Aotearoa Astrotourism Academy

First School, Lake Tekapo 10-12 September 2021

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.

The inaugural intensive course comprising lectures, practical sessions (weather permitting for evening observing) and plenty of interactions between instructors and participants will be in Lake Tekapo village from Friday 10 September 2021 to Sunday 12 September 2021.

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
BOOK NOW

TEKAPO, NEW ZEALAND

Tasman Room, Godley Hotel, SH8, Lake Tekapo
See hotel website

Tekapo is situated in the South Island of New Zealand, within the Aoraki-Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.