Welcome to Sky of Plenty.com

Whakatane Observatory, Bay of Plenty, NZ

We are a non-profit making community facility, and our aim is to promote and encourage education and enjoyment in astronomy for everyone.

We have 3 telescopes in 2 observatories, with equipment for astrophotography and solar viewing as well.

Currently being completed is a new audio/visual room, for presentations to large groups, or for when the weather doesn’t want to co-operate to open the observatories.

We are open all year round  for individuals, groups or schools.

As our website is developing, we will be offering up to date information and news on astronomy, and also information for our members and the public on upcoming events at the observatory.

Information for Visitors/Tourists

We open at regular times for the public twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays. 7.30pm is the normal start time, but in summer it can vary due to later sunset times. This can be from 8.00pm to 8.30pm depending on the number of visitors we anticipate.

We are happy to open up on other days for groups of 4 or more, so contact us to arrange a visit to fit in with your schedule.

Sessions start with a talk on the universe around us, and then we go to the telescopes to have a look at the most prominent objects in the sky for the time of year.

We always encourage questions and discussion, as the sessions are aimed for all ages and knowledge. We hope to make it enjoyable and informative for all involved.

Remember to wrap up warm as it can get cold, even in summer time. Also biting insects can be around early evening in the summer, so some repellent, long sleeves and trousers can make you more comfortable to enjoy the evening.

Prices are:

Children: $4.00
Adults:    $10.00
Family:    $15.00 (2 Adults, 2 Children) $4.00 per extra child.

Information for Schools/Groups

Visits from schools and groups are always welcome at any time. We can arrange a visit to fit in with the schools curriculum or any group’s schedule.

For large groups or classes we can split the sessions in the same night, or split the group to fit in one session, if the weather is not looking promising for the evening.

A good idea is to plan the visit ahead to coincide to near a New Moon, this will enable good viewing of the fainter sky objects. However the Moon is fascinating for the younger ones, so a brighter Moon is not so much an issue for them.

Also planning an alternative night at the same time is good to ensure we have a back up night in case the weather is bad initially.

Remember to wrap up warm as it can get cold, even in summer time. Also biting insects can be around early evening in the summer, so some repellent, long sleeves and trousers can make you more comfortable to enjoy the evening.

To arrange a visit or for information contact:

Norman -  (07) 308 6495 or 027 221 8993 Email normanizett@xtra.co.nz
Keith     -  (07) 308 7467 or 027 499 0442
Joe        -  (07) 308 7255 or 021 050 8618

Directions and Map

 

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0ther things to do or places of interest in Whakatane to visit try ‘whakatane.info’ to follow the link click here