Matariki 2025

Experience stargazing from the Observatory Tower (1896) at The Arts Centre. Join us for a short 30-minute experience to view the Southern Sky through the Victorian-era Townsend Teece Telescope, under the guidance of Townsend astronomers from the University of Canterbury.

NOTE: this tour involves ascending and descending 4 flights of steep heritage wooden stairs, there is no elevator and no wheelchair or stroller access, sorry.

Bookings are essential and numbers are limited.

The Townsend Teece Telescope has been fully restored and stargazing has resumed from the Observatory Tower (1896).

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

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 currently.

We'd request that you have one accompanying adult present per two ticketed children, please. Note this session is best for children age 7 to 13.

If the weather is wet, cloudy and/or windy, we regret that we'll need to CANCEL the session. We will let you know by 5pm latest via both TEXT and EMAIL.

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

This is a joint event offered by Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre and the University of Canterbury.