Charles William Adams (7 July 1840–29 October 1918) was a New Zealand surveyor, astronomer and public servant.
He was born in Buckland, Tasmania, Australia on 7 July 1840.His son, Charles Edward Adams, pursued a similar career as a university lecturer, surveyor, astronomer and seismologist.
His daughter, Ella Spicer, and granddaughter, Peggy Spicer, were both painters.