Stardome Observatory | One Tree Hill, Auckland

If you're looking for a beautiful, starry night out in Auckland why not check out The Stardome Observatory. The Stardome is located at the bottom of Cornwall Park (One Tree Hill) and puts on an amazing show of New Zealand's beautiful night sky and the constellations that are visible. 

The Auckland Observatory and Planetarium is situated on the lower southern slopes of One Tree Hill (or Maungakiekie) -- one of Auckland's volcanic cones and most prominent natural landmarks. The park includes Maori archaeological sites, playgrounds, BBQ's, walking tracks, and a working farm. 

Before you go into The Stardome Observatory and watch the show you can take a walk up to the top of  Cornwall park and soak up the amazing views of Auckland City. This is one of the best views that you can get of Auckland and the city looks stunning in the evening sky. When in The Stardome you will be seated in very comfortable chairs that are angled towards the roof, when the show starts the roof is lit up and a HD projection of the night sky, there is an Astronomer that takes you through the different aspects of the sky in New Zealand and the defining features.  

After this, weather allowing, you can step outside and take a look at the dominant stars in the sky through a high powered telescope, you can even see the rings on Saturn. For the more keen amateaur astronomer there is also a separate lecture / screening that you are able to take part in, this takes a more in-depth look at what has been seen throughout the night.  

Whather it is a cloudy night or a clear night Auckland's Stardome Observatory is an experience of a New Zealand's nights sky like no other. There are plenty of gizmo's and gadgets to play with and an overall  excellent experience of New Zealand's beautiful night sky to take away with you.   

Opening Hours are: 

Monday 9am - 5pm

Tuesday to Friday 9am - 9:30pm

Saturday & Sunday 1pm - 9:30pm