Aotearoa Astrotourism Academy

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Martinborough, 25-27 March 2022

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Aotearoa Astrotourism Academy, AAA, is launched by Professor John Hearnshaw with the support of Nalayini Davies, to satisfy an unmet need in the astronomical community.

The primary goal of AAA is to offer educational courses for current or aspiring astro-tourism night-sky guides, or for anyone interested in navigating the dark night sky.

AAA has assembled a small team of dedicated and expert instructors, and the plan is to offer short courses on all aspects of night-sky guiding. AAA hopes to impart some of the basic skills and knowledge considered essential for those working in the fast growing astro-tourism industry.

This intensive course comprises lectures, practical sessions (weather permitting for evening observing) and plenty of interactions between instructors and participants.

WHO IS THIS ACADEMY FOR?

Those seeking a solid foundation of knowledge and practical skills to pursue astronomy in the following forms

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
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WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY ABOUT THE COURSE

Thank you and the rest of the team for a splendid course into Astrotourism – I found it immensely beneficial and well balanced. The presenters were very knowledgeable and generous in sharing that knowledge – it was also great fun!
JeffTwizel, October 2021
I just wanted to say how much we appreciated the 3-day course over the weekend. It was just so great to have so many experts in their field in the one place. There was such a broad range to topics discussed in the right amount of detail. I just didn’t want it to stop. I would like to do the same course again in a year and will be certainly be recommending it to others!
MikeTwizel, October 2021
I wanted to say how much I enjoyed the course in Twizel. It was inspirational to listen to such experienced and motivated speakers. Each talk was riveting for me as a complete beginner and the topics covered were the appropriate range and scope for us. It was great to be able to network with other budding astro tourism folk but I also enjoyed the randomness of the collection of people there.
LizTwizel, October 2021
I had a fantastic time with you all, and feel like I learned a tremendous amount. The breadth of knowledge that you shared was tremendous, and the opportunity to spend some time with like-minded folks from around the country was truly invaluable. 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.
JamesTwizel, October 2021
More than met my expectations. Plus everybody I spoke to was very pleased with it. I loved that in trying for broad appeal and as an introduction you didn't "dumb it down."
GailTwizel, October 2021
Thanks for a great course and the opportunity to learn from people who are so knowledgeable and passionate about astronomy. Liz and I both learnt an incredible amount and really enjoyed it.
GarryTwizel, October 2021
What an incredible course, thank you so much. My prime objective was to help me gain confidence and build a more robust way to extend the Astrophotography packages we currently offer. I feel so much more confident now in what to offer. This course ticked all the boxes I had and also many, many more that I didn’t know needed ticking. Thank you so much. You’ve helped me unlock even more of the night sky. You’ve started something very worthwhile and beneficial to Aotearoa and its tourism industry.
SimonTwizel, October 2021
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NEXT SCHOOL
25-27 MARCH 2022
MARTINBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND

Martinborough Hotel, Martinborough
SEE HOTEL WEBSITE

The Martinborough Hotel offers boutique accommodation located on the doorstep to everything Martinborough and the South Wairarapa has to offer.

TEKAPO, NEW ZEALAND

Tasman Room, Godley Hotel, SH8, Lake Tekapo
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Tekapo is situated in the South Island of New Zealand, within the Aoraki-Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

TWIZEL, NEW ZEALAND

Mackenzie Country Hotel, Twizel

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.

 

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