The exhibits were not only informative but also deeply engaging, offering insights I hadn’t encountered elsewhere. I did find the observatory to be on the smaller side, but I felt the experience worthwhile since the admission price was fair for what you get. In the end I walked away having learned a lot. Definitely worth a visit!
5/5Matthew J
•
Feb 18, 2025 from
Google
Went on a Tuesday night to watch the Planetarium show. As we arrived an hour early we spent the time to explore the museum. While it's a little dated in parts the information and format is still great for adults and kids alike. The staff running the show, and front desk were friendly and helpful. Would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about Astronomy or Maori culture’s connection to the stars. There are different shows so it's best to search the website first before heading there to make sure you see one that you're interested in.
5/5Bernard S
•
Apr 30, 2025 from
Google
Great place to visit with fascinating interactive exhibits and a rich programme of informative films projected onto the amazing planetarium bowl screen.
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Map
Address
40 Salamanca Road, Kelburn, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
Website
http://www.museumswellington.org.nz/space-place/
Phone
+64 4 910 3140
Hours
SuSunday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
MoMonday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
TuTuesday: 10:00 AM–11:00 PM
WeWednesday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
ThThursday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
FrFriday: 10:00 AM–11:00 PM
SaSaturday: 10:00 AM–11:00 PM
40 Salamanca Road, Kelburn, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
Sunday: 10AM–5PM
SuMoTuWeThFrSaShow times
SuSunday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
MoMonday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
TuTuesday: 10:00 AM–11:00 PM
WeWednesday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
ThThursday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
FrFriday: 10:00 AM–11:00 PM
SaSaturday: 10:00 AM–11:00 PM
Hide times
People typically spend 2 hr here
+64 4 910 3140
http://www.museumswellington.org.nz/space-place/
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