Nau mai! Mātakitaki ki te Raki

Oxford Area School Observatory

Mātakitaki ki te Raki / The Oxford Area School Observatory was opened on 16 June 2006. It houses two Meade Schmidt Cassegrain telescopes, one 12” and one 10”. As of the 2024 season, we also own a high-powered binocular station.

The Observatory is accessible to the community, and especially focuses on our students as well as students of other schools in the District. At Oxford Area School, we pride ourselves in this facility and commit ourselves to furthering astronomy education for all ages at all levels. It is run by volunteers.

Our Observatory

Open Nights, Matariki Mornings, Workshops

Open nights are offered usually on Saturdays in two time slots:

7:30 to 8:30pm

8:30 to 9:30pm

We will also offer some Matariki morning viewing sessions in June & July. The start time for these sessions will vary according to sunrise at that time of the year. Please refer to the specific morning session in the booking system for the start time.

The cost for open nights and Matariki mornings is $15/adult and $10/child under 16, to be paid in cash at the start of your session. (We don’t have an EFTPOS machine.)

Astrophotography – We will e.g. take exposures of the night sky and show how to stack and process images. Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment.

The cost is $40/per person to be paid in cash at the start of your session. (We don’t have an EFTPOS machine.)

Please dress warm — layers, winter hat & winter coat.

Group Visits & Private Events

We offer group rates and tailored programmes to suit audiences of all ages.
We have hosted school groups, senior citizens groups, private organisations, private tours, e.g. birthday parties and company functions.

We accommodate small and large groups, and tailor the programme to suit your needs.

Bookings

To book spots click below