Stardome Observatory & Planetarium

Perched on the volcanic slopes of One Tree Hill in Auckland’s Cornwall Park, the Stardome Observatory and Planetarium offers visitors an extraordinary window into the universe. Since 1967, this iconic facility has served as New Zealand’s premier astronomical education centre, guiding thousands of curious minds through the mysteries of the cosmos each year.

The Planetarium Experience

The heart of the Stardome is its state-of-the-art digital planetarium, which projects breathtaking full-dome shows onto a 12-metre dome screen. Shows range from educational programmes designed for school groups to spectacular evening presentations for adults, covering topics from the formation of the solar system to the search for exoplanets. The facility uses Zeiss projection technology to render more than 9,000 stars visible to the naked eye.

Telescopes and Night Sky Viewing

On clear evenings, visitors can observe the southern hemisphere sky through the observatory’s telescopes, including a vintage Zeiss refractor dating from 1967. Auckland’s position in the southern hemisphere offers unique views of celestial objects invisible from Europe or North America, including the Magellanic Clouds and the Southern Cross. Experienced astronomers guide public observing nights, pointing out planets, nebulae, and star clusters.

Interactive Exhibitions

Beyond the planetarium, the Stardome houses engaging permanent exhibitions exploring space exploration history, New Zealand’s connection to astronomy, and the science of the universe. Hands-on displays let visitors test their knowledge of the planets, learn about the Apollo missions, and discover how telescopes work. The facility regularly updates its exhibitions to reflect new discoveries in astronomy.

Visiting Tips

• Book planetarium shows in advance, especially during school holidays
• Evening observing nights run on Fridays and Saturdays when skies are clear
• Arrive early to explore the grounds of Cornwall Park before your show
• The Stardome is accessible by public bus from central Auckland

Getting There

The Stardome is located at 670 Manukau Road in Epsom, about 6 kilometres south of Auckland city centre. Regular bus services on route 30 stop nearby, and Cornwall Park itself offers free parking. The site is within a pleasant walk of One Tree Hill, making it easy to combine both attractions in a single visit.