Carterton Space Week is returning for a week of rockets, astronomy, science, movies, talks, telescopes, hands-on activities and adventures for the whole family, organised by Go Carterton and Wairarapa.Space, with the support of an extraordinary group of local volunteers, businesses and community partners.
This is our fourth year taking the idea of a Space Week rather literally.
We would love to see that even Mr Carter will become an astronaut. During Space Week, families will be able to explore Carterton with a special Space Week passport, discover activities around town and join events ranging from water rockets to real model rockets.
Space Week is observed to coincide with World Space Week, an annual international event that highlights the benefits humanity derives from space travel. You might call these space spin-offs. For example, memory foam, CMOS (digital camera sensors), infant formula additives, cordless tools, and many other wonderful things were first thought of because of space travel. Today they are part of a huge industry that benefits us all here on Earth. And especially because Go-Carterton is an association of businesses from Carterton, this event showcases what businesses can achieve, no matter where their inspiration comes from.
Every year, the international event World Space Week, a UN-supported observance, occurs from 4 to 10 of October.
From water rockets to real rockets
Our week begins on Sunday 4 October with water rockets and solar observing at Carrington Park – weather permitting.
During the school holidays, the Mars Blueberry portable planetarium will be operating in Carterton, taking visitors on live journeys through the Solar System and beyond.
Young rocket engineers will also be able to join Rocket Academy workshops with Simon from It’s Not Rocket Science, building and launching real model rockets. Workshops will range from beginner sessions through to more advanced rocket building.
There will be plenty happening for grown-ups too, including talks about space and astronomy, astrophotography, telescopes, a business evening, and opportunities to meet some of the people working in New Zealand’s growing space sector.
A whole town celebrating space
There will be activities in different places around town, a Space Market, food, evening events, telescope activities and opportunities to meet people who work with space, science and technology.
Our aim is to make Carterton feel, for one week, like a place where space science has landed.
Children can come for rockets and planets. Adults might find themselves discussing astrophotography, satellite technology or New Zealand’s place in the space industry. Visitors can explore Carterton at the same time, discover local businesses and stay for more than one event.
Fresh from space
We are also delighted that New Zealand space entrepreneur Mark Rocket will be joining our Fresh From Space event by Zoom to say hello.
Mark was one of the early investors in Rocket Lab and later became the first New Zealander to travel to space, making his appearance a particularly fitting addition to Carterton Space Week.
Space for everyone
Some activities during the week are free, while others have deliberately affordable ticket prices so families can take part in several things during the school holidays.
There will be planetarium shows, rocket workshops, talks, telescope experiences, a movie night, activities for young people and events where you can simply wander in and see what is happening.
Carterton Space Week has grown from a simple idea: what if we used space to bring people into town, get children excited about science, connect our community and celebrate the extraordinary night sky above Wairarapa?
That idea is now becoming something rather special.
Carterton sits within the Wairarapa International Dark Sky Reserve, giving us one of the most remarkable natural night-sky environments in New Zealand. Carterton Space Week is one way of connecting that sky with science, education, tourism, businesses and our community here on the ground.
Our Carterton Space Week made it to the Lonely Planet 2026 guide! While stargazing in Wairarapa is mentioned in this year’s guide as one of the 25 things to do in the world, it also highlights visiting Carterton during World Space Week.
Plan your Space Week
The programme includes events throughout 4–10 October 2026, with activities suitable for children, families, adults, space enthusiasts and complete beginners.
Because individual event times, ticket availability and programme details may be updated as Space Week approaches, the complete programme is being kept in one place:
Visit www.cartertonspaceweek.nz for the full Carterton Space Week programme, event details and bookings.
Carterton Space Week is brought to life by Go Carterton, Wairarapa.Space, local businesses, community organisations and an amazing group of volunteers, with support from a Carterton District Council grant, for which we are extremely grateful.
This October, bring the kids, bring your curiosity, and come and see what happens when Carterton points itself toward the stars.
