2025 New Zealand Milky Way Core Workshop

Join me on an exclusive 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 imagery, focusing on the spectacular Milky Way core during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter season.

The workshop includes premium Accomodation for three nights, and transportation is included throughout the trip to shooting locations and accomodation.

Image Capture & Planning:

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, and star trackers.

During ideal daytime conditions when not editing, we will make the most of this regions spectacular landscape photography opportunities:

What is included in the Workshop?

Itinerary:

The tour will begin with a pickup at 11am (11th September) at Christchurch Airport. There can be flexibility with the pickup location if necessary. Throughout the tour, we will be based in New Zealand’s Mackenzie Country at Accomodation near Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, giving us close access to the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Due to the nature of NZ’s weather, the photography itinerary is not fully set and will be with the judgement of the guide after reviewing the forecasts. Flexibility is important to with the unpredictable nature of the weather to ensure the tour is as productive as possible!

Daytime Editing Sessions will be prioritised after clear nights:

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 if required. Some of the processing tutorials include: Basic image editing in Lightroom & PS, Preprocessing your images for panoramas, Processing day time landscape photographs, Foreground blending for eye leading compositions, Techniques to highlight the Milky Way’s structure and colours, and Advanced Panoramic techniques for expansive skies.

Group Size:

An intimate group size with a maximum of 3 participants, 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 and Fitness Requirements:

DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings

Very warm clothing suitable for New Zealand’s cold winter nights

A basic level of fitness is required, enough to complete short hikes.

Laptop with editing software (Lightroom, Photoshop ETC.)

Wide-angle lens (preferably f/2.8 or faster)

A Sturdy tripod

Payment and Conditions:

This workshop with all services included, is $3250 NZD. A full deposit of these funds is required to confirm your place on the workshop. Payment details will be provided via Email. Before signing up, read the workshop terms and conditions available HERE.

Please reach out @tomraephoto@gmail.com if you have any questions. I really appreciate your interest in the workshop & I hope to be teaching you soon! :)

Contact Tom & Sign Up: