Tauranga Astronomical Society
Matua, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
Discover the wonders of the night sky with the Tauranga Astronomical Society, an active club dedicated to astronomy enthusiasts in New Zealand. Established as a hub for stargazers, we offer exceptional viewing opportunities at our prime site with easy parking. Explore the cosmos through our impressive equipment, including a 14-inch Meade LX200-ACF telescope, Lundt Solar 60 for solar viewing, 10-inch Dobsonian, 8-inch Meade LX10 SCT, and smaller telescopes. Join our monthly meetings on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from February to December at 7:30pm. Non-members pay just $5 (children under 15 free), with affordable annual memberships starting at $20 for students. Perfect for astronomy clubs in Tauranga seeking clear skies and community.
Tauranga Astronomical Society: The Club Experience
When you join the Tauranga Astronomical Society, expect an welcoming environment where astronomy passion comes alive through hands-on exploration of the stars. As a dedicated hobbies and special interests club focused on astronomy, new members can look forward to regular gatherings that foster knowledge-sharing and celestial discovery. Our meetings, held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 7:30pm from February through December, provide a platform for enthusiasts to connect, learn, and observe. With an active community and a well-equipped viewing site featuring easy parking, you'll have access to high-quality telescopes right from the start. Non-members are welcome with a small $5 entry fee for adults, while children 15 and under enjoy free admission. Annual memberships offer great value at $40 for adults, $50 for families, and $20 for students, making it easy to dive deeper into astronomy club activities. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned observer, our sessions emphasise practical stargazing and solar viewing, ensuring everyone gains from the experience.
Our Home Ground
Nestled in Matua, Tauranga, within the vibrant Bay of Plenty region, the Tauranga Astronomical Society benefits from a location ideal for clear night skies and community engagement. This suburban area of Tauranga offers a peaceful setting with convenient access, allowing members to focus on the heavens without urban distractions. The Bay of Plenty's coastal charm and natural beauty enhance our viewing site, where the society's equipment – from the powerful 14-inch Meade LX200-ACF to the specialised Lundt Solar 60 telescope – captures stunning astronomical phenomena. Easy parking ensures hassle-free arrivals, reflecting the area's practical, family-oriented character. Tauranga's growing interest in outdoor pursuits aligns perfectly with our astronomy club ethos, drawing locals who appreciate the blend of science and nature in this sunny, scenic part of New Zealand.
Upcoming Events
Tue 10 Mar
07:30 pmStargazing Sessions for All Ages
Viewings for Everyone Members of the Tauranga Astronomical Society often share how these viewings spark wonder under the night sky, turning casual evenings into memorable adventures in astronomy. 🌌 These sessions invite you to gaze at stars, planets, and celestial wonders through high-quality telescopes, fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts of all levels. What it involves is straightforward: arrive at the venue for a 90-minute guided viewing experience where society members operate the equipment and point out fascinating sky objects. It's open to all ages, making it suitable for families, beginners, and seasoned stargazers alike. No prior knowledge is needed—just curiosity about the universe. Entry fees keep it accessible: Adults pay $5, while children 15 and under attend for free. This low-cost entry encourages everyone to participate without barriers. Sessions align with the society's meetings on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 7:30pm, from February through December, providing regular opportunities to connect with like-minded people in Tauranga. The social benefits shine through in these gatherings. You'll chat with fellow members, learn about astronomy in a relaxed setting, and build lasting friendships over shared discoveries. The society's active vibe and good viewing site enhance the experience, promoting community ties in the Bay of Plenty region. Equipment includes a 14-inch Meade LX200-ACF telescope, a Lundt Solar 60 for safe Sun viewing during daytime if applicable, a 10-inch Dobsonian, an 8-inch Meade LX10 SCT, and smaller telescopes—ensuring clear, impressive views every time. Practical requirements are minimal: comfortable clothing for outdoor viewing, and easy parking is available right at the site. All are welcome, whether you're joining solo or with family, to enjoy the thrill of astronomy together. About Matua Matua, a peaceful suburb in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, offers an ideal backdrop for astronomy viewings with its clear skies and suburban calm. The sessions take place at the Otumoetai Sports & Recreation Club building, a community hub that supports local activities and gatherings. This location in Tauranga enhances accessibility for residents, providing a welcoming spot to engage with the night sky away from city lights. Surrounded by the vibrant Bay of Plenty community, it encourages locals to connect through shared interests like stargazing, strengthening neighbourhood bonds in a scenic New Zealand setting. Who it's for: All ages, from children to adults, welcoming beginners and experts. Key features: 90-minute sessions with professional telescopes like the 14-inch Meade LX200-ACF. Benefits: Builds community connections and ignites passion for astronomy. Requirements: No experience needed; just bring curiosity and comfortable attire. Accessibility: Easy parking and family-friendly with free entry for kids 15 and under. Pricing notes: $5 for adults; consider 12-month membership for ongoing access at $40 (adults), $50 (family), or $20 (students).
Matua, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
Tue 24 Mar
07:30 pmStargazing Sessions for All Ages
Viewings for Everyone Members of the Tauranga Astronomical Society often share how these viewings spark wonder under the night sky, turning casual evenings into memorable adventures in astronomy. 🌌 These sessions invite you to gaze at stars, planets, and celestial wonders through high-quality telescopes, fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts of all levels. What it involves is straightforward: arrive at the venue for a 90-minute guided viewing experience where society members operate the equipment and point out fascinating sky objects. It's open to all ages, making it suitable for families, beginners, and seasoned stargazers alike. No prior knowledge is needed—just curiosity about the universe. Entry fees keep it accessible: Adults pay $5, while children 15 and under attend for free. This low-cost entry encourages everyone to participate without barriers. Sessions align with the society's meetings on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 7:30pm, from February through December, providing regular opportunities to connect with like-minded people in Tauranga. The social benefits shine through in these gatherings. You'll chat with fellow members, learn about astronomy in a relaxed setting, and build lasting friendships over shared discoveries. The society's active vibe and good viewing site enhance the experience, promoting community ties in the Bay of Plenty region. Equipment includes a 14-inch Meade LX200-ACF telescope, a Lundt Solar 60 for safe Sun viewing during daytime if applicable, a 10-inch Dobsonian, an 8-inch Meade LX10 SCT, and smaller telescopes—ensuring clear, impressive views every time. Practical requirements are minimal: comfortable clothing for outdoor viewing, and easy parking is available right at the site. All are welcome, whether you're joining solo or with family, to enjoy the thrill of astronomy together. About Matua Matua, a peaceful suburb in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, offers an ideal backdrop for astronomy viewings with its clear skies and suburban calm. The sessions take place at the Otumoetai Sports & Recreation Club building, a community hub that supports local activities and gatherings. This location in Tauranga enhances accessibility for residents, providing a welcoming spot to engage with the night sky away from city lights. Surrounded by the vibrant Bay of Plenty community, it encourages locals to connect through shared interests like stargazing, strengthening neighbourhood bonds in a scenic New Zealand setting. Who it's for: All ages, from children to adults, welcoming beginners and experts. Key features: 90-minute sessions with professional telescopes like the 14-inch Meade LX200-ACF. Benefits: Builds community connections and ignites passion for astronomy. Requirements: No experience needed; just bring curiosity and comfortable attire. Accessibility: Easy parking and family-friendly with free entry for kids 15 and under. Pricing notes: $5 for adults; consider 12-month membership for ongoing access at $40 (adults), $50 (family), or $20 (students).
Matua, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
Contact Info
"Connect with Tauranga Astronomical Society in Matua, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty! Reach out to join our vibrant astronomy community, get updates on events, or learn how to get involved. Contact us via email, phone, or social media for more details."
tauranga.astro.president@gmail.com
(+64) 028 432 8401