Dark Skies
24 April 2026 - 24 April 2026
5:3 –8:00 pm
Region(s): Wellington
Type(s): presentations, experiences
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne and the Wellington Astronomical Society (WAS) have teamed up to bring you an evening of ‘Dark Skies’.
Doors open at 5:30 pm with a complementary mocktail on arrival.
All proceeds from this special event ticket ($49) will cover event costs and be split between Zealandia and WAS.
Astronomer Holly McClelland will begin the evening from 6 pm with a talk on the importance of dark skies, both to the natural ecosystem and to human health.
Illustrated with stunning images from the Cretney Observatory near Martinborough, Holly will introduce the night sky, so the next time you are looking to the stars you can not only find the Southern Cross, but also the Galactic Kiwi.
Weather permitting, there will then be an hour of telescope viewing from the Zealandia carpark. Alternatively, if the weather isn’t ideal, you’ll get the chance to get an up-close look at some of the incredible astronomical equipment used by the Wellington Astronomical Society and society members will be available to answer your questions.
About Holly
Holly is an astronomer and science communicator. She has a Bachelor of Science in Astronomy from the University of Canterbury, was a senior astronomy guide in Tekapo, leading groups on once-in-a-lifetime stargazing experiences. Holly is also on the council of the Wellington Astronomy Society, helping to make events like this possible.
Note: If the weather is clear for star gazing, the Visitor Centre carpark will be closed off for this activity. Parking is still available at the overflow carparking on Birdwood Street, but guests are encouraged to consider public transport, taxi and rideshare options.
Location: Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, End of Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington.
For more information and to book tickets: www.visitzealandia.com/whats-on/conservation-k%C5%8Drero-dark-skies.
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