GREAT BARRIER ISLAND
On the 19th August 2017, Great Barrier Island celebrated becoming the world's 3rd Dark Sky Sanctuary. The lack of industry, ambient light and the quality of the air combine to make this a very special destination to see and photograph the stars.
There is a lot more to Great Barrier than the astrophotography. It is only a short plane ride from Auckland yet could not be more different in character. Over 70% of the land is protected Conservation Park and the island has a unique ecosystem.
We are privileged to offer a fully guided photography tour on the island including amazing astro-photography opportunities all aspects of natural photography including seascapes, forests, waterfalls and wildlife.
We are particularly pleased to offer Glenfern Sanctuary in Port Fitzroy as one of our locations to not only photograph but to stay at. It is an 83ha Regional Park and the gateway to the predator fenced 240ha Kotuku Peninsula in the north west Great Barrier Island. Glenfern is one of the premier eco-sanctuaries in New Zealand and a must see.
If you are coming from overseas or mainlaind New Zealand we take care of all the details of travel and accommodation from your departure point of Auckland to the point that you step back on the mainlaind. You will have time to yourself but we organise everything else in between.
If you live locally we can offer a reduced rate for the workshop. Please get in touch.
5 Days/4 NIGHTs $3300 (DEP AUCKLAND/Whitianga)
Subjects covered:
Astrophotography
‘Golden Hour’ seascapes
Forests and rivers
Long exposure and motion capture of waterfalls, rivers and sea
Macro photography
Post processing of images
Included:
Flights from Auckland or Whitianga
Accommodation at boutique locations including Glenfern Sanctuary
All transport on the island
Use of camera equipment: camera, lenses, filters, tripods, etc. if required
Number of People
Maximum of 3
Course Dates:
16th to 20th August 2025
Please get in touch for other dates
“The Great Barrier Island Photography Workshop
The Great Barrier Island Photography Workshop is my introduction to photography workshops and it did not disappoint. It is “spectacular” !
For people who do not know the Great Barrier Island, it will be revelation. It is a place with gorgeous views, beautiful sunrises and dramatic sunsets. Everywhere you look is a photographic opportunity. Staring at a picturesque beach, wondering through the wetlands or having an exhilarating climb to the top of Mount Hobson, five days is barely enough to photograph the grandeur that you see.
The accommodations were well chosen. We got to experience both the south and the north end of the island. Staying at Historic villa, Fitzroy House, the original homestead of the Glenfern property, was a treat and a good launching pad for exploring the undergrowth in the forest just a few meters from the property.
Ian Preece is the conductor of all these. He has meticulously planned the trip, coordinating the time of sunrises and sunsets and rising galactic centers that makes the trip a seamless photographic pleasure. On our trip he managed to transform an iphone photographer to an SLR photographer shooting on manual. For more experienced photographers he is able to provide good insight on the craft and art of photography. Personally he was able to orient me where I am in my photographic journey and see clearly where I have to go. All these done in a gentle non-threatening instruction. He was just there when you need him.
I would do it again in a heartbeat. Maybe look at his Coromandel package next time.
”