Stardome Observatory & Planetarium

Welcome to Stardome, the coolest little observatory this side of Neptune.

Stardome has been sharing its love and mātauranga of all things space since 1967. Located in Maungakiekie One Tree Hill, Auckland, it offers fully immersive indoor planetarium shows, year-round Māori astronomy shows, telescope viewing, music and laser events plus hands-on exhibits.

The vibrant and hands-on public galleries give visitors a chance to connect with the latest observations in science and astronomy. Stardome is welcoming for all ages and in all weathers. Come and reconnect with the cosmos!

Choose from these eight shows below:

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

Connect with the cosmos like never before in Our Sky Tonight, the flagship live planetarium experience. Join the expert astronomers for a captivating guided tour of the stars, constellations, and celestial stories that unfold above us each night. From the comfort of the immersive digital planetarium, you'll explore the ever-changing night sky, focusing on what's visible right here above Auckland.

The Year in Space 2025 |Aimed at ages 10+ | 50minutes

Don't miss Stardome's annual fulldome recap of the biggest space stories! Catch up on Project Artemis, Starship updates, new discoveries on Mars, and maybe even a mention of Katy Perry. Featuring first images from the Vera Rubin Telescope, new JWST views, and winners from the NZ Astrophotographer of the Year Awards.

Big Wave: No Room for Error | Aimed at ages 11+ | 60minutes

Experience the most treacherous surf breaks in this all-new, 60-minute fulldome documentary by award-winning photographer Bo Bridges. Follow Tahitian surfer Heimiti Fierro as she strives to conquer her fears at the legendary Teahupo’o. Go inside the world's heaviest waves in Portugal, Hawaii, and Tahiti and into the minds of the fearless few pushing surfing to its limits.

Cosmic Legacy: Tribute to Queen | Aimed at ages 8+ | 50 minutes

Get ready to rock out under the stars! Stardome invites you to an epic full-dome journey celebrating the legendary music of Queen. Experience ten of their iconic anthems, including ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, 'I Want to Break Free', and the electrifying ‘We Will Rock You’, brought to life with mesmerising cosmic visuals. Immerse yourself in the power of Queen's music with stunning 5.1 surround sound – an audiovisual spectacle you won't want to miss.

The Navigators | Aimed at ages 6+ | 50 minutes

Join Moko, a young girl dreaming of becoming a master star navigator. This family-friendly animated show follows Moko's journey as she discovers the incredible voyaging traditions of Māori, Pasifika, and European navigators who crossed the vast Pacific to reach Aotearoa. The show is followed by an immersive full-dome presentation of the night sky.

T. rex | Aimed at ages 5+ | 45 minutes

T. rex has commanded blockbuster status for decades, but the time has come for a fulldome revolution! Thanks to advancements in CGI and paleontology, this immersive 360-degree film plunges you into the Cretaceous period. Experience the world of the Tyrant Lizard King up close. (Includes footage filmed in Otago.)

One Sky | Aimed at all ages | 50 minutes

One Sky is a collection of six beautiful short planetarium films that explore constellations, astronomical instruments, and scientific knowledge from cultures around the world. For millennia, people worldwide have looked to the heavens for navigation, time-keeping, and a sense of shared identity. These films highlight how celestial knowledge has helped humanity explore new lands and thrive in their environments.

Orbital | Aimed at all ages | 50 minutes

Step into a dream-like, animated journey of Earth as seen by astronauts. This meditative film uses hyper-real visuals and first-hand accounts to inspire a profound connection to our planet. Orbital uses light and colour—inspired by bioluminescence and aurorae—to transport you.

No matter what showing you pick, it's going to be a stellar experience!