Space Place at Carter Observatory is Wellington’s public planetarium, located in the Wellington Botanic Gardens near the upper cable car terminal. Managed by Museums Wellington, it offers digital planetarium shows, telescope viewing, and exhibitions on astronomy and New Zealand’s relationship with the southern skies.
Practical Information
| Address | Wellington Botanic Gardens, 40 Salamanca Road, Kelburn (near the cable car upper terminal) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tuesday–Sunday; closed Monday. Hours vary — check the website for current session times |
| Admission | Adults from $12.50; children (4–16) $8; under 4 free; family (2 adults + up to 3 children) from $39 |
| Getting There | 10-minute walk from the cable car upper terminal at Kelburn; or walk up through the Botanic Gardens |
| Website | museumswellington.org.nz/space-place |
About Space Place
Space Place operates within the historic Carter Observatory building, Wellington’s original public observatory, which dates to 1941. The facility is named after Charles Rooking Carter, who donated funds for its construction. Today it houses a digital full-dome planetarium that takes visitors on guided journeys through the southern night sky, and a historic 9¾-inch Cooke refractor telescope through which evening visitors can observe the moon, planets, and deep-sky objects.
The planetarium shows run throughout the day and evening, with live exploration of the southern skies over New Zealand forming a central part of the programme. Evening sessions offer the chance to observe through the telescope (weather and seeing conditions permitting).
The Botanic Gardens Setting
Carter Observatory sits within the Wellington Botanic Gardens — a 25-hectare reserve in Kelburn that also contains the Lady Norwood Rose Garden, the Begonia House, and mature native bush. The gardens are free to enter and open daily. The observatory is a natural extension of a walk through the gardens, and the cable car from Lambton Quay makes the approach from the city straightforward.
Where to Learn More
Space Place — Wikipedia — history of the observatory and the planetarium facility.
FAQ
How much does Space Place cost?
Adults from $12.50, children (4–16) $8, under 4 free, family (2 adults + up to 3 children) from $39. Check the website for current pricing and any concession rates.
What are the opening hours?
Tuesday to Sunday — closed Mondays. Session times vary depending on planetarium shows and evening telescope programmes. Check the website before visiting.
Where is Space Place located?
In the Wellington Botanic Gardens, Kelburn, near the upper terminal of the Wellington Cable Car. The address is 40 Salamanca Road.
How do I get there?
Take the Wellington Cable Car from Lambton Quay to the Kelburn terminal, then walk about 10 minutes through the Botanic Gardens. You can also walk up through the gardens from Tinakori Road or the Bolton Street entrance.
What is a planetarium show like?
The digital full-dome planetarium projects a journey through the southern night sky onto the curved ceiling. Most daytime sessions feature a live guide. Evening sessions may also include telescope observing.
Can I look through the telescope?
Yes — evening sessions include viewing through the historic Cooke refractor telescope, weather permitting. Check the programme for evening session dates and times.
The cable car journey to Kelburn is itself a Wellington landmark — Wellington Cable Car Museum at the bottom terminal tells the story of the cable car. For more Wellington attractions, see Historical and Cultural Sites in Wellington.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.