Public Talks & Tours
Heritage Stargazing 2026
- Event info
- This event has multiple dates to attend
- Address
-
2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch
The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, Christchurch
Experience stargazing from the restored Observatory Tower (1896) at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre.
View the Southern Sky through the Victorian-era Townsend Teece Telescope, under the guidance of Townsend astronomers from the University of Canterbury.
Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre and the University of Canterbury welcome you and your whānau to join a short stargazing experience in the heart of the city.
The Townsend Teece Telescope (1864) was donated by English settler James Townsend to Canterbury College (now the university) in 1891.
The College received a £420 donation from The Astronomical Society of Christchurch, alongside funds originally earmarked for a medical school to build the Observatory Tower, completed in 1896.
After the University of Canterbury had moved to Ilam, and the site became The Arts Centre, the university continued to operate the observatory with regular Friday night public viewings.
Then came the February 2011 earthquake. The tower collapsed, and the telescope was damaged. The tower has been meticulously restored thanks to many donors, and due to the generosity of UC Alumni Professor David Teece, the telescope has also been carefully restored and reinstalled by the University of Canterbury.
Become part of the long history of astronomy at The Arts Centre
Every Friday night during winter (weather dependent*).
Bookings essential: $15 adults / $5 children (5-17 years)
Tours last 30 minutes, between 7.30-9.30pm.
You must be able to climb 75 steep stairs and be comfortable in confined spaces. There is no lift available as this is a heritage building.
Please wear sensible shoes and a warm coat.
Pricing
Adult
$15.00
Children (5-17 years old)
$5.00
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