Visit the stars
STONEHENGE AOTEROA
THE HUB OF ASTRONOMY IN WAIRARAPA
Stonehenge Aotearoa
Situated in the serene environment of rural Wairarapa and overlooking the magnificent Ruamahunga valley, Stonehenge Aotearoa is a window into the past where the visitor can rediscover the ancient knowledge of their ancestors.
Built on the same scale as other great stone circles around the world, Stonehenge Aotearoa is not a replica of the stone circle on Salisbury Plain in England. It is a unique and working structure that has been designed and built for its precise location on the Earth. It incorporates ancient Egyptian, Babylonian, and Celtic technology, Indus Valley astronomy, and Polynesian navigation. We specialize in Maori starlore.
Like the amphitheaters of ancient Greece Stonehenge Aotearoa has become a venue for musicians and storytellers. Here the stories, myths and legends of antiquity from cultures around the world are brought to life and their hidden meanings revealed. It is also a magnificent venue for musical events, plays and weddings.
At Stonehenge Aotearoa the visitor is drawn back to nature. In addition to the ancient history, astronomy and storytelling they can, if they wish, come into close contact with farm animals and/or simply relax and enjoy some of the most stunning views of the Wairarapa and the Tararua ranges.
Announcements
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Upcoming Events
Discover the variety of events and activities held at Stonehenge Aotearoa
Legends of Matariki
Stonehenge Aotearoa, 51 Ahiaruhe Road, Carterton, 5792, New Zealand
The Star of Bethlehem & Summer Solstice
Activities
Activities at Stonehenge Aotearoa
In addition to the calendar of upcoming events, Stonehenge has a number of activities available each day we are open:
Star Trek – A Tour Of The Night Sky
Explore our magnificent night sky. The program begins with a short presentation on our place in the universe. This is followed by an audio-visual that takes you on a tour of our current night sky identifying the planets and notable celestial objects. Weather permitting; we then take you on a laser tour of the heavens beneath the stars at Stonehenge Aotearoa.
Star Treks are available on any evening but must be booked in advance. Allow 90 minutes for your tour which should begin about an hour after sunset.
Minimum price for 2 people is $160 or $80 each. Prices per person reduced as the numbers rise. 3-6 people are $55 each and so on.
Trek Around The Stones
A self-guided tour of Stonehenge Aotearoa. The visitor is provided with a map of the Henge and views a 15 minute audio-visual that explains how the Henge works. Then, with map in hand, you explore the stone circle.
Allow 40 minutes for your Trek which is available during open hours. A trek does not have to be pre-booked.
$15 adults, $10 seniors, $5 for primary or secondary students.
Tales From Antiquity Guided Tour
Private and Group story-telling guided tour of Stonehenge Aotearoa. The program begins with a presentation on ancient stone circles and how our ancestors used the sun, moon and stars for religion, navigation and time keeping – when to sail, when to plant, etc. This is followed by an audio-visual that explains how the Henge works. We then explore the Henge accompanied by stories of the solstices, equinoxes and the zodiac.
Guided tours, which are available any time or day, must be booked in advance. Allow 90 minutes for your guided tour. Price per person is reduced as the numbers rise. Minimum for 2 people is $130 or $75 each. 3-6 people are $48 each and so on. Bookings are required.Â
Sunset Guided Tour
A ‘Guided Tour’ of Stonehenge Aotearoa that includes, weather permitting, viewing the sun set at the Henge.
Sunset Tours are available on any day but must be booked in advance. Allow 90 minutes for your tour which should begin an hour before sunset. Prices as the same as Guided Tour.
Admission
Open: for self-guided tours, Weekends and public holidays. Private tours at any time by arrangement.
Or you can book directly through the booking system.
| Self-guided treks available without prior booking | 10am – 4pm | Adult $15 Seniors $10 NZ Student $5 Kids (0-5 yrs) free. |
| Guided tours of Stonehenge Aotearoa, Star Trek Laser Tours, private hire |
by appointment | Call (06) 377 1600 |
Terms & Conditions
On purchasing a ticket for Stonehenge Aotearoa you agree to our terms and conditions and our cancellation policy. You also agree to follow the instructions of Stonehenge Aotearoa staff, and adhere to our safety directions and procedures at all times.
View full Terms & Conditions here
View our Privacy Policy here
Read our Child Protection Policy here
Site & content copyright 2024
Opening Hours
January:Â Every day, 10am-4pm.
February to December:Â Wed to Sun & public holidays, 10am-4pm
Closed December 24, 25, 26.
We may be closed on other days due to private functions.
Phone 06 377 1600.
Location
Contact Us
News & Articles
Why It’s Time for a Worldwide Lights-Out Program
"One-third of the world’s population can’t see the starry band of light in the night sky that makes up the Milky Way—the vast spiraled arms of our own galaxy. The stunning array is now rendered invisible for some 60 percent of Europeans and almost 80 percent of North...
Official report on the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve
"The newly certified Wairarapa International Dark Sky Reserve covers the areas of Carterton District and South Wairarapa District. The dark core of the reserve is formed by DOC’s Aorangi Forest Park, shown in the map below. The intention is to work to add Masterton...
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...
