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Heritage Stargazing at the Observatory Tower

The Observatory Tower
christchurch, new zealand
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Event description

Join us for a 30 minute tour of the Observatory Tower and stargazing through the historic Townsend Teece Telescope every Friday during winter.

The Townsend Teece Telescope has been restored and we’re ready to begin stargazing from the Observatory Tower (1896) again.

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre and the University of Canterbury welcome you and your whānau and friends to join us on a short stargazing experience in the heart of the city.

By joining a small group tour, climb up to the top of the tower to the observatory dome like generations of students past.

View the southern sky through the Victorian-era Townsend Teece Telescope, under the guidance of Townsend Observer astronomers from the University of Canterbury. You’ll be able to view the moon, planets, and star clusters, including the stunningly colourful Jewel Box star cluster. 

Book now for this unique and memorable experience, numbers are strictly limited. If you have a large organised group, please contact TTTenquiries@canterbury.ac.nz to arrange a special group tour.

Please wear a warm coat, sensible shoes and be prepared to climb 75 steep steps and be comfortable in a confined space. 

ALSO please arrive 10 minutes early for your session in order to be checked in. Parking can be tricky and there are a lot of roadworks around in the CBD currently.

We'd request that you have one accompanying adult present per two children, please.

Note that the dome cannot be opened if it starts to rain during your session, as the telescope is an antique. If the dome has to be closed during your session, you can still see the tower, dome and telescope, and the Townsend Observers will lead an interactive illustrated talk about astronomy in the exhibition room.

This event is offered jointly by The Arts Centre and the University of Canterbury.

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The Observatory Tower
christchurch, new zealand