Observatory Tower and Exhibition Tours

Join a guided tour of the Observatory Tower and hear the stories of how it has been used from 1896 to today. Find out about the amazing heritage restoration of the part-collapsed Tower. View Te Waiatatanga Mai o te Atua The Song of the Gods exhibition on the first floor, then climb the 75 wooden stairs right to the top to the Dome Room, which houses the magnificently restored Townsend Teece Telescope from 1864.

If the weather allows, have a walk out onto the balcony for one of the best views in Christchurch. Accessibility: This tour involves ascending and descending four flights of steep heritage wooden stairs, there is no elevator and no wheelchair or stroller access. Please wear flat shoes.

This event is part of the Christchurch Heritage Festival (16–26 October 2026).