For the amateur astronomer, there are also plenty of astronomical observatories and planetariums where you can investigate the cosmos via a telescope or attend educational shows, and exhibits that entertain and enlighten, exploring the mysteries of the universe around us. Our very own rocket scientist, William Pickering, headed up NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory for over 22 years, and New Zealand continues to harbour a passion for space exploration and rocketry. Rocket Lab, the first private company to reach space in the Southern Hemisphere, launches its Electron rockets from our shores. While the facility is not open to the public, if you’re visiting Hawke’s Bay at just the right time, you might be lucky enough to catch the spectacle of a launch from the complex on the Mahia Peninsula.
