Out of this world

To infinity... and beyond! Or at least as long as the weather holds up. Thanks to New Zealand’s relatively low levels of light pollution, on a clear night you are likely to see constellations,planets and zillions of stars. Download an app for a personal, private tour of the skies, or opt for time with experts to get a better understanding of what you’re looking at.

NORTH ISLAND

STARDOME OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM – AUCKLAND

Even the most fidgety of kids will be mesmerised by a film shown at the Stardome theatre, with a vast array to choose from for all ages and interest levels. Sit back and relax as you are guided through the night sky from the comfort of your seat by their knowledgeable staff but be warned: this is a very relaxing experience and you may nod off. Once you are back up on your feet check out their exhibits and cool artefacts on display, with real space suits and even a giant conversion scale to see how much you’d weigh on another celestial orb.

This is a little gem during the school holidays as they have special activities running throughout and the beautiful Cornwall Park and playground next door mean that you can make a day of it.

Stardome Observatory, Auckland © Tātaki Auckland Unlimited

SPACE PLACE AT CARTER OBSERVATORY – WELLINGTON

The Space Place blends stories from Māori culture with modern day science and discovery via the full-dome planetarium films, and through the interactive galleries and multimedia exhibits. Learn about New Zealand’s contribution to astronomy and space sciences and at night, when the weather is clear, take a look through the historic Thomas Cooke telescope.

Stardome Observatory, Auckland - credit Tātaki Auckland Unlimited

ROCKET LAB – MĀHIA

Ready for the final countdown? You can watch brand new satellites blast off into space from our very own native shores courtesy of Rocket Lab, New Zealand’s only rocket-launching company. Grab your binoculars and head down to Blucks Pit Road on the Māhia Peninsula then get ready for take off. Their upcoming launch schedule can be checked out on Facebook or the Rocket Lab website.

SOUTH ISLAND

DARK SKY PROJECT – TEKAPŌ

Tekapō has become a real hub for space nuts and you can really immerse yourself in the world of astronomy with one of the many experiences on offer through the Dark Sky Project.

The Dark Sky Experience takes place at the Dark Sky Project Base and is suitable for the whole family. If you are a fairweather explorer then this indoor astronomy tour will suit you down to the ground.

The Crater Experience is the ideal introductory stargazing experience in Tekapō, as it is nestled in a purpose-built crater, sheltered from the wind, cold and light pollution. Guides use handheld lasers to show you the best of the evolving night sky, and you can use their 14-inch telescopes to see for yourselves what they’re talking about.

If your budget allows and you are feeling a little more intrepid, then wrap up warm to embark on the Summit mountaintop stargazing experience from the top of Mt John. Home to the world-renowned astronomical research centre, you’ll gaze through the 16-inch optical telescopes to take in the incredible Milky Way, far off planets, star clusters, solar systems and galaxies.

STAR GAZING – TEKAPŌ SPRINGS

In Tekapō, inflatable pool lilos are best used at night. You’ll get easy sky-viewing by floating on yours in the 38°C hot pools with the guides poolside telling stories and answering questions. If the weather is not suitable for outdoor stargazing, technology steps in to save the day with an indoor virtual reality tour of Lake Tekapō’s night sky instead. Save your neck the work and enjoy the 360-degree images of the stars, and custom-drawn artwork to bring the constellations to life with a fusion of science and storytelling.

PERPETUAL GUARDIAN PLANETARIUM – OTAGO MUSEUM

Space, aliens, dinosaurs and stars – sounds like the line-up for an epic Hollywood sci-fi movie. Get comfy and sit back to enjoy the ride as you are guided, via their entertaining 3D films, through the galaxy and beyond to discover what has been, what is to come and what may still be out there.

Perpetual Guardian Planetarium, Otago Museum © DunedinNZ

MORE GREAT VIEWS

• AOTEA GREAT BARRIER ISLAND NIGHT SKY TOURS, AUCKLAND

• GISBORNE ASTRO TOURS, TAIRĀWHITI GISBORNE

• OXFORD OBSERVATORY, CANTERBURY

• NELSON DARK SKY PARK

• STAR GAZING HORIZON TOURS, DUNEDIN

• ALPHA CRUX STARGAZING AND ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY, CHRISTCHURCH

Space Place, Wellington © WellingtonNZ