An interesting tour into the world outside our little planet.
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Carter Observatory, Wellington
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Ranked #9 of 127 attractions in Wellington
46 Reviews
Type: Observatories/ Planetariums
Owner description:
Carter Observatory offers visitors a state of the art, digital planetarium with an almost limitless range of virtual space journeys, along with......
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Owner description:
Carter Observatory offers visitors a state of the art, digital planetarium with an almost limitless range of virtual space journeys, along with multi-media exhibits that tell the Māori and European story of New Zealand’s southern skies and the role of the stars in navigation. Carter re-opened in March 2010 as a world class visitor attraction after a multi-million dollar refit. Over its 70 year history it has served as New Zealand’s national observatory and this legacy is reflected in a collection of New Zealand astronomical history including the oldest telescope of its kind operating in New Zealand.Carter offers a fun learning experience for kids and visitors of all ages and has new exhibitions on space flight, New Zealanders and their role in space sciences and much much more. We know you'll leave inspired.
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Useful Information: Activities for older children, Stairs / lift, Bathroom facilities, Wheelchair access
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Thames, New Zealand
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Nairobi, Kenya
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I'm from NYC and I LOVE the planetarium there, but this was so sweet and small and had a very nice show about the crazy weather on the other planets. The guide was very witty and informative.
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Wellington, New Zealand
Senior Contributor
Took visiting parents and just loved it once again. Been before and the more you go the more you learn.
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N.S.W. Australia
Contributor
We took the cable car from Lambton Quay, and wondered through the Botanical garden and that is where one finds the Carter Observatory, as it was Easter Saturday we could only look at the building and not get in, (too full). But it was also mid afternoon.
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Dawn Muir, Public Relations Manager at Carter Observatory, responded to this review
25 April 2012
Kia ora Killcare, I was most concerned to read that you couldn't get into Carter on Easter Saturday. Whilst it was a busy day, all the shows had plenty of space in them and we could have accommodated you easily. We would have loved to see you.
I'd be very keen to follow this up with you and would invite...
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Hastings, New Zealand
Senior Contributor
The Carter Observatory is in the Wellington Botanic Gardens. It can be accessed from several directions, but my suggestion would be to ride the Cable Car going to the top of the gardens. Once inside, there is a great partly interactive display of all things astronomical, then a visit to the Planetarium with an amazing virtual walk through space, with...
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Wairarapa
Senior Reviewer
Had a school holiday movie about a dog going to the moon, my little girl loved it and so did I
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Dallas, Texas
Reviewer
Very cool to experience the shots in space by rocket. Also interested in the various space plans FOR THE FUTURE.
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australia
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so much to learn what is up in the sky and this was great. Friendly staff and good atmosphere.
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Wellington, New Zealand
1 review
31 march great time at carter observatory. We got to look through the biiiiiiiiiiig telescope and We got to see wildest weather in the solar system. I think u should go their. By Ryan
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Wellington
Senior Contributor
The Carter has had a chequered history, eventually falling fallow for several years as it searched out a new business model and funders that would allow it to flourish.
Well, it reopened a year or so ago and seems to be going strong. There are the usual exhibits on astronomy and cosmology, a decent planetarium and an excellent programme of...
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