The Townsend Observatory

Dating from 1864, the fully restored Townsend telescope is housed in the Townsend Observatory, adjacent to the South Quad. The Observatory is open to the public on clear and partly cloudy Friday nights during New Zealand Standard Time (early April to late September). Come along and view the moon, planets, stars and star clusters in the southern sky as you've never seen them before.

Public Viewings

• When: Clear and partly cloudy Friday nights during New Zealand Standard Time (early April to late September ).
• Where: Observatory Building, South Quad, the Arts Centre.
• Cost: Free of charge for the promotion of astronomy. However, a donations box is available and donations are welcomed to help support telescope maintenance and the public viewing programme. No reservations are necessary.

Enquiries can be directed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For further information visit the University of Canterbury Townsend Observatory web site