We have gathered together some of the most commonly asked questions regarding our shows below. Please click below to jump to the appropriate category:
Opening Hours and Pricing
Show Information
Opening Hours and Pricing
When are you open?
See our Opening Hours here http://www.stardome.org.nz/default/opening-hours/
What is your entrance price and does that include the show?
Entry to our foyer exhibition is free. Our planetarium show prices are here http://www.stardome.org.nz/default/Prices/
How many people does a family pass include?
A family pass includes up to two adults and three children, and costs $35. These passes can be used for either the evening or weekend kids shows.
What age is a child?
Our child price applies to children who are aged 3-15yrs.
Can you email prices and info?
Sure, email us on to request this<>
Show Information
When can I see a show?
Our public shows take place in the evenings Tuesday-Sunday and during weekend afternoons.
For evening show times, please visit: http://www.stardome.org.nz/events/Shows/
For weekend kids' show times, please visit: http://www.stardome.org.nz/events/cosmic-kids/
For special events, please visit: http://www.stardome.org.nz/events/upcoming-events/
During daytime hours Monday through Friday, shows are also available for group and school bookings!
For more information on school bookings, we invite you to visit: http://www.stardome.org.nz/education/
For more information on other daytime group bookings, we invite you to visit: http://www.stardome.org.nz/daytime-groups/
How long does the show go for, and what does it include?
Weekend afternoon shows run for approximately one hour and include a feature show and projected night sky in the planetarium.
Evening shows run for one and a half hours including the planetarium show (40 minutes), topical space presentation (20 minutes) and courtyard telescope viewing (30 minutes).
Daytime group visits vary, depending on what your group organizer has booked.
For more information on school bookings, we invite you to visit: http://www.stardome.org.nz/education/
For more information on other daytime group bookings, we invite you to visit: http://www.stardome.org.nz/daytime-groups/
Are all the shows on the reclining chairs in the planetarium?
All of the planetarium shows take place on these reclining seats. Evening shows also include a 20-minute topical space presentation in the Space Room, which has regular non-reclining seats.
Can we go to the Zeiss telescope separately or do we have to go to a show? Is it available every night?
Viewings through the Zeiss telescope are only available as an ‘add-on’ with tickets to our 8pm Thu, Fri & Sat planetarium shows.
What can we expect to see through the telescopes?
Through our courtyard telescopes we will be able to show you a variety of celestial bodies, depending on the time of year. Usually we can show you one or more planets such as Saturn or Jupiter. We can also show you star clusters such as the Jewel Box or Matariki.
What happens when it is cloudy or rains?
Our planetarium shows take place rain or shine, day or night. Telescope viewings only take place after the shows if it is a clear night. If the weather is unsuitable for telescope viewing, you will get a ‘rain check’ ticket that you can use to return on a clear night instead.
How should I dress?
If you are coming to one of our evenings shows we recommend you bring warm clothing. The telescope viewings are outside in the cold night air.
Does the Moon affect the telescope viewing?
The presence of the Moon can sometimes obscure particular stars we might like to observe, but usually it has no impact apart from adding another beautiful object to observe in the night sky.
What’s the weather going to be like tonight?
Try this website for a forecast http://weatherwatch.co.nz/content/auckland
What is on next month?
Our shows change each month. Check the ‘What’s On’ page of our website for the most up-to-date details we have available.
The Stardome Observatory & Planetarium is proudly supported by:
