1 / 2Space Place at Carter Observatory
📍 Kelburn, Wellington
Wellington's Carter Observatory houses a digital full-dome planetarium, interactive galleries on Māori starlore and Apollo missions, and a DIY black hole installation. Live telescope viewings on select days.
We had an incredible time at Carter Observatory in Wellington! This place is a must-visit, especially for kids aged 10+. The staff were super friendly, knowledgeable, & really added to our experience. We loved learning about the stars & even got to try out some cool interactive displays. The only downside was some of the other families letting their kids get a bit too rowdy – throwing balls, climbing on displays, & hogging activities while others waited. A bit of supervision would go a long way! Despite that, we had a blast & even put our newfound knowledge to the test at home with the "Find South Trick." when we got home. 10/10 would recommend to anyone looking for a fun and educational experience!"
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Families with children aged 10 and up get the most from the full exhibition range. For preschoolers and primary-age children, book the age-specific planetarium show — reviewers with three-year-olds describe it as an excellent first introduction to space.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →1,677 Google reviews
Nelly Kahui
6 months ago
“We had an incredible time at Carter Observatory in Wellington! This place is a must-visit, especially for kids aged 10+. The staff were super friendly, knowledgeable, & really added to our experience. We loved learning about the stars & even got to try out some cool interactive displays. The only downside was some of the other families letting their kids get a bit too rowdy – throwing balls, climbing on displays, & hogging activities while others waited. A bit of supervision would go a long way! Despite that, we had a blast & even put our newfound knowledge to the test at home with the "Find South Trick." when we got home. 10/10 would recommend to anyone looking for a fun and educational experience!"”
Samantha Hart
4 months ago
“Such a dirt cheep price for an incredible experience. Funny and kind staff, incredible museum, the viewings are WICKED! with included telescope viewings on certan days! Highly recomend as a family event or even by yourself. The gift shop is also very cool.”
Kylie Haines
2 months ago
“Wow! Great place to visit with little people (aged 3 and 18m) we thoroughly enjoyed our visit and the show aimed at preschool aged children was great... an excellent introduction to Space and planets 🌎”
Tania Siwatibau
3 months ago
“Nawww, I've only recently discovered. They've made an upgrade. Good interactive spaces, great for the curious. Take the kids. The dome night theatre was spectacular & mesmerising. Thank you 😊”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Space Place features a full-dome digital planetarium with shows spanning preschoolers through to advanced content on dark matter and space science. The Tāhura Space Module and DIY black hole installation are hands-on highlights. Live telescope viewings on clear days let visitors see stars, nebulae, and the moon. Māori starlore and the 'Find South Trick' are recurring favourites. The small hands-on room suits toddlers.
