Overnight Experiences Queenstown

Join Ken Wright & Glen Howey to experience some of New Zealand’s iconic landscapes and build a stunning portfolio of the deep southern landscapes. Based in the lower South Island, you will get to shoot a diverse range of landscapes including; rugged mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and rolling farmland.
On this tour, you will start out in Queenstown using 4WD to access some more remote locations and capture the area's hidden gems. The tour then explores the Catlins Coast, which is full of surprises including fossilised forests and outstanding coastal scenery. We will capture the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse for sunrise, and explore the coastline across to Waipapa Point Lighthouse along with all the spectacular waterfalls along the way. The Catlins Coastal Rainforest Park is also known for its amazing wildlife and hopefully we will see sea lions hauling themselves out on the wild beaches along the coastline. The final leg of the tour is through Te Anau and into Milford. The untouched wilderness of Fiordland and Milford Sound, is a trip like no other. Milford is famed as one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. Amassed with waterfalls cascading directly into the sea from mountains coated with Jurassic rainforest, there is never a time - rain, snow or shine - where the area doesn’t look at its pristine best.

HIGHLIGHTS
Milford Sound Cruise
Optional Extra - Fiordland Helicopter Flight
Nugget Point Lighthouse
Catlins Coastal Rainforest Park
Remote locations

QUEENSTOWN - QUEENSTOWN
Queenstown
Catlins
Te Anau
Milford ITINERARY
Day 1 - Queenstown
Today starts at 2pm with Hotel with an introductory session to the tour and then head to a local restaurant for an early dinner. The will then head on a 4wd trip into Skippers Canyon to capture the rugged mountain valleys finishing with the day here with sunset.
Day 2 - Queenstown
We will shoot sunrise this morning over Lake Wakatipu right outside our lakeside hotel. This afternoon will see us heading out on another 4WD trip to Glenorchy and Paradise. Travelling to explore a remote mountain valley before returning to Glenorchy for sunset over the jetty.

Day 3 - Queenstown - Catlins
This morning we will depart early for the stunning Catlins Coast, famous for its amazing wildlife and lush rainforests. We will spend the afternoon exploring some of the stunning beaches around the Catlins Coastline finishing with a Coastal sunset at Kaka Point.
Day 4 - Catlins
This morning we will capture the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse in the early morning light. We will spend the day exploring the Catlins Coastal Rainforest Park, taking a waterfall road trip to the sensational Purakaunui Falls and then onto McLean falls, two of Otago's most famous falls. Sunset this evening will be down on the stunning beach.
Day 5 - Catlins - Te Anau
After sunrise at Kaka Point we explore the coastline to Waipapa Point Lighthouse and the world-famous twisted Macrocarpa tree hedge. Then departing the Catlins, we head towards Te Anau. Arriving here to finish the day walking the tranquil shores of Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake, at the start of the Kepler Track. This evening we photograph the sunset over an iconic Jetty on the lake, with a vast array of mountains beyond.
Day 6 - Te Anau - Milford Sound
This morning you have the opportunity as an optional extra to take to the air with your photography with a breathtaking helicopter flight. Soar above some of the world's most incredible wilderness landscapes and mountains, landing atop it all to photograph the morning light filtering through Fiordland. After breakfast we will take the Milford Highway up the Eglinton Valley. Winding through the mountains; past dark, brooding lakes and mossy beech forests, we arrive at Milford Sound to board our overnight boat and take to the water to capture the amazing landscapes from an alternative perspective.
Day 7 - Milford Sound - Queenstown
After waking up on the boat for sunrise, we will disembark and then spend the day exploring some more locations along the Milford road that we missed on the way in, before heading back to Queenstown in time for late afternoon flights and to end our tour.

PRICE INCLUDES
7 days of tuition with Ken Wright & Glen Howey
6 nights of hotel accommodation (twin-share, single upgrade available)
Overnight Milford Sound Cruise
6 breakfasts, 1 Dinner
Queenstown 4WD Trips
Transport during the tour
DOC (National Park) concession fees
Copy of our Pocket Guide Photography
Native tree planting to Carbon Offset your tour
Donation to our Conservation Fund

Join Ken Wright & Glen Howey to experience some of New Zealand’s iconic landscapes and build a stunning portfolio of the deep southern landscapes. Based in the lower South Island, you will get to shoot a diverse range of landscapes including; rugged mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and rolling farmland.
On this tour, you will start out in Queenstown using 4WD to access some more remote locations and capture the area's hidden gems. The tour then explores the Catlins Coast, which is full of surprises including fossilised forests and outstanding coastal scenery. We will capture the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse for sunrise, and explore the coastline across to Waipapa Point Lighthouse along with all the spectacular waterfalls along the way. The Catlins Coastal Rainforest Park is also known for its amazing wildlife and hopefully we will see sea lions hauling themselves out on the wild beaches along the coastline. The final leg of the tour is through Te Anau and into Milford. The untouched wilderness of Fiordland and Milford Sound, is a trip like no other. Milford is famed as one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. Amassed with waterfalls cascading directly into the sea from mountains coated with Jurassic rainforest, there is never a time - rain, snow or shine - where the area doesn’t look at its pristine best.

HIGHLIGHTS
Milford Sound Cruise
Optional Extra - Fiordland Helicopter Flight
Nugget Point Lighthouse
Catlins Coastal Rainforest Park
Remote locations

QUEENSTOWN - QUEENSTOWN
Queenstown
Catlins
Te Anau
Milford ITINERARY
Day 1 - Queenstown
Today starts at 2pm with Hotel with an introductory session to the tour and then head to a local restaurant for an early dinner. The will then head on a 4wd trip into Skippers Canyon to capture the rugged mountain valleys finishing with the day here with sunset.
Day 2 - Queenstown
We will shoot sunrise this morning over Lake Wakatipu right outside our lakeside hotel. This afternoon will see us heading out on another 4WD trip to Glenorchy and Paradise. Travelling to explore a remote mountain valley before returning to Glenorchy for sunset over the jetty.

Day 3 - Queenstown - Catlins
This morning we will depart early for the stunning Catlins Coast, famous for its amazing wildlife and lush rainforests. We will spend the afternoon exploring some of the stunning beaches around the Catlins Coastline finishing with a Coastal sunset at Kaka Point.
Day 4 - Catlins
This morning we will capture the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse in the early morning light. We will spend the day exploring the Catlins Coastal Rainforest Park, taking a waterfall road trip to the sensational Purakaunui Falls and then onto McLean falls, two of Otago's most famous falls. Sunset this evening will be down on the stunning beach.
Day 5 - Catlins - Te Anau
After sunrise at Kaka Point we explore the coastline to Waipapa Point Lighthouse and the world-famous twisted Macrocarpa tree hedge. Then departing the Catlins, we head towards Te Anau. Arriving here to finish the day walking the tranquil shores of Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake, at the start of the Kepler Track. This evening we photograph the sunset over an iconic Jetty on the lake, with a vast array of mountains beyond.
Day 6 - Te Anau - Milford Sound
This morning you have the opportunity as an optional extra to take to the air with your photography with a breathtaking helicopter flight. Soar above some of the world's most incredible wilderness landscapes and mountains, landing atop it all to photograph the morning light filtering through Fiordland. After breakfast we will take the Milford Highway up the Eglinton Valley. Winding through the mountains; past dark, brooding lakes and mossy beech forests, we arrive at Milford Sound to board our overnight boat and take to the water to capture the amazing landscapes from an alternative perspective.
Day 7 - Milford Sound - Queenstown
After waking up on the boat for sunrise, we will disembark and then spend the day exploring some more locations along the Milford road that we missed on the way in, before heading back to Queenstown in time for late afternoon flights and to end our tour.

PRICE INCLUDES
7 days of tuition with Ken Wright & Glen Howey
6 nights of hotel accommodation (twin-share, single upgrade available)
Overnight Milford Sound Cruise
6 breakfasts, 1 Dinner
Queenstown 4WD Trips
Transport during the tour
DOC (National Park) concession fees
Copy of our Pocket Guide Photography
Native tree planting to Carbon Offset your tour
Donation to our Conservation Fund

Join Ken Wright and Glen Howey on this exceptional seven-day photography tour of the South Island’s wild West Coast. Timed at the end of winter, when the light is crisp and low, the West Coast Photography Tour offers excellent opportunities to capture the area’s wild beaches, forests and waterfalls, and the snow-covered Southern Alps.
The South Island’s west coast boasts more forests, mountains, and protected lands than any other region of New Zealand. Here, wild and remote coastlines are flanked by primaeval rainforests, with the high peaks and glaciers of the Southern Alps rising beyond.
HIGHLIGHTS
Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage
Amazing coastal sunsets
Lake Matheson sunrise
White Heron Sanctuary Tour in the Waitangiroto Reserve

CHRISTCHURCH - QUEENSTOWN
Lake Matheson
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
Westland National Park
Paparoa National Park

ITINERARY
Day 0 - Christchurch
Arrive in Christchurch and make your way to the hotel - this night accommodation is included in the tour.
Day 1 – Christchurch - Punakaiki
This morning we depart Christchurch and head across the Canterbury Plains and up into the Southern Alps. Driving through the famous Arthur’s Pass we will stop to photograph the waterfalls and forests of this area as we make our way to the West Coast. We will reach Punakaiki and its famous Punakaiki rock formations in time for sunset photography.
Day 2 - Punakaiki
The day begins with an exploration of the exquisite limestone and river landscapes of Paparoa National Park. We will spend the rest of the day exploring the exceptional coastline and sunset sees us heading out onto stunning beaches to capture the last light hitting the coastline and huge breaking waves.
Day 3 - Punakaiki - Franz Josef
This morning, we drive down the coast stopping in at the Hokitika Gorge to capture the beautiful turquoise waters and then heading further down to Whataroa for a guided White Heron Sanctuary Tour up the Whataroa river; this is the only way to access the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve. Here, we will photograph the country's only nesting site for the beautiful White Herons (Kotuku), along with the Royal Spoonbill. Sunset tonight will see us heading out to Okarito Lagoon, with panoramic views of the Southern Alps rising beyond a sweeping extent of rainforest.
Day 4 - Franz Josef
Today we will spend the day exploring the magnificent rainforest of the Te Wāhipounamu (a UNESCO World Heritage area). If the weather is right, you have the option (at additional cost) to take a helicopter flight onto the Franz Josef Glacier for some unparalleled photo opportunities.
Day 5 - Franz Josef - Hasst
This morning we will have an early start to photograph sunrise at Lake Matheson, capturing the often-perfect reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman - New Zealand’s highest mountains. We will spend exploring the amazing coastline as we head toward Haast for another West Coast sunset.
Day 6 - Haast - Wanaka
After a coastal sunrise this morning we drive through Haast’s Pass, the gateway back inland to Wanaka. Along the way, we photograph a number of extraordinary waterfalls, including a beautiful 30-metre cascade in stately beech forest. Tonight we capture the sunset over Lake Wanaka. Day 7 – Wanaka - Queenstown

This morning we will head out on a 4WD drive trip to capture the changing light over mighty peaks and mountain valleys. The rest of the day we will explore the hills around Wanaka before heading back over to Queenstown for late afternoon flights.

PRICE INCLUDES

7 days’ photography guiding by Ken Wright & Glen Howey
7 nights’ hotel accommodation (twin-share, single upgrade available) mostly 4✩
7 breakfasts
White Heron Sanctuary Tour
Wanaka 4WD Trip
Transport during the tour
Christchurch pickup / Queenstown dropoff
DOC (National Park) concession fees
Copy of our Pocket Guide to Landscape & Wildlife Photography
Donation to our Conservation Fund
Native tree planting to Carbon Offset your tour

EXPERIENCE
This tour starts in Central Otago with our Maniototo Masterclass Workshop which is designed as an ideal programme to expand your skills as a landscape photographer. You will learn to shoot a diverse range of subject matter including rugged mountains, lakes, rivers and rolling farmland and explore this remote location in 4WD vehicles.
For the next part of the tour we will drive inland to Wanaka. We will have 2 days full of capturing this stunning location and its photogenic colours, all against the backdrop of snowy mountains. Here we will explore Wanaka and Queenstown in 4WDs to access some more remote locations.
From Queenstown we will venture into the untouched wilderness of the Catlins Coast, which is full of surprises including fossilised forests, outstanding coastal scenery and amazing wildlife. Here we will capture the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse. The final leg of the tour is through Te Anau and into Milford. The untouched wilderness of Milford Sound is famed as one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. There is never a time - rain, snow or shine - where the area doesn’t look at its pristine best.

HIGHLIGHTS
Maniototo Masterclass Workshop
Explore some of the forgotten areas of the Maniototo and Central Otago
Milford Sound Cruise
Nugget Point Lighthouse
Catlins Coastal Rainforest Park

QUEENSTOWN - QUEENSTOWN
Central Otago
Wanaka & Queenstown
Milford Sound
Catlins


ITINERARY

Day 1 – Queenstown - Central Otago
We will pick you up early from your Queenstown accommodation and drive through to Wedderburn. After assembling in our unique conference barn, we will run through an introductory programme of advanced camera setup for landscape photography and tutorials on composition for landscape shooting. Later in the afternoon, we will explore more of the beautiful Central Otago Landscapes and set up for our first sunset at the base of Hawkdun Ranges.
Day 2 - Central Otago
The day begins with an early sunrise shoot at the iconic Wedderburn Railway Station before heading back to the Wedderburn hotel for breakfast. The rest of the day will be taken up alternating between locations in the area, including the historic Hayes Engineering Works and Homestead. Sunset this evening sees us venturing further afield to explore the beautiful Poolburn area.
Day 3 - Central Otago
This morning we capture sunrise across the Maniototo landscape. After breakfast, we spend the morning in the hotel conference room to offer some group critique of the photographs from the last 2 days and an in-depth post-production session covering the processing of landscape photographs. This afternoon we head to majestic St Bathans to explore this unique landscape and then capture sunset across Blue Lake.
Day 4 - Central Otago - Wanaka
This morning we aim for another sunrise shoot to capture some of the first morning light. We will then help you process your two best images from the workshop and produce a finished 16x22" fine art print of them to take home. This afternoon we make our way to Wanaka finishing the day with sunset across the lake.

Day 5 – Wanaka
A pre-dawn start sees us heading out in 4WD to the Nevis Valley for sunrise. We will then spend the rest of the morning exploring the Nevis and capturing the best of the light in this remote valley. This afternoon we will explore some of the stunning scenes around Alexandra before heading back to Wanaka.
Day 6 – Wanaka - Queenstown
This morning's sunrise will be at the famous Wanaka tree, capturing the early morning light against the backdrop of surrounding mountains. Departing from Wanaka mid morning to capture the quaint Arrowtown. This evening we will head on a 4WD trip into Skippers Canyon to capture the rugged mountain valleys finishing with the day here with sunset.

Day 7 - Queenstown
We will shoot sunrise this morning over Lake Wakatipu right outside our lakeside hotel. This afternoon will see us heading out on another 4WD trip to Glenorchy and Paradise. Travelling to explore a remote mountain valley before returning to Glenorchy for sunset over the jetty.

Day 8 - Queenstown - Catlins
This morning we will depart early for the stunning Catlins Coast, famous for its amazing wildlife and lush rainforests. We will spend the afternoon exploring some of the stunning beaches around the Catlins Coastline finishing with a Coastal sunset at Kaka Point.
Day 9 - Catlins
This morning we will capture the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse in the early morning light. We will spend the day exploring the Catlins Coastal Rainforest Park, taking a waterfall road trip to the sensational Purakaunui Falls and then onto McLean falls, two of Otago's most famous falls. Sunset this evening will be down on the stunning beach.
Day 10 - Catlins - Te Anau
After sunrise at Kaka Point we explore the coastline to Waipapa Point Lighthouse and the world-famous twisted Macrocarpa tree hedge. Then departing the Catlins, we head towards Te Anau. Arriving here to finish the day walking the tranquil shores of Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake, at the start of the Kepler Track. This evening we photograph the sunset over an iconic Jetty on the lake, with a vast array of mountains beyond.
Day 11 - Te Anau - Milford Sound
As an optional extra this morning you have the opportunity to take to the air with your photography with a breathtaking helicopter flight. Soar above some of the world's most incredible wilderness landscapes and mountains, landing atop it all to photograph the morning light filtering through Fiordland. After breakfast we will take the Milford Highway up the Eglinton Valley. Winding through the mountains; past dark, brooding lakes and mossy beech forests, we arrive at Milford Sound to board our overnight boat and take to the water to capture the amazing landscapes from an alternative perspective.
Day 12 - Milford Sound - Queenstown
After waking up on the boat for sunrise, we will disembark and then spend the day exploring some more locations along the Milford road that we missed on the way in, before heading back to Queenstown in time for late afternoon flights and to end our tour.


PRICE INCLUDES
12 days photography tuition with Glen Howey & Ken Wright
11 nights hotel accommodation (twin-share, single upgrade available) in mostly 4✩
11 breakfasts, 1 packed dinner, 1 boat dinner
4WD trips in Central Otago
4WD trips in Wanaka
4WD trips in Queenstown
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
Two 16x22" Fine-Art Prints
Transport during the tour
DOC (National Park) concession fees
Copy of our Pocket Guide to Landscape & Wildlife Photography and E-books
Donation to our Conservation Fund
Native tree planting to Carbon Offset your tour

EXPERIENCE
This tour starts in Central Otago with our Maniototo Masterclass Workshop which is designed as an ideal programme to expand your skills as a landscape photographer. You will learn to shoot a diverse range of subject matter including rugged mountains, lakes, rivers and rolling farmland and explore this remote location in 4WD vehicles.
For the next part of the tour we will drive inland to Wanaka. We will have 2 days full of capturing this stunning location and its photogenic colours, all against the backdrop of snowy mountains. Here we will explore Wanaka and Queenstown in 4WDs to access some more remote locations.
From Queenstown we will venture into the untouched wilderness of the Catlins Coast, which is full of surprises including fossilised forests, outstanding coastal scenery and amazing wildlife. Here we will capture the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse. The final leg of the tour is through Te Anau and into Milford. The untouched wilderness of Milford Sound is famed as one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. There is never a time - rain, snow or shine - where the area doesn’t look at its pristine best.

HIGHLIGHTS
Maniototo Masterclass Workshop
Explore some of the forgotten areas of the Maniototo and Central Otago
Milford Sound Cruise
Nugget Point Lighthouse
Catlins Coastal Rainforest Park

QUEENSTOWN - QUEENSTOWN
Central Otago
Wanaka & Queenstown
Milford Sound
Catlins


ITINERARY

Day 1 – Queenstown - Central Otago
We will pick you up early from your Queenstown accommodation and drive through to Wedderburn. After assembling in our unique conference barn, we will run through an introductory programme of advanced camera setup for landscape photography and tutorials on composition for landscape shooting. Later in the afternoon, we will explore more of the beautiful Central Otago Landscapes and set up for our first sunset at the base of Hawkdun Ranges.
Day 2 - Central Otago
The day begins with an early sunrise shoot at the iconic Wedderburn Railway Station before heading back to the Wedderburn hotel for breakfast. The rest of the day will be taken up alternating between locations in the area, including the historic Hayes Engineering Works and Homestead. Sunset this evening sees us venturing further afield to explore the beautiful Poolburn area.
Day 3 - Central Otago
This morning we capture sunrise across the Maniototo landscape. After breakfast, we spend the morning in the hotel conference room to offer some group critique of the photographs from the last 2 days and an in-depth post-production session covering the processing of landscape photographs. This afternoon we head to majestic St Bathans to explore this unique landscape and then capture sunset across Blue Lake.
Day 4 - Central Otago - Wanaka
This morning we aim for another sunrise shoot to capture some of the first morning light. We will then help you process your two best images from the workshop and produce a finished 16x22" fine art print of them to take home. This afternoon we make our way to Wanaka finishing the day with sunset across the lake.

Day 5 – Wanaka
A pre-dawn start sees us heading out in 4WD to the Nevis Valley for sunrise. We will then spend the rest of the morning exploring the Nevis and capturing the best of the light in this remote valley. This afternoon we will explore some of the stunning scenes around Alexandra before heading back to Wanaka.
Day 6 – Wanaka - Queenstown
This morning's sunrise will be at the famous Wanaka tree, capturing the early morning light against the backdrop of surrounding mountains. Departing from Wanaka mid morning to capture the quaint Arrowtown. This evening we will head on a 4WD trip into Skippers Canyon to capture the rugged mountain valleys finishing with the day here with sunset.

Day 7 - Queenstown
We will shoot sunrise this morning over Lake Wakatipu right outside our lakeside hotel. This afternoon will see us heading out on another 4WD trip to Glenorchy and Paradise. Travelling to explore a remote mountain valley before returning to Glenorchy for sunset over the jetty.

Day 8 - Queenstown - Catlins
This morning we will depart early for the stunning Catlins Coast, famous for its amazing wildlife and lush rainforests. We will spend the afternoon exploring some of the stunning beaches around the Catlins Coastline finishing with a Coastal sunset at Kaka Point.
Day 9 - Catlins
This morning we will capture the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse in the early morning light. We will spend the day exploring the Catlins Coastal Rainforest Park, taking a waterfall road trip to the sensational Purakaunui Falls and then onto McLean falls, two of Otago's most famous falls. Sunset this evening will be down on the stunning beach.
Day 10 - Catlins - Te Anau
After sunrise at Kaka Point we explore the coastline to Waipapa Point Lighthouse and the world-famous twisted Macrocarpa tree hedge. Then departing the Catlins, we head towards Te Anau. Arriving here to finish the day walking the tranquil shores of Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake, at the start of the Kepler Track. This evening we photograph the sunset over an iconic Jetty on the lake, with a vast array of mountains beyond.
Day 11 - Te Anau - Milford Sound
This morning you have the opportunity to take to the air with your photography with a breathtaking helicopter flight. Soar above some of the world's most incredible wilderness landscapes and mountains, landing atop it all to photograph the morning light filtering through Fiordland. After breakfast we will take the Milford Highway up the Eglinton Valley. Winding through the mountains; past dark, brooding lakes and mossy beech forests, we arrive at Milford Sound to board our overnight boat and take to the water to capture the amazing landscapes from an alternative perspective.
Day 12 - Milford Sound - Queenstown
After waking up on the boat for sunrise, we will disembark and then spend the day exploring some more locations along the Milford road that we missed on the way in, before heading back to Queenstown in time for late afternoon flights and to end our tour.


PRICE INCLUDES
12 days photography tuition with Glen Howey & Ken Wright
11 nights hotel accommodation (twin-share, single upgrade available) in mostly 4✩
11 breakfasts, 1 packed dinner, 1 boat dinner
4WD trips in Central Otago
4WD trips in Wanaka
4WD trips in Queenstown
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
Two 16x22" Fine-Art Prints
Transport during the tour
DOC (National Park) concession fees
Copy of our Pocket Guide to Landscape & Wildlife Photography and E-books
Donation to our Conservation Fund
Native tree planting to Carbon Offset your tour

EXPERIENCE

This 13-day photography tour showcases some of the South Island’s most iconic landscapes, including Milford Sound, Mt Cook and the Catlins, along with some of the country's exceptional coastal wildlife. Timing is planned to make the most of New Zealand’s most settled season in autumn. The whole tour will feature the stunning golden colours of the southern landscapes.
You’ll explore the untouched wilderness of Fiordland with Ken Wright & Ben Wallbank including the majestic Milford and Doubtful Sounds. Milford, the most northerly of Fiordland’s many sounds, is renowned as one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. Doubtful Sound is far more remote and scenic than the well-known Milford Sound offering a true wilderness experience with a 2-night stay here on a boat within the tranquil fiords.
Then you will join Ken Wright & Joel Staveley to explore iconic highlights and hidden gems of the South Island’s stunning coastal and mountain landscapes. We adventure to the high country of Mt Cook National Park where we will photograph some of the amazing alpine scenery around New Zealand’s highest peak. Next is the Otago Peninsula and the Catlins Coast, which is full of surprises, including fossilised forests, curious boulders, and outstanding coastal scenery. We will photograph some of the huge diversity of rare wildlife that this area boasts: penguins, sea lions, fur seals and Royal Albatross in New Zealand’s wildlife capital.


HIGHLIGHTS
2x nights cruise on Doubtful Sound
Photograph penguins, albatross & sea lions
Boat trip on the Otago Peninsula
Stay at Larnach Castle
QUEENSTOWN - QUEENSTOWN
The Catlins Coast
Aoraki/ Mt Cook
Moeraki Boulders
Otago Peninsula
Milford & Doubtful Sound
ITINERARY Day 0 - Queenstown

Arrive in Queenstown and make your way to the hotel - this nights accommodation is included in the tour. Day 1-2: Milford Sound & Te Anau
We journey out to Milford Sound, the jewel of Fiordland National Park and the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area characterised by dramatic landscapes with towering granite peaks and cascading waterfalls. We have a luxury overnight stay at Milford Lodge and the opportunity to photograph the famous Mitre Peak at sunset and sunrise. Then a further two nights in Te Anau allow us to fully explore the stunning Milford Road with its reflective lakes and moss-covered beech forests clinging to steep mountainsides. Along with capturing the serene beauty of Lake Te Anau, we will also explore the majestic beech forest on the Kepler Track.
For those seeking aerial views, an optional extra helicopter flight offers a spectacular perspective of Fiordland National Park, with an opportunity to photograph the fiords and glacial lakes from above. Day 3-4: Doubtful Sound
We embark on a two-night cruise through Doubtful Sound, while it may not be as well known as Milford it is arguably more photogenic. With no direct road access, we must first take a boat across Lake Manapouri, then drive through lush rainforest and over the dramatic Wilmot Pass to arrive at Doubtful Sound where we will meet our boat. The peaceful and awe-inspiring environment of Doubtful Sound offers an unforgettable experience, surrounded by natural grandeur. We will photograph waterfalls, jagged peaks, and the pristine waters of this remote wilderness. Days 5-6: Queenstown & Glenorchy
We then have two nights in Queenstown to capture changing light across Lake Wakatipu and serene reflections of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. We will travel to the picturesque town of Glenorchy, with its iconic boatshed and jetty. Nestled among native beech forests and towering mountains, Glenorchy offers a taste of Middle Earth where the natural beauty is truly unparalleled. We will also have some free time to explore Queenstown before the next part of our tour. Days 7-8: Aoraki Mt Cook
We journey inland to the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Photographic opportunities abound, from the glacial turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki to the alpine lakes and towering peaks surrounding Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand’s tallest peak.
Here, we'll explore the breathtaking Tasman & Hooker Valleys; walking out along well-graded tracks leading to alpine lakes, sweeping river views, and majestic mountain scenery—ideal for capturing the raw beauty of this alpine environment.
For an added adventure, you can also book an optional extra ski-plane flight, which provides an unparalleled aerial view of the Southern Alps from which to land on Tasman Glacier. This thrilling flight offers unobstructed views of the stunning ice formations and towering peaks, perfect for capturing dramatic views of this extraordinary landscape. Day 9-10: Otago Peninsula
Next, we travel to the Otago Peninsula to stay in the historic Larnach Castle, one of New Zealand’s most impressive buildings. Here, you’ll experience the acclaimed Trust the Chef dining experience in the castle’s grand dining room—an unforgettable culinary highlight of our tour. The Otago Peninsula's dramatic coastal landscapes offer spectacular sunrise and sunset photo opportunities. It is also known as the wildlife capital of New Zealand with many rare species including penguins, albatrosses, and sea lions.
We will spend our stay here focusing on some exceptional wildlife experiences including a boat trip to take you around the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross to photograph these majestic birds from the sea. We will also visit a private eco-reserve, where you’ll photograph yellow-eyed penguins and blue penguins. And Orokonui Ecosanctuary; home to native birds and rare species like the takahe and tuatara, you’ll have the chance to photograph these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
We will make a stop at Moeraki to photograph the striking Moeraki Boulders, an extraordinary collection of large spherical rocks scattered along the beach in a dramatic coastal setting. Day 11-13: The Catlins
We then head to the wild beauty of The Catlins Coast with sweeping views and abundant wildlife that make it an unforgettable location for photography; its pristine beaches provide the perfect setting for a dramatic sunset over the Southern Ocean. We explore the highlights of the coastline from Nugget Point; one of New Zealand’s most stunning coastal landmarks featuring a historic lighthouse perched above rocky inlets to Waipapa Point Lighthouse with its iconic windswept macrocarpa trees and expansive coastal vistas. Inland we will visit the tranquil waterfalls of the Catlins Coastal Rainforest Park which offer serene scenes surrounded by lush greenery.
Tour Finishes: Queenstown

PRICE INCLUDES
13 days photography guiding & tuition with Ken Wright
6 days photography guiding & tuition with Ben Wallbank
7 days photography guiding & tuition with Joel Staveley
12 nights hotel accommodation (twin-share, single upgrade available) in mostly 4✩
Luxury accommodation at Milford Sound Lodge, Larnach Castle and Mt Cook
12 breakfasts
3x three-course dinners
2-night cruise on Doubtful Sound
Boat trip on Lake Manapouri
Boat charter on the Otago Peninsula
Private Yellow-eyed Penguin trip
Entry to Larnach Castle
Entry to Orokonui Ecosanctuary
Transport during the tour
DOC (National Park) concession fees
Online Course: Essential Landscape Photography
Copy of our Pocket Guide to Landscape & Wildlife Photography
Donation to our Conservation Fund
Native tree planting to Carbon Offset