NZ South Island “Snow & Stars” Workshop
14–21 May 2026 · Lake Tekapo · Aoraki/Mt Cook · Wānaka · Arrowtown · Milford Sound
Reserve Your Spot⚡ May new‑moon departures have limited seats—book early for dark skies & fresh snow.
Duration
8 Days / 7 NightsGroup Size
Max 8Investment
AU$6,950†Early‑bird AU$6,450 (until 14 Feb 26)
†AU$750 deposit secures your seat · balance due 60 days prior.
Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 14 May (Thu) | Arrive Christchurch · 3 pm meet‑&‑greet · Sunset shoot Port Hills · Early night |
| 15 May | Drive to Lake Tekapo · Church of the Good Shepherd sunset & Milky Way rise |
| 16 May | Snow‑capped sunrise · Transfer to Aoraki/Mt Cook · Tasman Lake sunset · Dark‑Sky Reserve astro |
| 17 May (New Moon) | Hooker Valley sunrise · Optional scenic flight · Core overhead session at midnight |
| 18 May | Drive Lindis Pass · Arrive Wānaka · “That Wānaka Tree” sunset + early evening core |
| 19 May | Arrowtown snowy ridges dawn · Transfer to Te Anau · Lake Te Anau astro |
| 20 May | Full‑day Milford Sound loop – waterfalls & moody cliffs · Glenorchy sunset · Queenstown night shoot |
| 21 May (Thu) | Lake Wakatipu dawn reflections · Wrap‑up brunch · Queenstown Airport drop‑off by 12 pm |
*Flexible: nights may swap to chase perfect skies around the new moon.*
Why a Mid‑May New Moon?
Mid‑May gifts fresh snowlines, 14‑hour darkness, and the Milky Way core rising right after dusk. Capture the galaxy arching over Tekapo’s stone church, above glaciers in Aoraki National Park and setting behind Milford’s fjord walls—all in a single epic week.
Location Preview
Daily Flow
- Pre‑dawn compositions & ice‑rimmed reflections
- Scenic winter drives with roadside vantage stops
- Warm café breaks & Lightroom edit labs
- Golden‑hour alpine glow & waterfall drama
- Evening Milky Way rise sessions (east‑facing)
- Pre‑dawn core‑set sessions (west‑facing)
Skills You’ll Master
- Tack‑sharp foreground & pinpoint stars workflow
- Focus & exposure stacking for glacier vistas
- ND‑filter waterfall techniques
- Colour‑grading snow & night skies in Lightroom
- Milky Way planning with PhotoPills & Stellarium
- Star‑trail composites & natural light‑painting
- Efficient backup & culling on the road
- Print‑ready sharpening & web export best practice
What’s Included
- Full field mentoring dawn‑to‑deep night
- 7 nights 4‑5★ accommodation with breakfastPrivate 9-seat van, fuel, snow chains & park fees
- Two evening Lightroom/Photoshop masterclasses
- DOC guiding concession (legal park access)
- Pre-trip Zoom orientation & packing guide
- Lifetime access to recorded editing sessions
- Printed Milky Way & Snowfield cheat cards
Not Included
- Flights to Christchurch / from Queenstown
- Lunches, dinners & alcoholic drinks
- Optional scenic flights & Milford cruise
- Comprehensive travel & gear insurance (required)
Travel Logistics
| Step | When / Where | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Arrive | 14 May · Christchurch (CHC) | Meet at airport hotel 3 pm then sunset shoot |
| Depart | 21 May · Queenstown (ZQN) | Airport drop-off by 12 pm—book flights after 1 pm |
Accommodation Picks
| Region | Stay |
|---|---|
| Tekapo | Peppers Bluewater Resort |
| Mt Cook | The Hermitage Hotel |
| Wānaka | Edgewater Resort |
| Te Anau | Distinction Te Anau |
| Queenstown | The Rees Hotel |
Secure Your Spot
AU$750 deposit today—eight unforgettable days of snow-capped peaks & star-filled skies.
Reserve Your SeatIf sold-out, join the waitlist to be notified of openings.
FAQs
Fitness level?
Walk up to 3 km return on well-formed trails carrying your photo pack.
Drone use?
National parks prohibit recreational drones; we focus on ground compositions.
Weather backups?
Cloudy nights = deeper editing labs; storms create dramatic waterfall scenes.
Cancellation policy?
Full refund up to 90 days out. Within 90 days we offer credit if we fill your seat.