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November 15, 2026 at 10:00 am
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November 15, 2026 at 11:00 am
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Step into the past as we uncover the story of Stephen Carkeek and his passion for the night sky. The Carkeek observatory – the oldest surviving example of an astronomical observatory in New Zealand – was rediscovered in 1987.
Take a family-friendly guided walk to see the remains, now covered and protected, and hear stories from Stephen’s descendants as well as passionate local advocates keen to protect this piece of history. Enjoy a morning tea and listen to a reading of the children’s book The Lost Star of Featherston.
Built in circa 1867 on a farm south of the Wairarapa town of Featherston, the Carkeek Observatory possesses outstanding historical significance as Aotearoa/New Zealand’s earliest surviving astronomical observatory. Built by civil servant, timeball instigator and amateur astronomer Stephen Carkeek, the place reflects the crucial role of amateur practitioners in the foundation and development of science in this country.