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Museums & Landmarks

Te Whatu Stardome | Observatory & Planetarium

📍 Epsom, Auckland

★4.5(603 Google reviews)đŸ‘ļAll ages

Te Whatu Stardome Observatory and Planetarium in Epsom, Auckland, runs planetarium dome shows, space and astronomy exhibitions, and telescope viewing sessions. The presenter team is praised for knowledge and humour. Free parking on site.

✓ planetarium dome shows✓ space exhibitions✓ knowledgeable presenters✓ educational✓ observatory

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Reviewers with children call it 'highly educational and amazing' and note kids with an interest in space find it particularly absorbing. Adult visitors describe dome shows as 'unforgettable' and emotionally affecting. The presenter's ability to combine scientific depth with humour is a recurring theme across reviews.

â„šī¸ What to Know Before You Go

💡Dome shows cover a range of topics - check the programme before booking
⏰Located within One Tree Hill Domain - outdoor walk around the domain extends the visit
đŸŽŸī¸Free parking on site
🚗Pram-accessible with indoor and outdoor areas

đŸ’Ŧ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.5
★★★★★

603 Google reviews

5★
427
4★
107
3★
33
2★
13
1★
23

G Reviews from Google

K

Ka Wai F

7 months ago

★★★★★

“There are interesting exhibitions and displays at the observatory. Highly educational for kids, especially if they are interested in space and astronomy. The shows at the planetarium are also highly recommended. The presenter is very experienced, humorous, and passionate of her job. There are also brief star gazing sessions I. The late evening in which the staff use telescopes to help view planets and star clusters/nebulae. If you are interested in using the big telescope, consider to book in advance as it was booked out for the month when we visited. Only 10 spots are available in one session.”

L

Lee Ignal

8 months ago

★★★★★

“We are from Sydney and spent Christmas and New Years in Auckland and Wellington. We googled places to take kids and came across this place. I would highly recommend for families. 5/5 educational and affordable. We watched 2 shows on different days. The guy that works here is knowledgeable and friendly. Thank You for having us.”

O

Oliver Griffiths

7 months ago

★★★★★

“Acually had such a blast as a 22 year old, went to one of the shows and I honestly cried it was so beautiful, my only gripe is such a small issue but struggled a tiny bit with the seats but gaf, absolutely cannot wait to come back !!!”

📊 Commonly mentioned in Google reviews

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Overview

Te Whatu Stardome sits within One Tree Hill Domain in Epsom and combines a full-dome digital planetarium theatre, space and astronomy exhibitions, and access to observatory telescopes. Dome shows cover topics from the solar system and deep-space exploration to music and entertainment programmes. The presenter team is consistently described by reviewers as knowledgeable and engaging. Interactive exhibitions are designed to be accessible to children, particularly those with an interest in space.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday09:30-17:00
Tuesday09:30-22:30
Wednesday09:30-22:30
Thursday09:30-22:30
Friday09:30-22:30
Saturday09:30-22:30
Sunday09:30-22:30

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