Whangarei Observatory

Whangarei Observatory sits within the Heritage Park grounds in Maunu, just off State Highway 14 near Whangārei on New Zealand's North Island, where the Northland Astronomical Society introduces locals and visitors to the southern night sky.

About Whangarei Observatory

The observatory is associated with the Northland Astronomical Society (NAS) and includes an all-weather planetarium, meaning tours can go ahead for visitors even on cloudy nights when the telescopes can't be used.

Visiting Whangarei Observatory

Public tours run every Saturday evening at 7pm from February through November, combining the planetarium show with, weather permitting, direct telescope viewing at the observatory afterwards. The observatory is also open to society members when conditions allow.

Location & getting there

Whangarei Observatory is located in the Heritage Park grounds in Maunu, on the outskirts of Whangārei in New Zealand's Northland region, just off State Highway 14 — an easy stop for visitors exploring the area.

See your named star from here

With regular Saturday tours and telescope access when the sky is clear, Whangarei Observatory is a practical spot to try locating a star you've named with Star Register — bring your certificate's coordinates along and ask a society volunteer for help. Browse the catalogue or visit our packages to name a star of your own.