Discover New Zealand: South Island Photography Tour

A Picturesque Beginning

Your adventure begins as we pick you up from your accommodation in Christchurch, embarking on a scenic journey across the vast Canterbury Plains towards the picturesque town of Tekapo. As we travel through these expansive landscapes, you’ll get your first taste of New Zealand’s breathtaking beauty.

Our first evening in Tekapo will feature a stunning sunset photo session along the tranquil lake’s edge, capturing the vibrant hues reflecting off the water. As night falls, you’ll have the opportunity to delve into astrophotography, focusing on the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, under some of the world’s clearest night skies.

We recommend arriving in Christchurch by December 5, allowing a day or two for relaxation or to handle any travel issues such as delayed luggage. This ensures a smooth start to your photographic journey.

Alpine Landscapes and Glacial Beauty

After a serene sunrise over Lake Tekapo and a leisurely breakfast, we’ll continue our journey to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, home to the South Island's most awe-inspiring alpine scenery. This region is the crown jewel of New Zealand’s natural beauty, offering an array of photographic opportunities.

As evening approaches, we’ll focus on capturing the golden hues of sunset in the Tasman Valley, where the stunning contrast of icebergs drifting across glacial lakes beneath towering peaks provides an unforgettable backdrop. It’s a perfect chance to immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Southern Alps and elevate your landscape photography skills.

Sunrise, Aerial Photography, and Hooker Valley Exploration

Your day begins with an optional sunrise shoot capturing the first light over Mt Cook’s summit, just steps away from our hotel. As the golden rays illuminate the peak, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to photograph one of New Zealand's most iconic landscapes.

For those seeking an extra adventure, we offer an optional aerial photography experience in the morning. This includes a scenic flight over Aoraki/Mt Cook, with a landing to capture the magnificent glaciers from a unique vantage point—an extraordinary experience to elevate your photography.

In the afternoon, we will explore the Hooker Valley, a breathtaking journey through alpine lakes and pristine wilderness, with unparalleled views of New Zealand's highest peaks.

As night falls, the clear skies provide an ideal setting for astrophotography, capturing the stars over Mt Cook from the comfort of our hotel’s surroundings—a truly magical end to the day.

Diverse Landscapes and Lakeside Tranquillity

The day begins with an early start to photograph the sunrise over Mt Cook, capturing the majestic peaks bathed in morning light. Afterward, we journey south towards Te Anau, encountering a range of diverse landscapes along the way, providing ample opportunities to capture the changing scenery.

Upon arrival in Te Anau, we’ll enjoy a peaceful afternoon walk along the tranquil shores of Lake Te Anau, following the scenic and easy path of the Kepler Track. As the day comes to a close, you’ll have the chance to photograph a stunning sunset over the lake, with the majestic mountains providing a perfect backdrop—a serene and rewarding end to a day of exploration.

Majestic Fjords and Waterfalls

Today, we embark on a stunning journey to Milford Sound, travelling along the renowned Milford Highway. As we wind through the Eglinton Valley, you’ll have the chance to photograph dramatic mountain roads, moss-covered beech forests, and spectacular alpine vistas.

Upon arrival at Milford Sound, you’ll be greeted by towering granite peaks rising above the fjord’s dark waters, with majestic waterfalls tumbling into the sea. In the afternoon, we’ll take a scenic cruise through the fjord, offering unparalleled perspectives of this natural wonder from the water. The day concludes with a sunset shoot, capturing the fjord’s magic as the light fades, before we return to Te Anau.

After a relaxed breakfast, we set off for Queenstown, a stunning lakeside town nestled among majestic mountains. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to explore the town’s scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere.

In the evening, we journey to nearby Glenorchy, where we’ll capture the serene sunset with breathtaking views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and the iconic Glenorchy jetty—an ideal location for creating timeless photographs in the golden hour.

Lakeside Town and Iconic Jetty

We begin the day with a peaceful sunrise shoot over Queenstown's lake, capturing the tranquil beauty of the morning light. From there, we’ll visit Arrowtown, a charming historic mining town full of character and photographic potential.

Next, we’ll journey across the scenic Crown Range, stopping at the summit to photograph breathtaking mountain vistas. We continue on to Wanaka, where the day concludes with a stunning sunset shoot over Lake Wanaka, creating the perfect backdrop for capturing the iconic beauty of the region.

Famous Tree and Tussock-Covered Landscapes

Our day begins with a sunrise shoot at the iconic Wanaka tree, just a short stroll from our hotel—a must-capture for any photography enthusiast. Following breakfast, we’ll gather for a conference room session to review and discuss the images captured throughout the tour, allowing for feedback and insights to refine your skills.

In the evening, we offer an optional 4WD excursion to a remote, elevated location overlooking Lake Wanaka, where you’ll have the chance to photograph expansive panoramas of the stunning, tussock-covered landscape—a perfect setting to conclude a day filled with inspiration

Waterfall Vistas and Aerial Glacier Views

At sunrise, we set out from Wanaka towards the rugged beauty of New Zealand’s West Coast. As we journey through the breathtaking Haast Pass, we’ll pause along the way to capture the enchanting vistas of cascading waterfalls that line this scenic route.

Our destination for the night is Fox Glacier, a charming town renowned for its dramatic glacial landscapes. Upon arrival, you’ll have the option to experience an aerial photography session (additional cost) over the glacier, offering unparalleled views of this natural wonder from above—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture the glacier’s majesty from the skies.

Reflective Lakes and Unique Geology

Our day starts with a photography session at Lake Matheson, famous for its stunning mirror-like reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman, New Zealand’s tallest peaks—a perfect setting to capture the still beauty of these iconic mountains.

In the afternoon, we head north to Punakaiki, home to the remarkable Pancake Rocks, known for their unique, layered rock formations and blowholes. On the way, we’ll pause at Hokitika Gorge to photograph its striking turquoise waters, offering yet another unforgettable scene to add to your collection.

Limestone Landscapes and Dynamic Coastlines

Our morning begins with an exploration of the limestone formations and river landscapes within Paparoa National Park, where towering cliffs and unique rock formations provide dramatic photography opportunities.

The afternoon is dedicated to uncovering the beauty of the region’s rugged coastline, as we visit some of its most striking coastal features. As the day comes to a close, we’ll head to the beaches to capture the sunset, where the golden light casts a glow over the coastline and the crashing waves, providing the perfect conclusion to a day of dynamic and inspiring photography.

Mountain Views and Forest Waterfalls

As we bid farewell to the breathtaking West Coast, we embark on a journey inland along the scenic Arthur’s Pass. Along the way, we’ll pause to capture stunning mountain vistas and embark on a serene forest walk to photograph an impressive waterfall hidden among the lush greenery.

Our adventure concludes as we return to Christchurch, enriched by the unforgettable landscapes and photographic experiences from our journey across New Zealand’s South Island.