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 the seven shows below:

Mars: The Red Planet| Aimed at ages 14+ | 50 minutes

Prepare for an exciting new Stardome original show in 2025: Mars: The Red Planet! Jointhe knowledgeable presenter for a live planetarium journey exploring the captivating connection between humanity and our rusty red neighbour. From ancient myths that imbued Mars with power to the Martian craze in pop culture, and onward to the incredible feats of planetary rovers and the dream of terraforming – what adventures await humans and the enigmatic red planet?

Birth of Planet Earth| Aimed at ages 10+ | 50 minutes

Uncover the dramatic and surprising story of our planet's genesis in Birth of Planet Earth. Cutting-edge scientific understanding reveals that our galaxy teems with planetary systems, potentially harbouring up to a billion Earth-sized worlds. This film utilizes stunning, data-driven, cinematic visuals to delve into profound scientific inquiries: In the tumultuous aftermath of our solar system's birth, how did Earth evolve into a living planet? And what clues does its history offer about the likelihood of discovering other truly Earth-like worlds?

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 fulldome 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

"The Navigators" follows Moko's journey to learn ancient navigation from her grandfather, exploring Māori, Pasifika, and European voyages to Aotearoa. This family-friendly animated show, followed by a 50-minute night sky presentation, reveals the incredible skill of early ocean explorers.

The Great Solar System Adventure | Aimed at ages 6+ | 50 minutes

Dare to enter The Great Schiaparelli's Observatorium for a thrilling space-time journey! Experience the solar system's perils and wonders, from Mercury's heat to Pluto's ice, in a breathtaking tour highlighting Earth's preciousness. Beware! The Observatorium plunges you into the cosmos' most dangerous locations. Will Schiaparelli's fancy flying bring everyone home safely?

Perfect Little Planet | Aimed at ages 5+ | 50 minutes

Greetings, fellow inhabitants of Earth! Embark on an interstellar vacation with a family from a distant star system as they search for their ideal getaway in Perfect Little Planet. Following this delightful journey, immerse yourself in a breathtaking full-dome presentation of our current night sky.

We are Guardians | Aimed at all ages | 50 minutes

Learn how satellites help us understand and protect our planet's interconnected ecosystems. This kid-friendly animated film explores Earth's systems, followed by a 50-minute immersive night sky experience.

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