Te Whatu Stardome | Observatory & Planetarium

With an exciting mix of hands-on exhibits, shows for all ages – including special astronomy shows for kids, there’s something for dreamers of every age.

Choose from these six shows below:

Our Sky Tonight | Aimed at ages 10+ | 50 minutes

Uncover the beauty of the evening sky with Our Sky Tonight, Stardome’s signature live planetarium show. Led by a knowledgeable astronomer, guests will journey through the stars, constellations, and celestial stories visible above Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on the night of their visit. Relax beneath the immersive digital dome as the experience unfolds in real time, creating a unique adventure every evening. Families with children under 10 are encouraged to enjoy the more suitable Looking Up presentation.

Ngā Whetū o Kōanga (The Stars of Spring) | Aimed at ages 10+ | 50 minutes

Discover Ngā Whetū o Kōanga (The Stars of Spring), an engaging planetarium experience that explores the night sky through a Māori worldview. Find out how the maramataka (lunar calendar) worksand learn how they guide our relationship with the taiao (natural environment). Combining treasured pūrākau (stories) with modern astronomy, this inspiring journey travels from ancestral knowledge to the far reaches of the cosmos.

Beyond the Solar System | Aimed at ages 8+ | 50 minutes

Beyond the Solar System is a live-guided journey through deep space, taking you to nearby star clusters, nebulae, and distant exoplanets. Powered by Stardome’s live stellar database, this show reveals the universe beyond human sight across the visible, far-infrared, and gamma-ray spectrums.

One Sky | Aimed at ages 7+ | 50 minutes

One Sky is a collection of six short planetarium films exploring constellations, tools, and star lore across global cultures. Each short is brought to life through a distinct artistic style created by international artists. Since ancient times, humanity has turned to the stars for navigation, timekeeping, and shared identity. Discover how traditional celestial knowledge connects us all beneath one shared sky.

The Navigators | Aimed at ages 6+ | 50 minutes

Follow the young girl Moko on her journey to become a master star navigator like her Koro Jack. Ngā Tohunga Whakatere – The Navigators is a family-friendly animated show that explores how Māori, Pasifika, and European ancestors navigated the vast Pacific Ocean to reach Aotearoa.

Orbital | Aimed at all ages | 50 minutes

Orbital is a meditative animated film by Guy Reid and Planetary Collective that explores Earth from an astronaut's perspective. Combining hyper-real visuals, aurora-inspired lightscapes, and real astronaut accounts, it invites viewers to experience the awe of the Overview Effect.