
Aotearoa Astrotourism Academy
The next course is now open for registration Dark Sky Project, Lake Tekapo | 26th-28th May 2023
Aotearoa Astrotourism Academy, AAA, was launched by Professor John Hearnshaw with the support of Nalayini Davies, to satisfy an unmet need in the astronomical community.
We are pleased to announce our next course
at the Dark Sky Project
Lake Tekapo, 26th-28th May 2023
An immersive programme of lectures, workshops, demonstrations with small telescopes and cameras, and practical observing will be offered. We expect to visit the Cowan’s Hill observatory near Tekapo for observing and star gazing with telescopes and binoculars.
- Astrotourism and dark sky places in New Zealand
- How binoculars and telescopes work and how to use a telescope
- Our place in the Universe
- Coordinates and time in astronomy
- Principal objects to look at for astrotourists
- The astronomy equipment for you
- The astronomy equipment for you
- Astronomy outreach – 20 tips to remember
- Naming of stars and celestial objects
- Maori astronomy and Matariki
- Astrophotography
- Notes for astro-tour guides
- The lives of the stars : star formation, evolution and star death
- Useful books, publications and software for night sky guides
- Astrophotography
- How to start an astrotourism business
- Practical observing with a small telescope
- Grand astroquiz for all
- NZ’s Night Sky & The Universe–what you can see & what lies beyond
- Astronomy– what objects are observable & how best to observe them
- Astrophotography today – the products & the practice
- Astrotourism and/or Outreach – how to conduct these successfully
- The Dark Sky Movement in NZ – what it is & how you can participate
- Buying a Telescope or Binoculars – which is best for you & how to use them


AAA is grateful to the Dark Sky Project for sponsorship and providing the venue for this course. We are also grateful to the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve for sponsorship funding.
Our next courses for 2023 are being finalised.
Kapiti Coast to celebrate Matariki, July 21-23, 2023
The second AAA course of 2023 will be at Te Horo on the Kapiti Coast. This will be a special course to celebrate Matariki, and is especially for amateur astronomers or anyone wanting to learn more about navigating the stars in the night sky using a small telescope or binoculars.
Places at the course are limited to 24 – 30 people
The venue will be the Arcus Kiwi Event centre, 29 Arcus Rd, Te Horo (between Otaki and Waikanae) – see https://www.arcus.kiwi/
Programme: An immersive programme of lectures, workshops, demonstrations with small telescopes and cameras, and practical observing will be offered. We expect to visit the private observatory of Nigel Knowles at Te Horo for observing and star gazing.
Times: Friday 2:30 pm to 10:30 pm; Saturday 9:00 am to 10:30 pm; Sunday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Registration fee: $295 (to be confirmed). Registrations not yet open.
More details will be on-line shortly. For enquiries, please contact us.
AAA’s Courses are Designed for Those Interested in:
Astronomy
Astrotourism
Astrophotography
Stargazing/Outreach
NZ’s Dark Sky Movement
Astro-tourism participants
- Those operating within the industry wishing to improve their knowledge and presentations.
- Those wishing to enter the industry as guides.
- Those wishing to enter the industry as entrepreneurs supported by guides.
Amateur Astronomers
- Those wishing to expand their amateur astronomy hobby.
- Those wishing to host star parties.
- Those wishing to take up astronomy as a hobby.
Photographers
- Those wishing to expand into astrophotography
- Those wishing to start doing astrophotography
Night Sky Navigators
- Those for whom understanding the night sky is useful e.g. sailors.
- Those interested in understanding the night sky for personal reasons
Lifetime Learners
- Those who wish to have an improved understanding of the universe.
- Those wishing to better understand the history e.g. astronomical discoveries, Polynesian navigation
Nature Lovers
- Those wishing to enjoy the natural aspects of the night sky
- Those interested in enjoyable stargazing
What Attendees Say about AAA’s Courses
Today I'm picking up my 8” Dobsonian package from AstroNZ! So beginning my Dobsonian man journey! Joining in with WAS will also be part of the plan and a few of us locally are hopefully going to keep meeting up from time to time.
Once again, thanks for such a thorough weekend of learning and inspiration“.
The venue was great too, and delicious food. I found it so stimulating and have bought quite a few books to keep up with my learning.
Presenters - this was a fantastic element of the program. The knowledge and experience of each was top notch and offered great value to the learning experience.
I have applied for membership of the Wellington Astronomical Society so hope to continue improving my knowledge in the future.
The material covered was excellent, and the level of information was never too esoteric to comprehend, too basic for the level of knowledge I already have, nor too quickly presented, so very well done there. I think the pacing was excellent, and you all have wonderful presentation styles.
NEXT COURSE
2-4 DECEMBER 2022
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Home of the America’s Cup is a spacious, multi-functional building at the foot of the Harbour Bridge in Westhaven Marina.
The RNZYS building has a distinctive nautical appearance where sun-drenched decks and rooms offer superb views over Westhaven Marina, CBD, Waitemata Harbour and the Harbour Bridge.
NEXT SCHOOL
8-10 JULY 2022
MARTINBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND
The Martinborough Hotel offers boutique accommodation located on the doorstep to everything Martinborough and the South Wairarapa has to offer.
TEKAPO, NEW ZEALAND
Tekapo is situated in the South Island of New Zealand, within the Aoraki-Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
TWIZEL, NEW ZEALAND
The course is designed for current or prospective astrotourism night-sky guides or for anyone interested in navigating the night sky and understanding more about astronomy.