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Everything you need to know about Space Place at Carter Observatory
Stay at The Webb Hotel in Wellington City, just a 15-minute drive from Carter Observatory. This boutique hotel features rooms with skylights for direct night sky viewing, surrounded by minimal light pollution—ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
The hotel offers complimentary stargazing tours led by expert astronomers, highlighting constellations like the Southern Cross and the Magellanic Clouds. Conveniently located near Wellington Railway Station, guests can reach the observatory via bus or taxi in about 20 minutes.
For an immersive experience, visit on weekends when special evening programs are offered.
Yes, Carter Observatory is located atop Wellington Square, making it highly accessible. Take the free Wellington City Connector shuttle bus from Wellington Railway Station to the "Civic Square" stop—just a 3-minute walk away.
Alternatively, catch buses 10, 11, or 14 to "Courtenay Place" or "Civic Square" stops. For drivers, on-site parking is available, but reservations are recommended during weekends and holidays.
Use the Waka Mobility App for real-time transit updates. Its elevated position offers panoramic views of Wellington and the night sky, perfect for both visitors and locals seeking urban stargazing.
Carter Observatory provides exclusive star-gazing experiences: interactive astronomy exhibits open daily at 4 PM, featuring solar system models and cutting-edge discoveries.
Every evening at 8 PM, expert-led telescope sessions guide visitors through Jupiter’s moons, Saturn’s rings, and deep-sky nebulae. On weekends, themed events like "Southern Cross Night" and "Meteor Shower Workshops" include hot cocoa and snacks.
All activities are free but require advance HopeGoo via the official website. The on-site planetarium theatre screens immersive astronomy films regularly—perfect for families and school groups.
Yes! Carter Observatory features a Children’s Astronomy Discovery Zone with interactive learning stations where kids explore constellations, planetary orbits, and black holes through play.
Every Saturday at 10 AM, family-friendly workshops include building cardboard telescopes, assembling solar system models, and simulating rocket launches.
Nearby, Wellington Museum and City Park host outdoor science events ideal for all ages. Bring a windproof jacket—located on a hilltop, the site can be windy.
All activities are free and offer bilingual (English and Chinese) guided tours, perfect for international families.
Carter Observatory is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, extended to 7:00 PM on weekends. It is closed on Mondays.
Stargazing sessions (e.g., telescope tours) begin at 8:00 PM and require advance HopeGoo via the official website.
Hours may vary during public holidays such as New Year’s Day and Christmas—check the official website or call customer service before visiting.
Entrance is located on the north side of Wellington Square, clearly marked with signage. Use the Waka Mobility App for real-time updates. Admission is free, but guided sessions require reservation.
Yes, entry to Carter Observatory is free. All regular exhibitions, interactive displays, and daily tours are included at no cost.
However, special events such as nighttime stargazing tours, themed lectures, and planetarium screenings require advance HopeGoo and may have a small fee ($10–$15) to support astronomy education.
Reserve via the official website or the Waka Mobility App to avoid queues. Some events offer Chinese-language guides, ideal for non-English speakers.
The observatory accepts credit cards and digital payments, with multilingual interface support.
See what other travelers say about Space Place at Carter Observatory
This hotel is an absolute gem for the price—excellent value and incredibly convenient. Just a short walk from the metro station and right in the heart of the city's shopping district, making it easy to explore Wellington on foot. The room was clean, well-maintained, and had everything we needed. The bedding was comfortable, and the soundproofing made for a peaceful night’s sleep—no noise from the hallway or street. Check-in and check-out were both quick and smooth, with friendly staff who made everything hassle-free. Breakfast was served on time, fresh, and offered a good variety of options. No complaints at all—this place truly delivers on comfort, location, and service. I’d definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to any traveler visiting Wellington.
The room was surprisingly spacious—almost like a little apartment, which made our stay incredibly comfortable. We really appreciated having a full kitchen setup with a washer and dryer on hand, perfect for longer stays or those who prefer self-catering. The only small tweak I’d suggest is adding a more comfortable sofa for two, as the single armchair isn’t quite enough for relaxing in front of the TV. Alternatively, relocating the TV to face the bed could make it even more cozy. That said, everything else about the hotel was excellent: clean, well-maintained, and very convenient for exploring downtown Wellington. Great value for the price, and we’ll definitely be back if we ever return to the city.
The entire stay at this hotel was excellent from start to finish. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-equipped with everything I needed for a relaxing trip. Location-wise, it’s incredibly convenient—just a short bus ride away from the CBD and Lambton Quay, making it easy to explore the city’s main attractions. The staff were friendly and helpful, always ready to assist with any request. Overall, the value for money is outstanding. I had such a great time that I’m already planning my return visit. Highly recommend this place to anyone traveling to Wellington!
Staying at Tryp by Wyndham Wellington, Tory Street was such a great choice for exploring the city. Wellington isn’t huge, and this hotel is perfectly located right in the heart of it—just a 5-minute walk to the waterfront promenade, where you can enjoy scenic views and a relaxing stroll along the harbor. Nearby, Cuba Street is only a short 5-minute walk away, packed with cafes, boutiques, and local charm. The hotel has a small fitness center on the 5th floor—while not packed with equipment, it has everything basic you’d need for a quick workout. What really stood out was the complimentary coffee and ice machine in the lobby, plus fresh fruit like oranges, tangerines, bananas, and apples available all day. It’s these thoughtful touches that make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable. Highly recommend for travelers who value convenience, comfort, and a little extra care in their hotel experience.
Staying at Ascot Motor Lodge was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The moment we arrived, we were relieved to find ample parking—perfect for our 5-meter-long ute, which fit comfortably on the property without any hassle. The lodge itself was spotless, well-maintained, and warmly welcoming thanks to the incredibly friendly owners who went out of their way to make us feel at home. Our room was quiet, cozy, and inviting—ideal for a restful night’s sleep. Location-wise, it’s a breeze to get into Wellington city or explore nearby attractions, whether by car or public transport. Everything we needed was right there, and the attention to detail made all the difference. A truly great stay with excellent value—definitely coming back.
I absolutely loved my stay at Ohtel Wellington! The team went above and beyond—so warm, welcoming, and helpful. My flight got cancelled due to bad weather, but instead of stress, I was quickly rebooked with zero hassle. Now I'm enjoying a gorgeous room with stunning sea views, and it’s such a peaceful escape. The location is perfect—just a short walk from the city center and easy access to everything. It's rare to find such a thoughtful, friendly hotel with such a great vibe. I’ll definitely be back.
Staying at Richmond Guest House was an absolute delight. The accommodation is incredibly cozy and spotlessly clean—every detail feels thoughtfully taken care of. The host was warm and welcoming, offering helpful tips on local transport and great dining spots nearby. I felt like a guest in a friend’s home rather than just another traveler. Located just minutes from the city center via public transit, it's super convenient for exploring Wellington. With such a friendly vibe, top-notch cleanliness, and unbeatable value, this place easily earns my highest recommendation. I’ll definitely be back!
Staying at Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers in Wellington was a fantastic experience. The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and even helped me check in ahead of time, which made my arrival so much smoother. The room was spotless and well-maintained, with excellent privacy—perfect for a good night's sleep without any disturbances. Location-wise, it can't get much better: right across from the train station and just a short walk from the Bluebridge ferry terminal. Getting around town is super easy, whether you're heading downtown or exploring nearby attractions. I especially appreciated how quiet and clean the space felt, all while being in such a central spot. For budget-conscious travelers who value comfort and convenience, this place is a real gem. Would definitely come back.
Absolutely perfect stay! The location is unbeatable—just a short walk to downtown Wellington, with everything you need within easy reach. The apartment is spacious, well-equipped, and even comes with a washer and dryer—huge plus for longer trips. At such a reasonable price, this is hands-down the best choice for visiting Wellington. The host was incredibly friendly and helpful, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. I’d definitely book again—highly recommend!
Staying at Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay was a highlight of my trip to Wellington. The room layout is smart and spacious, with a clean, well-maintained feel from top to bottom—every corner looked fresh and cared for. The view from the window? Absolutely stunning. Waking up to the ocean breeze and sunlight reflecting off the water was pure magic. Breakfast was excellent—plenty of variety, fresh ingredients, and hot options that hit the spot. The only minor note: the front desk staff were polite but slightly reserved, which I guess comes with being in a capital city vibe. Not cold, just more formal—nothing personal! Parking is pricey both across the street and at the hotel, but honestly, it’s expected in a central CBD area like Wellington. It’s not unique to this hotel—it’s just how things work in major urban centers. Still, I’d gladly pay extra for such a prime location and quality stay. Overall, an outstanding experience with great value for money. Would book again without hesitation.
Staying at WQ Wellington Quarter Hotel was a fantastic experience. The location is unbeatable—just a short 8-minute walk from the bus interchange, making it super convenient to catch the airport express bus. I appreciated how close it was to downtown Wellington, and having a New World supermarket nearby made grocery shopping a breeze. The hotel itself was spotless, with a clean and welcoming atmosphere. Staff were friendly and helpful throughout my stay. Everything about this place felt well thought out, from the comfort of the room to the thoughtful touches around the property. If you're visiting Wellington and want a hassle-free, centrally located base, this is an excellent choice. Highly recommended!
I stayed in Wellington for a week to support my son as he started his new school life here, and I chose this hotel because it’s just a short walk from his school. From day one, the front desk manager and housekeeping staff went above and beyond—genuine warmth, thoughtful service, and attention to detail that you rarely get at big chain hotels where everything feels automated. The room itself is well-maintained, with excellent soundproofing so I could sleep peacefully even during noisy city nights. The hot water heater works perfectly, and the shower was truly refreshing—great for unwinding after a long day. I also loved how spacious and functional the room layout was, with modern amenities that work flawlessly. Even though it’s not a brand-new property, the atmosphere feels more personal, human, and welcoming. It’s clear the team cares about guest comfort beyond just checking boxes. If you’re visiting Wellington with family or need a reliable, friendly base near schools or downtown, this place is a real gem. Highly recommend.
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