Discover the beauty of the South Island of New Zealand on this fabulous 11-day adventure! During this tour, we'll photograph all of the spectacular sights that this region has to offer, from glistening glaciers to fields of flowering lupines, majestic mountains, deep fjords and more! There is something on this trip for everyone – beginners, amateurs and professional photographers alike. Expand your landscape photography portfolio and experience the best of this country that brims with stunning beauty and incredible diversity.
Total price: 5900 USD
Dates
This tour is now Sold Out.
Overview
We'll begin our travels in Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand's South Island. From there, we'll make our way along the west coast, where we'll encounter the rugged wilderness of Aoraki National Park. In between widlflowers, lupines, blazing sunrises and sunsets, we'll journey through the glacier-carved fjords and witness the natural diversity that inspired the Lord of the Rings trilogy to be filmed here.
Our highlights include the magical lakes of Tekapo, Wanaka and Pukaki, as well as a scenic cruise through Milford Sound, the prehistoric-like rock formations of Moeraki, and the popular outdoor destination of Queenstown.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Christchurch
We'll begin on the 25th November in Christchurch, so we suggest that you arrive before the official start date, in order to get some rest. There is much to explore in the South Island's largest city, which brims with heritage and culture.
In the evening on the 25th, you'll meet with your guides and the rest of the group for a special welcome dinner, during which you'll get to know one another and discuss the itinerary for the days ahead.
Day 2 - Lupine country, Lake Tekapo
We'll rise early on day two and begin our journey into lupine country, with fields in blossom towards Lake Tekapo in the west. The flower will be in full bloom, making for a vibrant, colourful sight. We'll capture them contrasted by sparkling blue water with gorgeous mountains in the distance.
In the afternoon, we'll have a sunset shoot at Lake Tekapo, catching the charming Church of the Good Shepherd as a formidable subject surrounded by lupines. This area is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, so if the night is clear, we'll spend it photographing the Milky Way as it rises over the church.
Day 3 and 4 - Into the mountains of the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
The next couple of days will be spent in the region of Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park, home to some of New Zealand's highest mountains and longest glaciers. Along the way, we'll catch glimpses of Mount Cook on the horizon from the pristine blue waters of Lake Pukaki, with the snowcapped peaks in the distance. Nearby is a short trail to Tasman Lake, which is simply beautiful beneath a blanket of stars.
On these days, there will be an optional hike to Hooker Lake, a proglacial lake that was formed by the retreat of the Hooker glacier. The trail is easy to follow and will take approximately 1.5 hours to ascend, though the surrounding views will be worth the journey.
Day 5 - North Otago
On day five, we will make our way down south along the coast to the town of Oamaru, which is renowned for its Victorian architecture. It's a short distance away from the otherworldly Moeraki boulders, which will make for easy shooting, particularly at night when we'll head out to photograph the Milky Way.
Wildlife lovers will enjoy this part of the tour, as there will be the opportunity to photograph rare yellow-eyed penguins that call this area home.
Day 6 - The alien boulders of Moeraki
On day six, we'll have a sunrise session at the mysterious Moeraki boulders, their spherical shapes scattered across the beach. It will be the perfect time to practice wave painting as the water curls around the rocks.
Thereafter, we'll make our way to Kaka Point, a small settlement with stunning coastal views and sweeping sandy beaches. Our subject for the afternoon will be the Nugget Lighthouse, an iconic sight perched atop a steep headland with the ocean all around. It makes for stunning compositions during sunset, though also at night when the Milky Way rises overhead.
Day 7 - Light in the dark
Day seven will begin with a sunrise session back at the Nugget Lighthouse, before we return back to our accommodation for breakfast. From there, we'll make our way across the South Island towards Milford Sound in the west. The drive will take us approximately five hours, though there will be plenty of opportunities to stop and shoot the scenery along the way.
Day 8 - The Sound
On day eight, we'll photograph New Zealand's most spectacular natural attraction, Milford Sound. Situated within the Fiordland National Park, this area is renowned for its awe-inspiring beauty, including Mitre Peak, lush rainforests and waterfalls that plummet from the cliffs on either side.
After a sunrise session along the shores, we'll embark upon a scenic cruise on the water, on the look-out for fur seal colonies, penguins and dolphins.
We'll have a chance to catch the sun setting over Milford Sound before returning to our accommodation for the night.
Day 9 - Wanaka
Although it will be difficult to leave the beauty of Milford Sound behind, we'll get up early on day nine to make our way east towards Wanaka. This lively town is most famous for its crystal clear lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glorious deciduous trees.
Here, you'll find the famed lonely tree, standing steadfast within the southern end of Roy's Bay. We'll capture it as the sun sets, with birds roosting in its many branches.
Day 10 - Queenstown
This will be our final full day of shooting. We'll begin the morning with an early sunrise session at Lake Wanaka, before having breakfast and continuing along our way towards Queenstown. There will be many opportunities to stop and photograph the scenery during this journey. We'll arrive in Queenstown by afternoon and enjoy our final dinner as a group.
Day 11 - Farewell
Day eleven marks the end of our adventure on the South Island of New Zealand. After breakfast, we'll bid one another farewell before being transferred to the airport – no doubt with memory cards full of wonderful pictures to remember this incredible journey, a wealth of new photography skills and amazing friends to keep in touch with for years to come.
Included:
All transfers
Lodging
Instruction and master classes by two professional guides
Milford Sound cruise
Not included:
Meals (except breakfasts)
Airfares
Visas (if applicable)
Single supplement
Cancellation and Refund Policy
We strongly recommend you to get a Trip Cancellation & Travel Insurance after booking your trip. If you cancel and the Workshop is otherwise filled, we will refund you the full amount you have paid towards the tuition, minus a $300 service charge. If you cancel and the Workshop does not fill, then you will be refunded according to the following schedule, based on the full fee of the Workshop:
Greater than 90 days from the start date of the Workshop: full refund minus $300 service fee.
75 days or more: 75% refund
60 days or more: 50% refund
Less than 60 days: no refund
Refunds will be paid by the same method that the original payment was made.
Disclaimer
We highly recommend that you get a travel and medical insurance. Your own domestic government medical insurance and private health scheme will not cover you whilst you are overseas.