Ward Observatory
Largest unmodified refractor telescope in use in NZ
Located in Cooks Gardens, the Ward Observatory houses a 24cm telescope, the largest unmodified refractor telescope still in use in New Zealand. See the stars and Saturn on a beautiful clear night.
Built in 1901 and administered by the Whanganui Astronomical Society, it is named after Joseph Ward (1862–1927), the society’s first president and long-time director of the observatory. The Observatory was designed by A. Atkins to Joseph Ward’s specifications, cost £290 to build, and was formally opened by Premier Richard Seddon on 25 May 1903. The telescope had been bought second-hand in England for £450, and with its mounting weighed three tons.
Ward Observatory

Every Friday
Public viewing is on every Friday evenings.
Category 1 rating
Since 1984 the Ward Observatory and its telescope have had a Heritage New Zealand Category I rating.
A lot more
Not just Friday. Visit the Visitor Information Centre and find out what else you can do.
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St Hill Street,
Whanganui
Public viewing is on every second Friday evening after dark

