12 Day South Island New Zealand Photography Workshop - 5-16 December 2023

After a tranquil sunrise over Lake Tekapo and breakfast, we continue to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, the heart of the South Island's majestic alpine landscapes. As evening falls, we capture the golden hues of sunset in the Tasman Valley, where icebergs glide gracefully across glacial lakes beneath towering peaks.

The day begins with an optional sunrise shoot over Mt Cook's summit, right outside our hotel. In the morning, we offer the chance for aerial photography (optional extra), including a flight over Aoraki/Mt Cook and landing to photograph the glaciers above. In the afternoon, we explore the Hooker Valley, with its alpine lakes and breathtaking views of New Zealand's highest peaks. The evening presents an excellent opportunity for astrophotography, shooting the stars over Mt Cook from our hotel's vicinity.

After an early start to photograph Mt Cook's sunrise, we head south to Te Anau, capturing diverse landscapes en route. In the afternoon, we walk Lake Te Anau's tranquil shores on the Kepler Track's easy path, photographing the sunset over the lake with a stunning mountain backdrop.

Today, we journey to Milford Sound via the Milford Highway, through the Eglinton Valley's winding mountain roads and mossy beech forests. At Milford Sound, granite peaks soar above the fjord's dark waters, while enormous waterfalls cascade into the sea. In the afternoon, we cruise the fjord to capture its magic from the water, ending with a sunset shoot before returning to Te Anau.

After breakfast, we travel to Queenstown, a picturesque lakeside town surrounded by mountains. In the evening, we venture to Glenorchy for sunset, capturing scenic views over the lake, mountains, and an iconic jetty.

Following sunrise over Queenstown's lake, we visit Arrowtown, a quaint mining town, before crossing the Crown Range to Wanaka. We stop to photograph the summit's vistas before arriving in Wanaka and capturing the sunset over the lake.

We start the day with sunrise at the renowned Wanaka tree, just a short walk from our hotel. In the morning, we review the tour's images in a conference room session. In the evening, we offer an optional 4WD excursion to a remote location high above Lake Wanaka for beautiful panoramas of the tussock-covered landscape.

With the sunrise as our backdrop, we depart from Wanaka for the remote West Coast community. As we traverse the scenic Haast Pass, we'll pause to capture the mesmerizing beauty of countless waterfalls. Our destination for the night is the quaint town of Fox Glacier, known for its awe-inspiring glacial landscapes. Upon arrival, we offer an optional aerial photography session (at additional cost) over the magnificent glacier.

Our morning begins with a photography session at Lake Matheson, renowned for its mirror-like reflections of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman - New Zealand's tallest peaks. In the afternoon, we journey north to Punakaiki, celebrated for its unique pancake rocks. Along the way, we'll stop to capture the vibrant turquoise waters of Hokitika Gorge.

We dedicate this morning to exploring the extraordinary limestone and river landscapes of Paparoa National Park. The rest of the day is spent discovering the region's remarkable coastline. As the sunset approaches, we'll venture onto beautiful beaches to capture the final light of the day illuminating the coastline and crashing waves.

Bidding farewell to the stunning West Coast, we journey inland once more, taking the renowned Arthur's Pass route. Along the way, we'll stop to photograph the breathtaking mountain vistas and embark on a forest walk leading to an impressive waterfall. Our adventure concludes as we return to Christchurch, enriched by the unforgettable photographic experiences.