Overnight Experiences Christchurch

EXPERIENCE
Join Ken Wright and Matthias Risse on this exclusive winter 4WD adventure with a small group of only 6 photographers. You will have the unique opportunity to capture the exquisite beauty of Canterbury's High Country and the Southern Alps at its wintery best. Our carefully planned itinerary takes you inland through to Mt Cook to capture the majestic Southern Alps. From here, we will journey through the Canterbury High Country to Ashburton Lakes, where we will photograph some of the most stunning winter landscapes. Continuing our journey further north, we will find ourselves surrounded by the majestic beauty of the mountains and the rolling pastoral High Country of Mt White Station. Here, you will experience a diverse range of landscapes, from braided rivers to mountainous terrain, before we end our adventure in Christchurch.

HIGHLIGHTS The snow-covered mountains of the Southern Alps The braided Waimakariri River Lakes Heron & Clearwater Frosty high-country landscapes

CHRISTCHURCH - QUEENSTOWN Mt White Station Photography Experience Ashburton Lakes Mt Cook






ITINEARY

Day 1 - Christchurch - Mt White Station
After early morning breakfast, we make our way inland and enjoy a beautiful variety of scenery as we travel deep into the Southern Alps, and will stop for some fantastic photo opportunities along the way. We will be staying in the majestic Mt White Station for 2 nights, and will enjoy our first night with a sunset shoot out on the station.

Day 2 – Mt White Station
The day begins with an early sunrise shoot before returning to the lodge for breakfast, The rest of the day will be taken up alternating between locations to capture the best of the light, then heading out in the unimog to capture sunset over the terraced high country landscape with mountain backdrop.
Day 3 - Mt White Station - Ashburton Lake s
After sunrise today we head for Ashburton Lakes. This is a remarkable area of placid lakes and high country wetlands, all set in the huge basin between the Rakaia and Rangitata Rivers, both of which drain the central Southern Alps. Much of the area is protected as the Hakatere Conservation Park, and it is the home to such rare species as the Crested grebe and other wetland birds. Sunset will be spent photographing Lakes Clearwater and Camp, arguably the finest of all the Ashburton Lakes.
Day 4 - Ashburton Lakes
After an early breakfast, we return to the Ashburton Lakes, hoping for a good frost to photograph, and perhaps even some ice on the lakes. At sunset, we may visit Lake Heron, to photograph this large lake with the distinctive Mt Sugarloaf beyond it.
Day 5 - Ashburton Lakes to Aoraki/Mt Cook
Departing Ashburton Lakes, we head to the iconic Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. After assembling at the Hermitage Hotel, our home for the next two nights, we will head out to explore locations in the park and have an evening shoot in the Tasman Valley.
Day 6 – Aoraki/Mt Cook
This morning we will have the chance to do some aerial photography (see optional extras below), taking a flight over Aoraki/Mt Cook and landing on the Tasman glacier to capture high alpine views across the Southern Alps. The rest of the day will be taken up by visiting locations in the Tasman and Hooker valleys, including alpine lakes, sweeping river vistas, and views of New Zealand’s highest peaks. All the locations we visit are within easy walks along well-graded tracks on the valley floors.
Day 7 – Aoraki/Mt Cook - Queenstown
The day begins with a sunrise shoot capturing the alpine glow on the summit of Aoraki/Mt Cook acoss a stunning glacier lake before heading back to the hotel for breakfast. We then leave Aoraki/Mt Cook and drive to Queenstown arriving in time for late afternoon flights.


PRICE INCLUDES

7 days’ photography guiding by Matthias Risse and Ken Wright
7 nights accommodation - twin share (single upgrade available, limited availability)
7 cooked breakfasts, 1 lunch & 2 dinners
Mt White Station Photography Experience
Copy of Pocket Guide to Landscape Photography
Use of Benro filters kits
4WD Transport during the tour
Christchurch pickup & drop off
DOC concession fees
Donation to our Conservation Fund
Native tree planting to Carbon Offset your Tour

EXPERIENCE
Join Glen Howey and Ken Wright on this winter 4WD adventure with a small group of only 6 photographers. You will have the opportunity to capture Canturbury's High Country and the Southern Alps at its wintery best. The itinerary takes you inland through the iconic Mackenzie Country to Tekapo, a picturesque village in the Southern Alps. We then travel through the Canterbury High Country onto Ashburton Lakes. This is a remarkable area of placid lakes and high country wetlands, all set in the huge basin between the Rakaia and Rangitata Rivers, both of which drain the central Southern Alps. You will then find yourself immersed in the majestic beauty of the mountains and rolling pastoral High Country of Mt White Station. Here you’ll experience a diverse range of landscapes ranging from braided rivers to mountainous terrain before we end our experience in Christchurch.

HIGHLIGHTS
The snow-covered mountains of the Southern Alps
The braided Waimakariri River
Lakes Heron & Clearwater
Frosty high country landscapes

QUEENSTOWN - CHRISTCHURCH
Tekapo
Ashburton Lakes
Kura Tawhiti /Castle Hill
Arthurs Pass National Park
ITINERARY
Day 1 Queenstown - Tekapo
After early morning hotel pickups, we make our way inland and enjoy a beautiful variety of scenery as we travel further inland, deep into the Southern Alps, and will stop for some fantastic photo opportunities along the way. We will be staying in the majestic Tekapo for 2 nights, and will enjoy our first night with a sunset shoot on the side of the lake.
Day 2 – Tekapo
Today we will spend the day in the beautiful lakeside town of Tekapo, famed for its iconic church on the lake which will be framed with the milky way tonight for a spectacular sunset tonight. This is truly one of the most peaceful vistas in the whole country. It’s always incredible to take in the colour of the lake – no filters required!
Day 3 - Tekapo - Ashburton Lakes
Today we head for Ashburton Lakes. This is a remarkable area of placid lakes and high country wetlands, all set in the huge basin between the Rakaia and Rangitata Rivers, both of which drain the central Southern Alps. Much of the area is protected as the Hakatere Conservation Park, and it is the home to such rare species as the Crested grebe and other wetland birds. Sunset will be spent photographing Lakes Clearwater and Camp, arguably the finest of all the Ashburton Lakes. We drive back east for 30 minutes to our hotel, where we will also have dinner.
Day 4 - Ashburton Lakes
After an early breakfast, we return to the Ashburton Lakes, hoping for a good frost to photograph, and perhaps even some ice on the lakes. At sunset, we may visit Lake Heron, to photograph this large lake with the distinctive Mt Sugarloaf beyond it.
Day 5 - Ashburton Lakes to Mt White
This morning we depart Ashburton and head north towards Christchurch, with a late lunch at Springfield. Our itinerary takes us through the Canterbury High Country, past Mount Somers, and further inland to Mt White.
Day 6 – Mt White
The day begins with an early sunrise shoot before returning to the lodge for breakfast, The rest of the day will be taken up alternating between locations on the station to capture some of the amazing high country terrain and make the most of our time here, the day will end with us heading out in the unimog to capture sunset over the terraced high country landscape with mountain backdrop.
Day 7 - Mt White - Christchurch
Our last day sees us capturing another sunrise and hopefully more icy landscapes around the Station. After breakfast at our hotel, we pack up, and have a last review session before making our way back towards Christchurch. If conditions are suitable, we may stop to capture local waterfalls en route. By late afternoon we arrive in Christchurch in time for late afternoon flights.
PRICE INCLUDES
7 days’ photography guiding
6 nights accommodation - twin share (single upgrade available)
6 cooked breakfasts, 1 lunch & 2 Dinners
Copy of Pocket Guide to Landscape Photography
Use of Benro filters kits
4WD Transport during the tour
Christchurch pickup & drop off
DOC concession fees
Donation to our Conservation Fund
Native tree planting to Carbon Offset your Tour

Our 12-day Mountains to Coast Photography Tour offers an incredible variety of landscapes, from majestic mountains and cascading waterfalls to wild beaches, dense forests, and the snow-covered peaks of the Southern Alps. Highlights include photographing a traditional merino sheep muster on a remote high-country station, where you’ll capture both the exhilarating action and the stunning mountain vistas of the Ashburton Lakes region.
Journey through the dramatic landscapes of Arthur’s Pass, the unique formations of Castle Rock, and the geological wonders of Punakaiki before exploring the West Coast wilderness. This region, home to more protected lands than any other in New Zealand, offers unparalleled photographic opportunities. From the perfect reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman at Lake Matheson to the untouched rainforests and rugged coastlines, every moment is designed to inspire and enrich your photography.
HIGHLIGHTS
Unique access to high-country landscapes
High Country 4WD trips
3-night stay at High Country Station
Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Site
Amazing coastal sunsets
Lake Matheson sunrise
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
White Heron Sanctuary Tour
LOCATION: CHRISTCHURCH - QUEENSTOWN

Ashburton Lakes
Arthur’s Pass
Punakaiki
Fox Glacier
Haast
Wanaka
ITINERARY

Day 1-4 - Ashburton Lakes
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking Ashburton Lakes region during a four-day Muster Photography Workshop, capturing the thrilling spectacle of a traditional merino sheep muster on a remote high country station.

Surrounded by serene glacial lakes, majestic peaks, and pristine alpine beauty, you'll refine your skills in capturing sweeping vistas, emphasizing the texture and depth of rugged terrain, and working with the shifting light of this dramatic environment. Guided by professional photographers, this workshop provides an exceptional opportunity to refine your craft in one of New Zealand’s most inspiring settings. Visit to the spectacular and mysterious limestone landscapes of Castle Hill on route to Christchurch.
Day 5 - Christchurch
Today you will have a free day to explore Christchurch or catch up on some processing before the start of the next leg of the tour.
Day 6 - 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 7 - 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 8 - Punakaiki - Fox Glacier
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. We finish the day at sunset, we visit a remote west coast beach offering panoramic views of the snow-covered peaks of the Southern Alps.
Day 9 - Fox Glacier
This morning, we will photograph the sunrise at Lake Matheson, capturing the often-perfect reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman—New Zealand’s highest mountains. If the weather is right, you have the option (at additional cost) to take a helicopter flight onto the vast upper neve of the Fox Glacier for some unparalleled photo opportunities. 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 10 - Fox Glacier - Hasst
We travel along the coast, exploring the magnificent rainforest of the Te Wāhipounamu (a UNESCO World Heritage area). At sunset, we visit a remote West Coast beach for another west coast sunset.
Day 11 - 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 12 – 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


12 days’ photography guiding
11 nights’ hotel accommodation (twin-share, single upgrade available) mostly 4✩
11 breakfasts
Wanaka 4WD Trip
White Heron Sanctuary Tour
Transport during the tour
Christchurch pickup / Queenstown drop off
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

We have designed this as the ultimate New Zealand photography tour! Learn from five different New Zealand photographers on a 18-day experience, showcasing the South Island’s iconic highlights and hidden gems. Timed perfectly to capture the best of the autumn colours in Central Otago, then travel through the classic southern landscapes, adorned with golden hues and onwards to Mt Cook and Milford Sound, along with some of the country's exceptional coastal wildlife.
For the first five days of the tour, you will be based in Wanaka and on our Autumn Masterclass with Richard Young & Glen Howey. The workshop has been tailored to offer a rewarding blend of tuition, and post-processing sessions as well as 4WD trips into some remote areas to capture the best autumn colours. You’ll hone your skills and technique whilst shooting stunning autumn landscapes and autumn abstracts.
Following this 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
Autumn Masterclass Workshop
2 night cruise on Doubtful Sound
Photograph penguins, albatross & sea lions
4WD tours and boat trips
Stay at Larnach Castle
Experience Mt Cook National park

QUEENSTOWN - QUEENSTOWN

Wanaka & Central Otago
Milford Sound
Doubtful Sound
Aoraki/Mt Cook
Moeraki Boulders
Otago Peninsula
Catlins Coast

I TINERARY Tour Starts: Queenstown
25 April 2025: The tour starts in Queenstown at 8 am to travel to Wanaka. We can pick you up at any central location in Queenstown. Days 1-5: Wānaka
Your tour starts with the luxury of spending 5 nights in Wanaka on our Autumn Masterclass Workshop. The Autumn Masterclass offers us the time to capture the drama of Autumn Colours and misty mornings in spectacular Central Otago landscapes. Expert tutors Richard Young and Glen Howey will help you expand your creative approach to nature and landscape photography in stunning autumn locations.
With the best local knowledge and 4WDs, you will be immersed in the autumn landscapes around Lake Wanaka, the Clutha River, and Mt Aspiring National Park. We explore the remote Nevis Valley and head into the mountains with expansive views over Lake Wanaka and stunning autumn colours.
Our masterclass blends hands-on fieldwork, expert tuition, and post-processing sessions, with a focus on abstract and intimate compositions inspired by autumn. The experience concludes with two of your best images produced as stunning 16×22″ fine art prints—a lasting showcase of your photographic achievements. Day 6-7: 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 8-9: 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 10-11: 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 12-13: 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 14-15: 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 16-18: 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
Sunday, 12 May 2025: After travelling back from the Catlins, the tour finishes in Queenstown. We will arrive at Queenstown airport at 3 pm in time for domestic flights departing from 4 pm. Please only book flights after 4 pm, or you will not make it to the airport on time. For international departures, please ensure you plan your flight departure allowing for the required check-in time requested by the airline.

PRICE INCLUDES
5 days photography guiding & tuition with Richard Young & Glen Howey
13 days photography guiding & tuition with Ken Wright
6 days photography guiding & tuition with Ben Wallbank
7 days photography guiding & tuition with Joel Staveley
17 nights hotel accommodation (twin-share, single upgrade available) in mostly 4✩
Luxury accommodation at Milford Sound Lodge, Larnach Castle and Mt Cook
17 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
Backcountry 4WD trips
Autumn Masterclass Workshop
Two 16x22" Fine-Art Prints
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

Join Richard Young & Glen Howey, then Ken Wright & Joel Staveley, on a 19-day photography tour showcasing some of the South Island’s most iconic landscape including Milford Sound and the Moeraki Boulders along with some of the country's exceptional coastal wildlife. This tour is timed perfectly to capture the best of the autumn colours in Central Otago, as we travel through the classic southern landscapes covered in golden colours.
For the first four days of our tour we will be based in Wanaka and on our Autumn Masterclass Workshop with Richard Young & Glen Howey. This workshop is designed to perfect your techniques of shooting autumn landscapes, autumn abstracts and panoramic landscape photography. The workshop offers a mixture of both tuition and post-processing sessions combined with 4WD trips into some remote areas to capture the best autumn colours. It will leave you with refined skills to help create some stunning photographs for the rest of the tour.
The next part of the tour we will travel to the untouched wilderness of Fiordland and on to Milford and Doubtful Sounds. The most northerly part of Fiordland’s many sounds, Milford, is famed 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. We will stay 2 nights here on a boat to capture the landscapes from a different perspective on the tranquil fords.
Our Final leg of the tour will see us travelling to the high country in Mt Cook National Park where we will photograph some of the amazing alpine scenery around New Zealand’s highest peak. From here, we will head South to explore the Otago Peninsula, known as New Zealand’s wildlife capital. We photograph southern Royal Albatross and stay at Larnach Castle. We will then move to New Zealand’s underrated East Coast, which is full of surprises, including fossilised forests, curious boulders, and outstanding coastal scenery. We will also observe some of the huge diversity of rare wildlife that this area boasts: penguins, sea lions, fur seals and albatrosses.

HIGHLIGHTS
Autumn Masterclass Workshop
2 night cruise on Doubtful Sound
Photograph penguins, albatross & sea lions
4WD tours and boat trips
Stay at Larnach Castle
Experience Mt Cook National park

QUEENSTOWN - QUEENSTOWN
Wanaka & Central Otago
Aoraki/Mt Cook
Moeraki Boulders
Catlins Coast
Otago Peninsula
Milford Sound
Doubtful Sound

I TINERARY
Day 1 – Queenstown - Wanaka
Departing Queenstown we drive to Wanaka, the tour starts with a short briefing on the next few days and a morning classroom session to get everyone up to speed before we explore some autumn locations around Central Otago. In the late afternoon, we head out to the high country around Wanaka.
Day 2 – Nevis Valley
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 colours in this remote valley. This afternoon we will explore some of the stunning autumn scenes around Alexandra before heading back to Wanaka for sunset.
Day 3 – Central Otago
This morning's sunrise will be at the famous Wanaka tree, capturing its autumn colours against the backdrop of snowy mountains. After sunrise, we will spend the morning in the hotel conference room to offer some group critique of the photographs from the last days and in-depth post-production to bring out the best autumn colours in your photographs. This afternoon we will head out in 4WD’s to a remote location high above Lake Wanaka of a private station, we will stay here for sunset capturing the last light across the tussock covered landscape and panoramic views of the lake.
Day 4 – Wanaka - Queenstown
Today will start with an early morning sunrise shoot, hopefully capturing some beautiful mist that forms within river valleys in Autumn. After sunrise, we will help you finish processing your best two images from the workshop and produce a finished 16x22" fine art prints of these to take home. This afternoon we will return to Queenstown, stopping en route to capture a few more autumn colours shots.
Day 5 – Queenstown
Today you have a free day in Queenstown to catch up with downloading or post-processing some of the many shots you have already captured. For those wishing to explore the area more, there are many excursions available here. A great option for sunset tonight is to take a breathtaking ascent up Bob’s Peak on the Skyline Gondola. The top offers some wonderful panoramic views over Queenstown.
Day 6 – Queenstown - Milford
After departing from Queenstown, we take the Milford Highway up the Eglinton Valley. Winding through the mountains; past dark, brooding lakes and mossy beech forests, perched at impossibly steep slopes, we arrive at Milford Sound. Milford Sound is one of the country's most iconic locations, granite peaks soar more than a mile above the dark waters of the fjord. Huge waterfalls tumble down into the sea giving the area a scale and grandeur that has to be seen to be believed. We will end the day shooting sunset over a vista of Fiordland’s dramatic peaks.
Day 7 – Milford Sound - Te Anau
After shooting sunrise over Mitre Peak we will spend the day exploring some more locations along the Milford road that we missed on the way in, before heading back to Te Anau to spend a night. We walk the tranquil shores of Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake, on an easy path at the start of the Kepler Track. This evening we photograph the sunset over the lake, with a vast array of mountains beyond.
Day 8 – Te Anau - Doubtful Sound
This morning there will be an option for sunrise over Lake Te Anau, or to join an one and a half hour-long flight by helicopter (optional extra) into Fiordland National Park. This extra offers sublime aerial photography opportunities of the mountains in the early morning light. After sunrise, we transfer to Pearl Harbour in Manapouri, to cruise across picturesque Lake Manapouri to West Arm before travelling through the dense rainforest across Wilmot Pass. Once at Deep Cove we board our boat for our time at the beautiful Doubtful Sound.

Day 9 – Doubtful Sound
Today will be spent cruising the Sound with excellent photo opportunities of waterfalls, rainforest and mountains as we head into a truly untouched part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area.
Day 10 – Doubtful Sounds - Queenstown
Waking up on the boat sheltered in the wilderness of Doubtful Sound, we cruise through some of the fiord’s most stunning scenery. No matter what the weather, Fiordland is always spectacular. After arriving back to Pearl Harbour, we travel back to Queenstown.
Day 11 – Queenstown/Glenorchy
This morning we drive to Glenorchy, capturing en route the beauty of tranquil Lake Wakatipu with its surrounding snow-capped mountains. The day finishes with a free afternoon in Queenstown to enjoy.
Day 12 – Queenstown - Aoraki/Mt Cook
Departing Queenstown, we head inland to the iconic Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. After assembling at the Hermitage Hotel, our home for the next two nights, we will head out to explore locations in the park and have an evening shoot in the Tasman Valley.
Day 13 – Aoraki/Mt Cook
This morning we will have the chance to do some aerial photography (see optional extras below), taking a flight over Aoraki/Mt Cook and landing on the Tasman glacier to capture high alpine views across the Southern Alps. The rest of the day will be taken up by visiting locations in the Tasman and Hooker valleys, including alpine lakes, sweeping river vistas, and views of New Zealand’s highest peaks. All the locations we visit are within easy walks along well-graded tracks on the valley floors.
Day 14 – Aoraki/Mt Cook - Otago Peninsula
The day begins with a sunrise shoot capturing the alpine glow on the summit of Aoraki/Mt Cook acoss a stunning glacier lake before heading back to the hotel for breakfast. We then leave Aoraki/Mt Cook and drive south towards the historic town of Oamaru, having the opportunity to photograph the whitestone buildings of this heritage town, before to the famed Moeraki Boulders which are curiously round rocks known as ‘concretions’ set into a scenic beachscape. The day ends at Larnach Castle, one of New Zealand’s most stately buildings, dinner tonight, in the castle’s grand dining room, will be a culinary highlight of the tour.
Day 15 – Otago Peninsula
This morning we capture a stunning panoramic vista across the peninsula from a high vantage point on private land. We then spend the day exploring the Otago Peninsula; home to penguins, albatross and sea lions, is often called the wildlife capital of New Zealand. This afternoon will see us heading out to a private beach to photograph Yellow-eyed penguins as they return from a day out at sea.
Day 16 – Otago Peninsula - The Catlins
This morning we capture some impressive coastal landscapes and then take a boat charter around the world's only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross. We will photograph these majestic birds and other bird species from the sea. We then head towards the Catlins. The Catlins is also known for its amazing wildlife and if we are lucky we might see sea lions hauling themselves out on the wild beaches along the coastline. Today will finish with a sunset over a beautiful beach looking out over the Southern Ocean.
Day 17 – The Catlins
This morning we take in the sunrise at the spectacular coastline of Nugget Point, where a lighthouse, wind-ruffled native shrubs, and off-shore islands make a photogenic scene. From here we travel inland to explore the waterfalls of the Catlins Coastal Rainforest Park, these may not be high, but have a subtle beauty all of their own.
Day 18 – The Catlins
We continue to explore the Catlins and surrounds depending on the weather and the groups objectives.
Day 19 – The Catlins - Queenstown
For our last day of the tour, we head north back to Queenstown. En route, we will visit the South Island’s most southerly point, Waipapa and its well-known lighthouse and the world famous twisted Macrocarpa tree hedge. In the afternoon we travel back to Queenstown.


PRICE INCLUDES
5 days photography guiding & tuition with Richard Young & Glen Howey
18 days photography guiding & tuition with Ken Wright & Joel Staveley
18 nights hotel accommodation (twin-share, single upgrade available) in mostly 4✩
Luxury accommodation at Milford Sound Lodge, Larnach Castle and Mt Cook
18 breakfasts
2 night cruise on Doubtful Sound
Boat trip on Lake Manapouri
Boat charter on the Otago Peninsula
2 backcountry 4WD tours
Private Yellow-eyed Penguin trip
Entry to Larnach Castle
3 Three course dinner (Larnach Castle and Doubtful Sound)
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