Join DSTA and CAS: Canterbury Astronomical Society for a NEX funded event to explore the night sky.

This event is for kaiako, and their whānau wishing to extend their knowledge of the night sky.

This event is a pre-event to DSTAs Matariki PLD day - however you do not need to attend both.

Maximum numbers do apply - so please only book for those who will be able to attend.

There is a cancellation fee of $15 for those who do not contact hosts within 24 hours with a legitimate reason they can not attend.

Unfortunately we don't control the weather. We may need to cancel if it is cloudy. We will contact you to let you know, so please ensure your contact details are correct when you check out.

Join us for an evening under the stars as you discover the wonders of the Southern night sky with our skilled amateur astronomers.

See our closest neighbours in our solar system, no one will ever forget their first views of Jupiter or Saturn! Maybe take a closer look at our amazing Moon and discover its secrets or learn about our constellations, closest stars, our galactic core and the beautiful nebula in our amazing universe.

It's fun, amazingly educational and an evening that promises to be, well and truly, out of this world!

So get ready for blast off as we have some great things to keep you entertained and informed this year.

The Canterbury Astronomical Society observatory has 4 fixed telescopes and an assortment of portable telescopes, which will be open during our public open night programme for 2025.

Your night sky tours starts with a welcome talk starting at 7.30pm, followed by a guided sky tour and telescope viewing until 9pm.

Gate opens 7.20pm sharp - no early admission.

Make sure you wrap up warm - grab those extra socks and come along to the observatory for a night of fun.

Please Note:

CAUTION - Please be mindful of the road outside the observatory - cross carefully and stand well back from the road when waiting to enter the observatory gates

White lights are strictly prohibited at the observatory during operations, we ask that you do not use torches or mobile phones while visiting as they destroy our night vision - we use red lights only - head torches set on red are acceptable - and no bright flashy LED shoes please :)

This is an outdoor event - please dress appropriately

Parking on the roadside verges is available at the observatory - please park considerately. Please note Bells Road can be icy during winter so please take care when approaching the observatory.