We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Geraldine Observatory

22 Macdonald Street, Geraldine 7930, New Zealand
+64 3-693 7337
Call
Website
Save
Review Highlights
A knowledgeable guy with some darn big telescopes.

Peter is such an interesting man. I am a bit of a sciency space nerd and I loved seeing the stars... read more

Reviewed 13 February 2017
johanna_schroeder
,
San Diego, California
A star is just a star …. or is it!?

I read about Peter and his observatory on Trip Advisor and it sounded like something fun and... read more

Reviewed 6 February 2017
mooseandbok2006
,
Christchurch, New Zealand
Read all 96 reviews
Map
Satellite
Map updates are paused. Zoom in to see updated info.
Reset zoom
Updating Map...
Overview
More
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.
  • 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
Write a ReviewReviews (96)
Traveller rating
Traveller type
Time of year
Language

21 - 30 of 92 reviews

Reviewed 13 February 2017

Peter is such an interesting man. I am a bit of a sciency space nerd and I loved seeing the stars with him. He is crazy knowledgeable and loves answering questions. It went pretty late and I was glad I didn't bring my 8 year...More

Thank johanna_schroeder
Reviewed 6 February 2017

I read about Peter and his observatory on Trip Advisor and it sounded like something fun and different to do during our weekend in Geraldine. Unfortunately on the evening we went it was too cloudy and we didn’t get a chance to look through the...More

Thank mooseandbok2006
Reviewed 4 February 2017 via mobile

There is nothing more I can say about Peter and his observatory that hasn't already been written. Informative, educational and incredible views if nebula, star clusters and the moon's mountains. His tales of supernova hunting and mountaineering are enthralling. A worthwhile evening, which being a...More

Thank baxterbeagle
Reviewed 31 January 2017

This was a visit with my husband and four other adults. Peter Aldous led us on a breathtaking journey through his own awesome astro photographic pictures in his office, followed by letting us view the evening sky from various angles on his highly magnetised telescopes....More

1  Thank daphnevan13
Reviewed 13 January 2017

We had a great night at Geraldine observatory. Peter is an expert, great fun and his set up is fascinating. Hes a Lancashire lad too so that's the icing on the cake.

Thank Ann M
Reviewed 2 January 2017

You definitely don't have to be a space fanatic to enjoy your experience at Peter's Observatory. Peter's passion and charm for the universe is contagious, I walked out of Peter's observatory wanting to become an astronomer myself. I absolutely enjoyed my experience at the observatory,...More

1  Thank akadry153
Reviewed 15 December 2016 via mobile

You can't spend a better evening in Geraldine learning about the sky, the stars and our universe. An easy, but steep, uphill walk from town brings you to the Geraldine Observatory with its multiple structures and telescopes. Peter's charm, engaging personality, and desire to deliver...More

1  Thank William M
Reviewed 7 October 2016 via mobile

Thank you Peter for your expertise and enthusiasm. You have shown us another world and your passion and ability to portray that knowledge to the children has made our Geraldine trip unforgettable.

1  Thank RobAngelo
Reviewed 23 July 2016 via mobile

Peter's enthusiasm for astronomy is contagious. We learned and saw things we probably would never had the chance to see again. Totally recommended.

1  Thank Yomfood
Reviewed 29 June 2016

It's simply revitalising to talk to Peter , an individual so passionate to the love of astronomy . It has been eye opening and educational. Thank you for this opportunity, wonderful time and memory.

Thank chenrenjie8
Nearby
Nearby HotelsSee all 5 hotels in Geraldine
ASURE Scenic Route Motor Lodge
152 reviews
.05 miles away
Fourpeaks Motel
23 reviews
.32 miles away
Brookside Motel
3 reviews
.38 miles away
Geraldine motels
62 reviews
.41 miles away
Nearby Restaurants
The Running Duck
168 reviews
.08 miles away
Verde Cafe
249 reviews
.23 miles away
Central Cafe and Grill
105 reviews
.19 miles away
Geraldine Orchard Farmshop and Cafe
111 reviews
.81 miles away
Nearby Attractions
Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum
85 reviews
.92 miles away
1066 Medieval Mosaic
68 reviews
.15 miles away
Geraldine Cinema
49 reviews
.75 miles away
Questions & Answers
Get quick answers from Geraldine Observatory staff and past visitors.
Note: your question will be posted publicly on the Questions & Answers page.
Posting guidelines
Submit