Stonehenge Aoteroa

The Hub of Astronomy in Wairarapa

Explore

VISIT STONEHENGE AOTEAROA

Stonehenge Aoteroa is New Zealand's unique open air astronomical observatory, built following ancient knowledge of the stone circles and adapted to the conditions of New Zealand. We look forward to seeing you here during our regular opening hours and for special events.

You can visit the henge anytime we are open, without having to make any appointment. Check out our opening hours below. A map of the Stonehenge Aotearoa structure and a short audio-visual explaining how the stones work are included in the visit.

Covid-19 entry requirements: Wear a mask; Keep a 1m distance; Have fun

Open: for self-guided tours. Private Guided Tours by arrangement.
Or you can book directly through the booking system.


Opening Hours

Daytime: 10am to 4pm
Evening: by appointment
February - May: Wednesday to Sunday
June - August: Weekends
September to December: Wednesday to Sunday
January: every day to the 30th

We are closed December 21st, 24th, 25th, 26th, then open every day from December 27th.



Phone 06 377 1600.


Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve
Wairarapa receives Dark Sky Reserve Status


"Thanks to half a decade of advocacy by a small group of local volunteers, seeking answers in the stars will be preserved in Wairarapa for generations to come, now that the International Dark-Sky Association [IDA] has finally granted the region Dark Sky Reserve status." - (Times Age)

UNESCO's Astronomy and World Heritage Initiative
As featured on UNESCO's Astronomy and World Heritage Initiative website

RASNZ
RASNZ newsletter with the official report on the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve

Wairarapa Becomes Official Dark Sky Reserve

Why It’s Time for a Worldwide Lights-Out Program

Video courtesy of Jack TK Lee

Learn about the cycles of nature, movements of celestial bodies and archeoastronomy: how our ancestors have understood the phenomena in the sky, how they used these phenomena and what role the sky played in their cultures.

Listen to, or watch, the Arrow FM broadcasts on our Arrow FM Night Sky page
Arrow FM

Book a daytime guided tour

You will learn about the henge and its link with the past, with ancient civilisations and Māori starlore, Polynesian navigation and archeoastronomy.
BOOK A PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR

Our regular programme

VISIT THE HENGE

Prebooking and prepayment are encouraged.

OUR LOCATION

Things To Do At Stonehenge

ANYTIME DAYTIME – TAKE A SELF GUIDED TOUR

You are able to visit the henge at any time by arrangement. See our opening hours below. You can book a private tour with Richard Hall any time, daytime or sunset. Must be arranged in advance.


opening hours

STARGAZING AT STONEHENGE

STAR TREK

The programme begins with a presentation on the current night sky which includes an audio-visual. This is followed by, weather permitting, a laser tour of the night sky. Star treks are available any evening by appointment.

Bookings are essential, to book, please contact Stonehenge Aotearoa directly: Email: nzstarlore@gmail.com 06 3771600

DEEP SPACE TOURS

The Deep Space Tour begins with an astronomical presentation and an audio-visual. This is followed by, weather permitting, telescope viewing of celestial objects. Deep Space Tours are available any evening by appointment.

Bookings are essential, to book, please contact Stonehenge Aotearoa directly: Email: nzstarlore@gmail.com 06 3771600


SHUTTLE SERVICE

www.waitours.co.nz

Wai Tours' Pamela Feiertag offers a shuttle service for transport to and from Stonehenge Aotearoa. Call 0284102614


book a ride

Upcoming Events

Check out the upcoming events, tours, exhibitions, courses and much more at Stonehenge Aotearoa.

Winter Equinox 2023

Start time: 6:30pm
Come celebrate the Winter Equinox with us! Have you ever wondered about what other people do traditionally around this date? Join us to hear about these traditions. Weather permitting, Sunet presentation, live music and star gazing. 4pm 22nd June

Cost is $30 adult $20 seniors, primary and secondary students $15.

The Mysterious World of Enceladus

Other Dates For 2023

StartSunset
WINTER SOLSTICEThursday June 22nd4:00pm4:56pm
MATARIKIFriday July 14th4:00pm5:07pm (rise 7:40am)*
SPRING EQUINOXSaturday September 23rd5:15pm6:15pm
TALES OF MATARIKIFriday November 3rd7:00pm8:00pm
SUMMER EQUINOXFriday December 22nd8:00pm8:50pm

The Night Sky


Click here for the latest Night Sky on Arrow FM

Venue Hire

Stonehenge Aotearoa is available for private functions – birthdays, and special occasions by arrangement.


WEDDINGS

We also offer our venue for weddings too! Here's a testimonial from a recent event:

"A Shoutout to Kay and Richard of Stonehenge Aotearoa. We've just celebrated our daughter's wedding. We started hunting for a venue in June, 2021 for an Easter wedding in April, 2022. We visited quite a few venues. We settled on Stonehenge, Aotearoa for several reasons, our daughter's partner doing his Masters in Astronomy being the absolute clincher.

It was the perfect venue. It was truly a lucky find. Not only was it unique and beautiful, the owners, Kay and Richard, went out of their way to be helpful and accommodating. Comparing prices, I would say their rates were very reasonable.

And we couldn't have managed without the help of our Events Manager, MJ (0274580035). She organized a superb grazing table for us and took on board all the little pre-wedding tasks we entrusted her with. In a nutshell, I think MJ is efficient, flexible and her prices are reasonable. Both Stonehenge and MJ have earned a ton of gratitude from us all. Others who helped: Our regular handyman (Thank you, Jason) and Festival Hire (www.festivalhire.co.nz Highly recommended!)"

Khoty Mathur (mother of the Bride)


HIRE PRICING

Guide only to basic charges (charges may vary with individual requirements):

Send us a message if you would like more information or wish to make a booking:
nzstarlore@gmail.com

News

Latest news and updates from Stonehenge Aotearoa:

Latest Photos By Jack T Lee

Thanks to Jack for these wonderful photos from the recent Stars and Stones event:

Henge and Milky Way at distance
Heelstone with setting sun
Black and white henge
Sunset and shadows

Blood Super Moon Lunar Eclipse 2021

Thanks to John Forsyth for these wonderful photos of the blood supermoon earlier in May 2021:

Blood Supermoon 2021
Blood Supermoon Phases 2021

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