🌍 Workshop Overview: South Island Photography Odyssey (2027)

Duration: 14 Days Season: March–May Focus: Astrophotography & Landscape Photography  Group Size: Max 6-8 participants

INSTRUCTOR

SIMON WALDRAM 

New Zealand South Island Night Photography Workshop

14-Day Astro & Landscape Photography Tour | Milky Way, Dark Skies & Iconic Locations

Join a professionally guided 14-day photography workshop across New Zealand’s South Island, tailored for photographers seeking dramatic landscapes, pristine dark skies, and creative transformation. This immersive experience blends technical mastery with artistic exploration—ideal for building a portfolio that stands out in both astrophotography and landscape work.

Itinerary Overview: Iconic Locations for Night & Day Photography

This workshop takes you through a carefully curated route across New Zealand’s most photogenic regions. Each location is selected for its visual impact, accessibility, and celestial clarity.

Queenstown & Glenorchy Begin your journey with lakeside serenity and mountain reflections. At night, capture the Milky Way arcing over Paradise Valley—an ideal introduction to New Zealand’s dark skies.

Moke Lake & Skippers Canyon Photograph dramatic canyon vistas and mirror-like lake surfaces during the day. After sunset, experiment with star trails and light-painted foregrounds in rugged terrain.

Aoraki / Mt. Cook & Lake Tekapo Shoot the Southern Alps and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. These world-renowned dark-sky locations offer pristine views of the galactic core and opportunities for tracked deep-sky imaging.

Moeraki & Nugget Point Explore coastal compositions and the famous Moeraki Boulders. At night, capture lighthouse silhouettes and moonlit seascapes under a star-filled sky.

Catlins & Fiordland Discover waterfalls, forest textures, and misty paths. Twilight transitions into Milky Way scenes framed by silhouetted canopies and rugged coastlines.

Wanaka & Lake Hawea Conclude the journey with autumn colors and the iconic Wanaka Tree. Final night shoots offer portfolio-worthy reflections and layered compositions beneath the stars.

Night Photography Focus

This workshop is designed to elevate your technical skills and creative vision in astrophotography.

Core Techniques Covered:

• Star trails and galactic arcs

• Light painting and foreground illumination

• Milky Way shoot planning using PhotoPills and Stellarium

• Exposure blending and noise reduction

• Composition strategies for night landscapes

Recommended Gear:

• Full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera

• Wide-angle lens (14–24mm f/2.8)

• Tripod, intervalometer, red-light headlamp

• Star tracker (optional for deep-sky work)

Travel Information

Flight Duration: Approx. 24–30 hours from the UK to Queenstown (with layovers) Time Zone Difference: New Zealand is typically +12 hours ahead of GMT Jet Lag Tips:

• Arrive 1–2 days early to acclimate

• Adjust sleep schedule before departure

• Use daylight exposure and hydration to reset your body clock

What’s Included

• 14 days of guided photography instruction

• Accommodation in scenic, photography-friendly locations

• All ground transportation during the workshop

• Night shoot planning sessions using PhotoPills and Stellarium

• Portfolio reviews and editing guidance

• Park entry fees and location permits

What’s Not Included

• International flights to/from New Zealand

• Entry Visa

• Travel insurance (required)

• Meals (local recommendations provided)

• Personal gear (camera, tripod, lenses, etc.)

• Additional hotel nights before or after the workshop dates (recommended if arriving early to adjust for jet lag)

Who Should Attend

This workshop is ideal for:

• Astrophotographers seeking world-class dark-sky locations

• Landscape photographers expanding into night photography

• Creatives looking for a portfolio-building travel experience

• Professionals aiming to refine their technique and storytelling