July 2026 Astrophotography Workshop: Winter Alps and Milky Way
Join Tom Rae for an exclusive in-person Astrophotography workshop set against the breathtaking backdrop of New Zealand’s premier dark sky reserve. This intimate experience is designed for photographers eager to elevate their night sky and landscape imagery, focusing on the spectacular Milky Way core and Southern constellations. This workshop is during the Southern Hemisphere’s Winter season, from July 11 - 18 2026.
Some images of the locations we aim to visit, and the orientation of the night sky during July.
July is one of the most rewarding times of year for night-sky photography in New Zealand. Deep in the southern hemisphere’s winter stargazing season, it brings beautifully long, dark nights that allow for extended shooting windows and many uninterrupted hours under the stars. With so much darkness to work with, you’ll have the freedom to capture multiple Milky Way sequences, refine compositions, and take full advantage of ideal moon phases without feeling rushed.
Clear winter nights often deliver crisp, stable air and exceptional sky transparency particularly in the South Island’s alpine and inland regions revealing remarkable contrast and detail within the Milky Way. As the night unfolds, the sky puts on an incredible show: early in the evening iconic southern-sky features like the Southern Cross and the Magellanic Clouds dominate, before the dense and colourful Milky Way core rises higher later in the night, creating spectacular opportunities for dramatic wide angle night sky photography.
For photographers, it’s a truly special time to be under the stars and winter landscapes of NZ.
Workshop Inclusions:
The photo workshop includes quality Accommodation for seven nights throughout NZ’s South Island, giving us close access to the beautiful Southern Alps and lakes. Accomodation locations include: Inland Canterbury, Lake Tekapo, Twizel / Mt Cook, Wanaka, and Queenstown, as well as transport to and from Christchurch Airport and throughout the trip to shooting locations, compositions and accommodation.
Image Planning / Capture:
Hands-On Night Sky Image Capturing Sessions from the Aoraki Mount Cook Gold Tier International Dark Sky Reserve, with expert instruction and mentorship by Tom Rae. You will learn about what you can see and photograph in the sky, moon cycles, how to craft your images using apps & astronomy fundamentals, how to find compelling compositions, technical camera understanding, focusing your camera at night, light painting, star trackers, and in depth post processing knowledge. During ideal daytime conditions when not editing, we will make the most of this regions spectacular landscape photography opportunities.
This workshop will utilise daylight hours for in-depth editing tutorials, where we’ll process images captured during the workshop using Lightroom and Photoshop, and more advanced softwares like PTGui. Some of the processing tutorials include: Basic image editing in Lightroom & PS, Preprocessing your images for panoramas, foreground blending for eye leading compositions, techniques to highlight the Milky Way’s structure and colours, and Advanced Panoramic techniques for expansive skies.
Itinerary:
The tour will begin with a pickup at 11am (11th July) at Christchurch Airport. Other meeting options may be available with prior arrangements. Throughout the tour, we will be based in accomodation throughout NZ’s South Island, giving us close access to the beautiful Southern Alps and lakes. Accomodation locations include: Inland Canterbury, Lake Tekapo, Twizel / Mt Cook, Wanaka, and Queenstown. Due to the unpredictable nature of NZ’s weather, the full photographic itinerary is not fully set and will be with the judgement of Tom Rae. Flexibility is important to ensure the tour is as productive as possible!
Accomodation Locations:
Lake Tekapo
Mount Cook
Wanaka
Queenstown
Group Size:
An intimate group size with a maximum of 6 participants and two guides, so you get personal guidance and no pressure. Because of the level of personal attention provided with a small group size, all skill levels are welcome, from those new to photography, to advanced photographers looking for an adventure and to take their images to the next level.
Gear / Fitness Requirements:
DSLR or mirrorless camera
Very warm clothing suitable for New Zealand’s cold Winter nights (Night time temperatures in our shooting areas can occasionally get to be below freezing temperatures in July (0 Degrees C).
A basic level of fitness is required, enough to complete mid length hikes and cross / balance on uneven ground.
Laptop with editing software (Lightroom, Photoshop ETC.)
Wide-angle lens (preferably f/2.8 or faster)
A Sturdy tripod
Pricing and Payment:
This workshop with all services including tuition, accommodation and transportation, is $6750 NZD. A full deposit of these funds is required to secure your place on the 11-18 July 2026 Tom Rae Astrophotography workshop. Payment details will be provided upon expression of interest in attendance. Before signing up, read the workshop terms and conditions available HERE. By providing payment to attend this workshop you have accepted these terms and conditions.
Please feel free to reach out to @tomraephoto@gmail.com if you have any questions. I welcome the opportunity to work with you to improve your photography skills in New Zealand’s world renown Dark skies and otherworldly landscapes, and we hope to be teaching you soon!
