Overview
If you're in the market for a quirky date night or stellar group outing, Auckland's iconic Stardome Observatory and Planetarium has reopened its doors unveiling a remarkable fusion of mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and Western space understanding.
Situated atop Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill), Stardome has been a celebration of space exploration since 1967. After a major upgrade, the space centre now offers immersive planetarium shows, telescope viewings, captivating music and laser events and bilingual interactive exhibits.
Visitors can now explore the cosmos with a comprehensive star map featuring over 100 Māori names of whetū (stars), aorangi (planets), and constellations, allowing visitors to deepen their understanding of the cultural significance of the night sky — a night under the stars is always romantic and at Stardome you don't need to worry about the weather.
Stardome's reopening coincides with the start of Matariki — a star cluster that appears in the early morning sky in Aotearoa during the mid-winter months marking the start of Māori New Year.
So head on down to embrace the wonders of the universe while honouring the cultural heritage of Aotearoa.
Stardome Observatory and Planetarium is open from 9am to 10.30pm daily (closed on Monday nights). For more information head to the website.