Purple and pink lupins beside a New Zealand alpine lake

New Zealand · Late November 2027

New Zealand South Island lupin season tour.

Twelve days across New Zealand's South Island at lupin season: Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Wanaka and the wild West Coast. All-inclusive, with tuition throughout.

  • 12 days, 11 nights
  • Max 8
  • Lupin season
  • All skill levels

Tour overview

Twelve days across New Zealand's South Island at lupin season: Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Wanaka and the wild West Coast. All-inclusive, with tuition throughout.

Dates and pricing for Late November 2027 are released to the waitlist first.

When
Late November 2027
Length
12 days, 11 nights
Group
Max 8
Fitness
Moderate
Start/finish
Christchurch
Style
All-inclusive

Why this tour

Built around the light, not a coach timetable.

01

Lupin season

Timed for late November, when the lupins around Tekapo are usually at their best.

02

Dark skies

Lake Tekapo sits in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

03

All-inclusive

Hotels, meals, transport, Milford cruise and entry fees are covered.

04

Tuition all the way

Field teaching every day, plus editing sessions on the road.

Itinerary

Day by day.

Itineraries may change with weather and conditions to put you in the best light.

  1. 01

    Days 1–3 · Christchurch · Lake Tekapo · Aoraki/Mt Cook

    Tekapo and Aoraki/Mt Cook

    Lupins and sunset at Lake Tekapo, astrophotography under dark skies, and alpine sunrise at Aoraki/Mt Cook. Optional scenic flight.

    • StaySelected hotels, Tekapo and Mt Cook
    • MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner
  2. 02

    Days 4–6 · Te Anau · Milford Sound · Queenstown

    Fiordland

    Te Anau, the Milford Road and a cruise through Milford Sound, then on to Queenstown.

    • StaySelected hotels, Te Anau and Queenstown
    • MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner
  3. 03

    Days 7–8 · Arrowtown · Wanaka

    Arrowtown and Wanaka

    Sunrise over Lake Wakatipu, historic Arrowtown, the Crown Range and the Wanaka tree at dawn. Editing session.

    • StaySelected hotel, Wanaka
    • MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner
  4. 04

    Days 9–12 · Haast · Fox Glacier · Punakaiki · Christchurch

    The West Coast

    Haast Pass waterfalls, Fox Glacier (optional flight), Punakaiki and the return to Christchurch.

    • StaySelected hotels, West Coast
    • MealsBreakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Itinerary map

Where we go.

The route, stop by stop.

  1. 1Christchurch
  2. 2Lake Tekapo
  3. 3Aoraki/Mt Cook
  4. 4Te Anau
  5. 5Milford Sound
  6. 6Queenstown
  7. 7Wanaka
  8. 8Haast
  9. 9Fox Glacier
  10. 10Punakaiki
New Zealand South Island Lupins itinerary map Tasman SeaPacific Ocean 1Christchurch2Lake Tekapo3Aoraki/Mt Cook4Te Anau5Milford Sound6Queenstown7Wanaka8Haast9Fox Glacier10Punakaiki N 100 km

Gallery

The Wanaka tree at dawn
Snow-capped mountains reflected in a lake
New Zealand alpine landscape

Dates & booking

Reserve your place.

Once dates are released, places are reserved with a deposit through our secure online store, right here on the site.

DepartureLengthGroupPriceStatusBook
Late November 202712 days, 11 nightsMax 8On releaseWaitlist openJoin the waitlist

Included

  • 11 nights in selected hotels
  • All meals
  • All ground transport from Christchurch
  • Milford Sound cruise, entry fees and local taxes
  • Tuition and editing sessions throughout

Not included

  • International flights
  • Optional scenic flights
  • Travel insurance (required)

Tour FAQ

Good to know.

What skill level do I need?
All levels are welcome. Tuition is adapted to you, from camera settings to advanced composition and editing.
How fit do I need to be?
Each tour is graded. Most involve short walks on uneven ground, stairs and carrying your own camera gear.
What travel insurance do I need?
Travel insurance is mandatory and must be in place when you book, with at least US$200,000 cover for accident, medical and repatriation.
What if I need to cancel?
Payments are non-refundable. If you cancel within three months of the tour and your place can't be filled, the fee may be forfeited. We always try to rebook your place first.
Is my camera gear insured?
You're responsible for your own equipment. We recommend it's covered by your home or travel insurance.

Limited places

Be first for Late November 2027.

Lupin season is short. Join the waitlist to hear first.