Te Awamutu Space Centre
Te Awamutu Space Centre
5
About
An inspiring educational attraction for all ages. Experience the world of space and astronomy through displays and interactive activities. Our centrepiece exhibit is a small but fascinating collection of artifacts from the American and Russian/Soviet space programmes. You'll also find informative displays about the Universe, the history of space exploration and scientific research. Use the interactive screens to see what's in the night sky, tour the Solar System, create your own orbital systems and more. Watch videos, ask us questions and just hang out chatting about space. We also have a small space shop featuring new and secondhand items.
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  • james k
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing value, amazing experience
    Brought nieces (ages 5 and 7) to the space Center and we all had an amazing time. Dave was so kind and we all left happy.a must for anyone in the area. My partner has since rekindled her interest in space with Dave’s YouTube channel
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 1 January 2024
  • birdi52
    18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Space Centre is fabulously out of this world
    Extraordinary! Fun! Educational! Inspiring! We did not have long to visit while we passed through Kihikihi on our way to Otorohanga with destination the Waitomo Coves, but, how happy we are that we did at the Te Awamutu Space Centre. We suggest to anyone coming to Central North Island New Zealand to make the Space Centre an absolute destination, for a short or longer stay - 2 hours would have been great to be there! Dave Owen the Manager was knowledgeable, friendly and enhanced the experience with pointing out aspects of the exhibits that we would want to see. The Lego models delight anyone, young and old, and the desktop computers of simulations and quiz was a delight. Though the outside of the building is non-descript, the inside is packed with everything to do with space, and as said above, interesting, fun, educational and a very worthwhile visit.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 February 2024
  • Ash J
    Wellington, New Zealand236 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Much more than you might expect
    What a treat. Space Dave has curated a quirky but interesting experience in the heart of the Waikato. Who knew! Well we actually did, and had been thinking of a visit for a year or two if we ever got close. Well worth the drive up from Taupo. First experience was the solar telescope to see solar flares as they occurred 8 light minutes ago. Then the VR tour of the solar system (included in entry pass) was very cool - made by Dave. Then add to that a range of live feeds from launch sites and the Space station, lots of interactive space facts, plus a cool display of space Lego and 90 mins flew by. We loved it
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 17 March 2024
  • Diana B
    Te Awamutu, New Zealand37 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A "MUST DO", don't miss this place.
    This is a hidden secret. If passing through, or live, in Te Awamutu, allow an hour or so to take the kids in or explore for yourself. The building belies what's inside!! Remarkable collection of space memorabilia. Everything to amuze the minds and hands of young people. Fully interactive. You won't be disappointed! Not expensive. This outstanding facility in TA deserves a high spec building of its own. A one-off in NZ. High praise indeed to Dave, the spaceman. Watch his Facebook clips. Very educational. He's made the Space Museum a place of fun and learning. Perfect for school trips, community groups, young and old.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 2 July 2024
  • Mark C
    Wellington, New Zealand16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Charming and fun little centre devoted to all things astronomical
    This little museum was a treat to visit. The highlight was an amazing VR exploration of the Solar System and further into the Milky Way. "Spaceman Dave" has created a wonderful collection of learning tools and space related artifacts. Clearly this place has been a labour of love which is well worth a visit. We called in advance to book our visit as opening hours may vary. Highly recommended!!!!
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 1 September 2024
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5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles170 reviews
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Jill
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021
Wow! If you are coming through Kihikihi don't miss this attraction. There is so much of interest for everyone here. Adults and kids alike can stay entertained for quite some time and the VR experience is tons of fun.
There are live feeds from the space station and satellites in space (which was my favourite thing) and cute little films of the astronauts on the space station showing how they eat and even wash their hair.
Hard to believe this little museum is in such a small town. Dave the owner is a font of information but doesn't interfere with your experience. This is the real deal!
Written 1 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

birdi52
new zealand18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
Extraordinary! Fun! Educational! Inspiring! We did not have long to visit while we passed through Kihikihi on our way to Otorohanga with destination the Waitomo Coves, but, how happy we are that we did at the Te Awamutu Space Centre. We suggest to anyone coming to Central North Island New Zealand to make the Space Centre an absolute destination, for a short or longer stay - 2 hours would have been great to be there! Dave Owen the Manager was knowledgeable, friendly and enhanced the experience with pointing out aspects of the exhibits that we would want to see. The Lego models delight anyone, young and old, and the desktop computers of simulations and quiz was a delight. Though the outside of the building is non-descript, the inside is packed with everything to do with space, and as said above, interesting, fun, educational and a very worthwhile visit.
Written 12 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Karen+Garth
12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 • Family
We were very impressed from the moment we walked in -something for everyone! The kids leapt at chance for a free ride in space rocket. Then they loved the different challenges to earn a Space Badge. Plenty of hands on learning for all ages. The best was saved til last was using the 3D glasses to experience Space itself. Lots of loud squealing/ooo aging/ laughing as they “flew through Space”.
We spent about 1hr 45m and could have stayed longer without the children getting bored.
Highly recommend this as a place to visit. Thanks to Space Dave for providing such a wonderful experience.
Written 6 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mark C
Wellington, New Zealand16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Couples
This little museum was a treat to visit. The highlight was an amazing VR exploration of the Solar System and further into the Milky Way. "Spaceman Dave" has created a wonderful collection of learning tools and space related artifacts. Clearly this place has been a labour of love which is well worth a visit. We called in advance to book our visit as opening hours may vary. Highly recommended!!!!
Written 1 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Angela
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020 • Family
Brilliant activity to do with kids and reasonable price too. We spent 2 hours here and kept kids aged 6 and 9 busy whole time with quizzes, virtual reality and various interest stations full of information.
The bakery across the road was spot on for lunch afterwards too.
Written 4 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ash J
Wellington, New Zealand236 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
What a treat. Space Dave has curated a quirky but interesting experience in the heart of the Waikato. Who knew! Well we actually did, and had been thinking of a visit for a year or two if we ever got close.

Well worth the drive up from Taupo. First experience was the solar telescope to see solar flares as they occurred 8 light minutes ago. Then the VR tour of the solar system (included in entry pass) was very cool - made by Dave. Then add to that a range of live feeds from launch sites and the Space station, lots of interactive space facts, plus a cool display of space Lego and 90 mins flew by. We loved it
Written 17 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lizst
Auckland, New Zealand8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022
Space Dave caters for all ages. he is personable and knowledgeable. The grandson loved getting his space cadet badge and wears it everywhere. He loved the lego displays and seeing the space shuttle outlook on earth live. Lots for adults as well. Husband loved wearing the space shuttle suit and the video clips about life on the space station.
Written 13 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mistykeas S
Wellington, New Zealand4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023
One of the best museums we’ve been to and well worth the visit. Impressive collection of material that appeals to all ages and knowledge levels. We were fortunate to be there at just the right time when the International Space Station passed over New Zealand with live video feed from onboard cameras to a large monitor at the centre.
Written 6 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Diana B
Te Awamutu, New Zealand37 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 • Family
This is a hidden secret. If passing through, or live, in Te Awamutu, allow an hour or so to take the kids in or explore for yourself. The building belies what's inside!! Remarkable collection of space memorabilia. Everything to amuze the minds and hands of young people. Fully interactive. You won't be disappointed! Not expensive.
This outstanding facility in TA deserves a high spec building of its own. A one-off in NZ. High praise indeed to Dave, the spaceman. Watch his Facebook clips. Very educational. He's made the Space Museum a place of fun and learning. Perfect for school trips, community groups, young and old.
Written 2 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

simoncnz77
Wellington, New Zealand1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023
Came across it as we were travelling through, decided to stop for a look and so glad we did. Kids really loved the virtual reality and lunar lander game.

Really well put together with lots of interesting exhibits.
Written 6 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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TE AWAMUTU SPACE CENTRE (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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