ADDITIONAL INFORMATION + FAQ

• Package Inclusions

  • Guided tuition by Mike White MNZIPP APSNZ.
  • Licensed Transport during the workshop to and from your accommodation in Twizel / Takapo / Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
  • Department of Conservation Concession Fees.
  • Public Liability insurance.
  • Outdoor First Aid qualified Instructor.

• Package Exclusions

  Please note that the following expenses are not covered in your workshop package:

  • Meals.
  • Travel or Equipment Insurance.
  • Camera equipment.  (A range of equipment can made available, please check before booking your space on this workshop if you aren’t sure.)

• Transport

  Comfortable SUV transport will be provided during the workshop.

  By Road:

  Drive times (approx.)

  • Christchurch Airport to Twizel: 3h 45m
  • Queenstown Airport to Twizel: 2h 30m
  • Twizel to Lake Pukaki: 10m
  • Twizel to Lake Tekapo: 45m
  • Twizel to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village: 45m

  Please be aware that Twizel’s high country location means that there are hills and winding sections of roads to navigate from either direction. In winter months especially, snow and ice can cover roads. Visit Waka Kotahi: NZ Transport Agency (https://nzta.govt.nz/traffic-and-travel-information/) to plan your trip with travel time information, traffic cameras and updates on delays, roadworks and road closures.

  By Air:

  The region can be accessed through a number of airport gateways.  New Zealand’s international airports are located in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.  Christchurch and Queenstown are the closest to the Mackenzie region.  Charter flights are possible to the four Mackenzie-based airports located at: Lake Pukaki (next to Twizel township), Glentanner, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and Lake Tekapo.

• Meals

  Hot drinks and snacks will be provided.  Please ensure you plan your meals around any briefed workshop time requirements.

• Group Sizes

  Our workshops are designed to maximise the learning opportunities for each participant and run with a maximum group size of 1 instructor and 4 students.

  This gives us lots of time to spend with you, personally ensuring you get whatever guidance or assistance you need as you progress through the workshop.

  Our workshops aren’t about the instructors taking their own portfolio images, so rest assured you’ll have our full attention.

• How fit do I need to be?

  Field Trip locations will be selected to match the needs of the group.  We have a range of locations available that can be accessed directly from our vehicle for those who would prefer to not walk too far.  A reasonable level of physical fitness is still necessary to participate in and enjoy the workshop.  You should be prepared to spend long periods of time (at least 2-3 hours) in cold, dark conditions.  Some locations could involve walking short distances (up to 20-30 mins) along formed tracks.  You must be able to carry your own equipment to and from the vehicle.  We do have the option to conduct longer excursions which could involve walks of up to 3 hours (return) via formed tracks, though this option would only be made available if all group members are willing and able to safely complete the walk.  If you are interested in these longer walks, please consider booking a private workshop instead.

  Any concerns you have about your health, including any relevant pre-existing medical conditions, will need to be disclosed to Mike White Photography before your workshop commences.

  Participants should be prepared for walking on undulating terrain, uneven ground, or loose stones / gravelly surfaces.  Snow and/or ice may also be present on formed tracks.

• What gear will I need?

  Our workshops are designed for photographers using DSLR or Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens cameras.  While smartphone technology is advancing rapidly, these devices do not yet provide the quality or creative experience offered by a dedicated camera system.

  It is essential for your own safety and enjoyment of this workshop that you have appropriate clothing and the correct equipment for working in the outdoors.

  Once you have reserved your space on the workshop, a Recommended Clothing and Equipment list will be sent to you.

  If you are in doubt about any of the clothing or equipment required, please contact us to discuss further before the commencement of your workshop.

  Post-Processing:

  Most students bring a laptop with them on the workshop.  Even if you normally edit with a desktop computer, you’ll find a laptop helpful to allow you to follow through and practice post-processing techniques during the workshop.  And of course, you’ll want to check out your images and share them with the rest of us!

  You will need access to the following software during the workshop:

  • Adobe Lightroom Classic (free trial available.)
  • Adobe Photoshop (free trial available.)
  • Starry Landscape Stacker (Mac only.  Please note this is paid software.)
  • Sequator (Windows only. Free software.)

  Please check all your software is up-to-date just before attending the workshop to gain full benefit from post-processing tutorials (and minimise time spent downloading updates!)

  Panoramic Nightscape Workshops:

  A panoramic head would be useful for these.  There are many different types available to suit different budgets.  On our Panoramic Nightscape workshops, we’ll be demonstrating the Nodal Ninja 6 – a compact, versatile unit that is capable of multi-row panoramic captures.  Two of these units are available to try.  There is also the MSM Z Bracket which is an ultra-compact device allowing for multi-row panoramic captures with lightweight camera systems.  You’ll also be shown how to use your standard tripod head to capture basic panoramas.

  You’ll be introduced to Mike’s standard processing workflow using PTGui during these specialised workshops.  A trial version can be downloaded (output images will be watermarked).

• What about the weather?

  We reserve the right to make any changes to the workshop programme as a result of the weather. As an outdoor activity, we have no control over the weather conditions on location. The safety of the whole group is our priority and will guide all decision-making.

  Forecasting weather in New Zealand is a real challenge due to our topography and isolation in between two oceans.  Although Astrophotography is dependant on the weather, periods of clear skies can appear even when not forecast.  If the weather does limit shooting, we will provide an alternative programme including additional tutorials and post-processing sessions.  We may even schedule some daytime landscape shoots if the weather is suitable allowing you to experience the Mackenzie landscape and take note of locations you’d like to return to.  Your best option to enjoy the workshop is to come with an open mind to the possibilities and enjoy the experience as a whole.  Forget the pre-conceived images you might have in mind.

  Dark Sky Guarantee

  We know how disappointing it can be though to have your stargazing experience hampered by the clouds.  If inclement weather conditions mean we are not able to photograph any stars during a multi-day workshop, you will be offered the chance to return for a complimentary 3-hour field trip session with Mike.  This session is subject to availability, and of course, the weather.

• Insurance

  We strongly recommend that you obtain travel insurance cover for this workshop.  You are responsible for ensuring this policy provides adequate cover for unforeseen circumstances that may arise and prevent you from attending or completing the workshop such as: travel delays, workshop cancellation by us, natural disaster, medical directives (e.g. Covid), transport strikes or medical emergencies.  We also strongly recommend that you have adequate insurance for the loss of, or damage to, your equipment.

• Booking & Payment

  Bespoke Astrophotography Experience

  To confirm your requested dates, a non-refundable deposit of NZ$250 is required.  You can also choose to pay the full fee in advance.  The balance of payment is due no later than 7 days prior to the start of your workshop.

  Payment Methods:

  When you proceed through to the checkout, you can opt to pay through Direct Bank Transfer (internet banking) or by Credit/Debit card.  Card payments are securely handled by our third-party Online Payment Processor, Stripe.

• Terms & Conditions

  Please read through our full Terms and Conditions document available here.

  By completing the booking process, it means you have read, understood and agree to all the terms and conditions outlined in this document.