Even though the Stardome is now named after a benefactor (can't be helped I guess), it is still as cool as it ever was. The staff don't mind if you just wander in and have a look around and the foyer alone has enough to amuse the kiddies for at least half an hour, probably longer. During the school holidays they run all kinds of fun stuff and if you haven't been before, it's unlike anything else you can do around the town. You absolutely have to be organised and book in advance and maybe the movie is a bit dated, but it's fascinating and presented in a way that makes astronomy accessible to everyone - even 3 year olds. There's an arty crafty session where the kids get to make their own (artistically questionable) souvenir but the highlight is that the film is shown Cinema 180 style on the ceiling. A bit hard on the neck but SO worth it. You can hire the Stardome for functions but when I looked into booking it for an event, I ran in to the problem of how to keep kids from playing unsupervised in the lobby so that's something to consider. I'm ashamed to say I have never been here in the evening and actually looked through that giant telescope at the night sky. I intend to do it every Winter but late nights out in Winter just don't seem to happen. This is the year. read more

Stardome - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - Auckland, AUK

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We were thinking about what show we should pick and have chosen "The winter sky". It was just amazing, to see what stats and planets we can see with our naked eye from Auckland. At least in good weather. After the show we went outside to see the Saturn through telescopes. Not the Zeiss one, but smaller. I saw the Saturn through the telescope for the first time and it was the biggest happy moment I have had in years! You can actually see the planet and the rings! Super cool! We haven't had a chance to use the Zeiss telescope because of the weather, but we are definitely going to do this next time. read more

Stardome - Lady Helen Woo Star Dome - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - Auckland, AUK

On this occasion the Stardome Observatory was having a Wine & Cheese evening. We experienced the glory of the night skies from the comfort of a reclined seat with glass in hand. Using the special effects of a planetarium, the Observatory lets you observe the wonders of the universe. Although maybe a little long for me - 2x 45 minute segments, finishing at 10pm with 2 glasses of wine and I was starting to nod off towards the end. A Planetarium presenter took you on a journey of more than 3000 stars, planets and the furthest reaches of the universe and explain what is visible in the Southern hemisphere sky. The telescope viewing at intermission was disappointing as people tended to linger on the few telescopes there were for longer than they should and many of us never got to view the real sky before we were back into the observatory for another 'replica'. The wine was lovely and the cheese a plenty even with the vultures flapping. I learnt more about our solar system and its planets and the Universe than I thought I would. There's also an exhibition in the foyer and a shop included. read more

I've always wondered just what you are supposed to do with that weird white sculpture outside the Stardome. Apparently you can use it to track stars positions - but what kid is out late enough and regularly enough in One Tree Hill to ever really make use of it? Obtuse observations aside, the Stardome is one of the highlights of the Epsom area (not the greatest claim to fame.) They often run great nights, varying from explorations of the night sky to projections of a Pink Floyd "experience" designed especially for the curved dome screen. Some of the graphics were quite outdated though, especially a jet plane that reminded me of playing "The Red Baron" on Commodore 64. One of the coolest things about the stardome is in their waiting area, which is full of interesting exhibits and interactive learning stations. They have a sort of "history of astronomy" which spans a wall, covering from the early star gazers up to the modern day. A good place to take anyone - from your kids to elderly guests. read more

Now I realise I have already written a review for the Stardome but this is on a different show to the one discussed in other one. This time I went to the Wine, cheese and Astronomy evening. In a word................... AMAZING. Learning about galaxies within galaxies within galaxies within universes really helps put your petty day to day problems into perspective and I wish I could say it puts your mind at ease but it makes you think A LOT. At the half time break you go outside the theatre and have some wine and cheese, quite poss my two favourite things in life, apart from stars. PERFECT. Although you only get one glass of wine and you have to pay for extra. But since the show was only $25 fair enough I guess as I would of drunk the whole bar as well. All in all this show is an absolute must see and perfect for a date. So amazing. read more

Stardome - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - Auckland, AUK

My boyfriend recently surprised me with a night at the Stardome for Valentines Day. It was the coolest idea ever. I had been to The Observatory a couple of times as a student at school for day trips, and I remember it fondly. But this was a completely different and equally mind-blowing experience. We turned up, signed in and then waited with the other couples in the lobby with a glass of champagne. We were then shown through to the dome where we watched a massive show about all the astronomical constellations to do with love. The guy who was our narrator was awesome - funny, informative and happy to take questions. We then headed out and had the option of going up and looking through the telescope out to the sky. We were all given chocolates to take away and were encouraged to visit again. I definitely will. Such a unique and lovely night. read more

Forget about science institutions being stuffy old places; the Stardome is good fun, and unless you're really determined to ignore everything, you're also bound to learn something. You can just wander around the free foyer displays, but you'll get your most out of your visit if you go to a planetarium show or have a telescope session. There's astronomers on hand to help you identify what you see through the telescopes, which is very helpful as stars do look very familiar to the untrained eye! The planetarium shows have different themes, so check them out on their website before you go. It's also a good idea to book show tickets before you go as there's limited capacity and they can sell out with big groups. Keep an eye out for their special events as well; in the past they have run star shows soundtracked by Pink Floyd's The Wall, as well as The War of the Worlds. read more

A great place to come if you want to learn cool stuff and have a bit of fun while you're at it. The foyer has all sorts of cool interactive displays which are worth coming in for alone, but you really need to get under the dome itself and view one of the planetarium shows - they're educational, and yes rather humbling and awe-inspiring. They also do some trippy shows set to Pink Floyd albums which I've viewed multiple times and really enjoyed. Those shows do have a distinct smell of recently smoked weed to them from certain members of the audience I find - not me of course. Finally, heading outside for a telescope session on a clear night is a great way to finish up, and good fun for a first date. Love you Stardome. read more

Really enjoyed our time at Stardome today. We did the holiday package. The kids (a newly 5 year old and 6 year old (girls)) found it interesting. Especially the time after the movie, where they got to do some experiments and the rocket launch. We all really liked listening to the segment at the end discussing and showing us the night sky above Auckland. The guy who ran it was great with the kids, very knowledgeable and interesting. The only thing we were not sure if was the choice of movie... The WW2 planes frightened them. Girls have asked to come back in future to check out telescopes at night. In fact our youngest has asked for a telescope! read more

They have nice presentations, the staff is friendly. Much better than most planetariums, and my favorite spot in Auckland. (You can also walk up the hill and get a nice view of the city.) I miss the place already! read more