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Geraldine Observatory

96 Reviews

#1 of 20 things to do in Geraldine

Observatories & Planetariums, Museums

22 Macdonald Street, Geraldine 7930, New Zealand

+64 3-693 7337

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Certificate of Excellence

Review Highlights

“Starry, starry night. We were so lucky.”

Such a privilege to join Peter in his private observatory on a perfect night for stargazing. Just... read more

Reviewed 10 July 2017

NemaNZ

Western Bay of Plenty

“Insightful Observation session, a MUST visit”

Amazingly set up for a dabble into astronomy, despite your background or knowledge. Peter was a... read more

Reviewed 4 July 2017

Kavan C

Read all 96 reviews

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Overview

Geraldine Observatory is one of New Zealands best private observatories. Operated by Peter and Wyn Aldous, the observatory has a 14 inch, six inch refractor, four inch triplit refractor, all mounted on a Paramont ME mount in a large roll on roll off observatory, a 11 inch HD Edge telescope in a domed observatory as well as others. Peters main interest is super nova hunting (exploding stars)and sharing the joys of the night sky with members of the public. Peter has over 40 years experience as a amateur astronomer.Donations go to promoting outreach astronomy in South Canterbury.

5.0

96 reviews

Excellent97%
Very good3%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

Travellers talk about

“night sky” (21 reviews)

“star gazing” (7 reviews)

“his passion” (6 reviews)

Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours

LOCATION

22 Macdonald Street, Geraldine 7930, New Zealand

CONTACT

Website

+64 3-693 7337

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11 - 20 of 92 reviews

NemaNZ

Western Bay of Plenty

Reviewed 10 July 2017

Starry, starry night. We were so lucky.

Such a privilege to join Peter in his private observatory on a perfect night for stargazing. Just two of us. We had some genuine WOW moments. Saturn was stunning, one of the best views of the year apparently. Peter does amazing scientific work and is...More

Thank NemaNZ

Kavan C

Reviewed 4 July 2017

Insightful Observation session, a MUST visit

Amazingly set up for a dabble into astronomy, despite your background or knowledge. Peter was a great facilitator and all round top bloke. I got into contact with him because my GF and I only had a week in the South Island. Geraldine Observatory proved...More

Thank Kavan C

BlueGum74

Morisset

1915

Reviewed 24 June 2017

Geraldine Observatory - All things Astronomy

Cannot say enough about Peter, his passion, his telescopes, his passion, knowledge, did I mention his passion. Just a viewing room in the backyard, but what a set up. We had the best night - only 3 of us, so we had the undivided attention...More

Thank BlueGum74

Garfieldgp

Christchurch, New Zealand

Reviewed 5 June 2017

Even in poor weather we had a fascinating experience

What a wonderful experience. Kids loved it! With rain falling all day we knew there wasn't going to be a lot to see in the night sky but went along to see what we could learn. Peter did not disappoint showing us video and photos...More

1 Thank Garfieldgp

Jan K

Geraldine, New Zealand

231

Reviewed 26 May 2017

Weather dependant

Great but as youn know with the sky we need beautiful clear nite sky. Be patient book longer at local motels ,if u hit the jackpot then u can go exploring the forests, do rafting , peel forest is a treat for native lovers.

Thank Jan K

WilliamRG2014

Sydney, Australia

7835

Reviewed 9 May 2017

Amazing Star Gazing far from the Madding Crowd

What an amazing experience to visit this private observatory. So glad we took the advice of our motel owner and visited this attraction. Peter makes the whole experience highly personalised and interesting, his knowledge is amazing. A great chance to view the night sky in...More

Thank WilliamRG2014

Roz S

Geraldine, New Zealand

Reviewed 7 May 2017 via mobile

WOW WOW WOW!!!

Absolutely blown away! Peter was so knowledgable, informative and great with the kids. A wonderful experience. We will definately be returning.

Thank Roz S

Ruth T

Reviewed 30 April 2017

Awesome experience

Great experience for both kids and adults. Peter is incredibly knowledgeable and fully recommend going out of your way to pay him and the many stars a visit!

Thank Ruth T

cohenartsed

Christchurch, New Zealand

Reviewed 18 April 2017

A once in a lifetime experience. Don't miss it!

What a wonderful experience it was to visit this private observatory owned by a wonderful man named Peter. He showed us so much out there in the night sky with an incredible telescope. He taught us so much in such a personal and warm way....More

Thank cohenartsed

Jessica W

Reviewed 17 April 2017

Shoot for the moon, land among the stars!!

We were on our way traveling through and couldn't find a place to stay elsewhere, so wound up in Geraldine. We had anticipated to stay in a more highly-visited area and to potentially see one of those observatories. But when 'failing' plans landed us in...More

Thank Jessica W

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