15-day South Island Photography Tour

Monday 31st March 2026: Nelson

We meet in the late afternoon in the sunny city of Nelson. Introduction of the group, the photographers, and the program. We’ll assess everyone’s level and expectations together — and that’s the beginning of an unforgettable journey!
Welcome dinner.

Meals: D

 

Tuesday 1st April 2026: Nelson – Golden Bay

We head towards Golden Bay, crossing the Takaka Hill range. We pass through the hippie town of Takaka before reaching Cape Farewell and Wharariki Beach for sunset. If you feel like you’re at the end of the world, that’s normal — you are! This site is full of creative composition opportunities.

Drive: 4  hours
Kms: 235 km | 146 miles
Total duration of hikes: 1 hour
Meals: B, D

 

Wednesday 2nd April 2026: Golden Bay – Punakaiki

Today, rocks take the spotlight! We start with limestone boulders strangled by rata roots in an adventure-movie-like atmosphere. We then skirt around Kahurangi National Park and cross the Buller Gorge before arriving at the famous Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki. The surrounding area is full of graphic landscapes for us to explore and photograph.

Drive: 4 hours 45 minutes
Distance: 330 km | 205 miles
Total duration of hikes: 1hour 30 minutes
Meals: B, D

 

Thursday 3rd April 2026: Punakaiki – Lake Brunner

This morning, we explore the lush forest and wild beach of the Truman Track, followed by a visit to the nearby Pororari River Gorge. The challenge here: fitting mountains, river, dense forest, birds, and sky into a single frame!
We then step back in time with a visit to the reconstructed mining town of Shantytown, offering a very different photographic style. A track leads us into the pristine forest by the vast and wild Lake Brunner.

Drive: 1 hour 30 minutes
Kms: 90 km | 56 miles
Total duration of hikes: 1hour 30 minutes
Meals: B, D

 

Friday 4th April 2026: Lake Brunner – Methven

We cross the Southern Alps via the village of Arthur’s Pass, stopping to explore a waterfall in this very mountainous national park. Then you’re free to wander among the unique rock formations of Castle Hill — a real challenge to choose your best shots with so many photo ops! We continue toward the Canterbury Plains nestled against the foothills of the Southern Alps.

Drive: 3 hours
Distance: 200 km | 124 miles
Total duration of hikes: 2 hrs

Meals: B

 

Saturday 5th April 2026: Methven – Mount Cook Village

A short detour takes us to the Ashburton Lakes, a series of natural lakes surrounded by barren mountains. If the wind is kind, we’ll be rewarded with perfect mirror reflections. A little further on, we climb into the vast landscapes of the Mackenzie Country, stopping at Lake Tekapo and several viewpoints over Lake Pukaki.
We reach Mount Cook Village and explore the glacial valleys around New Zealand’s highest peaks.

Drive: 3 hours 15 minutes
Distance: 260 km | 161 miles
Total duration of hikes: 30 minutes
Meals: B, D

 

Sunday 6th April 2026: Mount Cook Village

We spend the day in the mountains with hikes in the Hooker Valley and up to the Tasman Glacier viewpoint. Rocks, ice, rushing streams — raw nature awaits your creative compositions. How about ending the day with a sunset over Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak? You’ll also have time to enjoy the solitude of the alpine landscapes with your camera.

Drive: 30 minutes
Distance: 32 km | 20 miles
Total duration of hikes: Hooker Valley (3 hours), Tasman Glacier (45 minutes)
Meals: B, D

 

Monday 7th April 2026: Mount Cook Village – Dunedin

We admire the clay cliffs of Omarama before descending the Waitaki Valley, with a stop near a hydroelectric dam where autumn colors beautifully contrast with the river’s turquoise water.
Upon reaching the coast, we photograph Oamaru’s limestone Victorian architecture — a treasure trove of detail. Later, you’ll have time to stroll through Dunedin’s historic center, with its spires and monuments reflecting its Scottish heritage.

Drive: 4 hours
Distance: 320km | 199 miles
Total duration of hikes: 30 minutes
Meals: B, D

 

Tuesday 8th April 2026: Dunedin – Otago Peninsula – Dunedin

Today is all about wildlife! The rugged Otago Peninsula coastline is home to numerous seabirds, including royal albatrosses. We head out to find them — and may even spot marine mammals during a 1-hour cruise. You’ll get tips for capturing great shots in more challenging conditions than on land!
In the evening, we visit a private reserve to see a colony of little blue penguins — the world’s smallest penguins. Your mission: capture a great portrait at dusk!

Drive: 2 hours return
Kms: 50 kms | 31 miles
Total duration of hikes: 1 hour
Meals: B

 

Wednesday 9th April 2026: Dunedin – Wanaka

This morning, a short but steep coastal path takes us to the spectacular cliffs of Tunnel Beach. You can experiment with long exposures to add motion to crashing waves.
We then head inland under the stunning light of Central Otago. With its gold rush history and “wild west” feel, this region offers unique photo opportunities.
We arrive in the charming town of Wanaka just in time to catch the beautiful autumn colors.

Drive: 3 hours 30 minutes
Distance: 290 km | 180 miles
Total duration of hikes: 1 hour
Meals: B, D

 

Thursday 10th April 2026: Wanaka

Mandatory rest day for your photo guides. Take this free day to practice the techniques you’ve learned during the first part of the trip. Your guides will have suggested photo ideas in advance — and this region certainly doesn’t lack inspiration!

Total duration of hikes: up to you 🙂
Meals: B

 

Friday 11th April 2026: Wanaka – Te Anau

Ready to trade one beautiful region for an even more spectacular one? Today we travel via the Cardrona Valley and Lake Wakatipu to reach the town of Te Anau, set on the shores of New Zealand’s second-largest lake.
In the afternoon, we walk a section of the famous Kepler Track. Trees blanketed in moss and lichen create a magical forest perfect for tripod photography — it’s up to us to find the best compositions!

Drive: 3 hours
Kms: 230 km | 143 miles
Total duration of hikes: 2 hours
Meals: B

 

Saturday 12th April 2026: Te Anau – Milford Sound (Overnight Cruise)

We’ve saved the best for last! Today we take the famous Milford Road — one of the most scenic in the country. Over a million hectares of forest, razor-sharp peaks, isolated valleys, and staggering rainfall create awe-inspiring scenery for photographers.
We board a boat to explore Milford Sound before anchoring for the night.

Overnight cruise on Milford Sound.

Drive: 1 hour 45 minutes
Distance: 120 km | 75 miles
Total duration of hikes: up to 2.5 hours
Meals: B, D

 

Sunday 13th April 2026: Milford Sound – Queenstown

At dawn, the boat sails again for another cruise through Milford Sound. The dramatic, wild landscape will quickly fill your memory cards!
We return to Queenstown, with — no doubt — more photographic opportunities along the way. Farewell dinner at the top of the gondola.

Drive: 4 hours
Kms: 290 km | 180 miles
Meals: B, D

 

Monday 14th April 2026: Queenstown (Departure)

Transfer to the airport and end of the journey.

Meals: B

Who is this photo trip for?
Calling all nature photography enthusiasts and landscape admirers! Photographers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced are welcome! This tour is primarily a photographic journey: we take you to exceptional sites at the perfect time to capture the images of your dreams. Even if you know nothing about nature photography, we will teach you the basics and more to make great images in the field.

What means of transportation are used?
Private transport is provided from day 1 when we leave Nelson, to day 13 when we arrive in Queenstown. The last day, a transfer is organised to take you to the airport.
We travel in a comfortable minibus.

What level of physical fitness is required?
Most of the photography sites are within minutes of walk from the carpark. However, a couple of locations require up to an hour return of walk on undulating terrain. Two hikes take about 3 hours return, but well worth the effort!

What type of camera gear do I need?
Prior to the tour, we send you a detailed list of recommended camera equipment. We can offer advice on what to buy or what to bring.
Here is what we recommend:

• DSLR or mirrorless camera (manual mode option available)
• Zoom lenses for landscapes like 24-70mm or (16-55mm for cropped sensor)
• For landscape details, a small telephoto lens like 70-200mm (55-135mm for cropped sensor)
• For wildlife, a minimum 300mm zoom*
• A sturdy tripod
• Filters for landscape photography (ND’s, CPL etc.)*
• Spare batteries
• Remote shutter release
• Laptop with Lightroom Classic and/or Photoshop installed for review sessions
• Memory Cards and spares
• Hard drive to back up your photo
• Camera backpack

(* optional but highly recommended)

Can I rent equipment on site?
No, we do not offer this service at the moment. It is difficult to rent equipment in New Zealand. Most of the places we take you to have no photo shops, so it’s  better to be ready from day 1!

What themes are covered?
We focus on nature and landscape photography because New Zealand is the perfect location for this! The country is so varied that we cover radically different landscapes in a few days: rugged coasts, deserted beaches, waterfalls, fjords, mountains, lush forests, lakes… There will be opportunities to capture sunsets and sunrises and, if the opportunity arises, to approach astrophotography. Those who wish can try minimalist and abstract landscapes. We also dedicate time to wildlife photography when opportunities arise, always respecting their well-being. Macrophotography is also mentioned but not covered in details! Yoann is also a certified drone pilot and can discuss drone shooting techniques (no practice during this trip).

What technical concepts are covered?
During theoretical lessons and on-field sessions, we cover:
• Framing and composition
• Light management
• Mastering shutter speeds (long exposure, blur, and artistic streaks, very high speeds…)
• Aperture priority
• Shutter priority
• Manual mode
• The magic trio: ISO – Aperture – Shutter speed
• Focusing and the area of sharpness
• Playing with depth of field
• Focus stacking
• Style
• Post-processing with Adobe Lightroom Classic

What weather conditions can we expect?
In New Zealand, you can expect anything anytime of the year! But generally, in March and April, temperatures range between 10°C and 20°C (50°F to 68°F ) with fine weather. On the coast, you might experience short rain showers. However, the Fiordland region is one of the wettest places on the planet! There, you might experience a few hours of heavy rain—Such a great experience, believe us! The wind is frequent on the coast, which is favourable for streak effects in the clouds during long exposures.

Will we take photos if the weather is bad?
A blue sky is nice, but a stormy sky is better! With the mastery of photographic techniques, wind, showers, and dark clouds are important ingredients for a beautiful image. So yes, we go out to take photos when the weather is bad. However, if the safety or well-being of participants is at risk, we find indoor alternatives like post-production.

What clothing do you recommend to bring on the tour?
We can expect all sort of weather and we will be outdoors A LOT, sometimes before sunrise and after sunset. So having warm and waterproof clothing is important. We will send out a list of outdoor clothing post booking. Remember it’s harder to take good photos when the photographer doesn’t feel comfortable.

How are meals organized?
The tour price includes most breakfasts and dinners. Lunches are at your own expense (except two). They will be taken as picnics, but sometimes we stop in cafes or restaurants that serve light meals, to be paid for on-site.

What’s on the menu?
The restaurants serve a variety of food with a choice of meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes. Portions are generally generous. If you have dietary preferences or allergies, please specify them before arrival.

 

Price includes:

• 2 Highly experienced driver/guide/photographer
• Transport during the tour
• 13 nights accommodation (4* hotel/motel/lodge) quality, comfortable accommodations with private facilities
• 1 overnight cruise on Milford Sound
• 14 Breakfasts
• 10 Dinners
• Visit of Shantytown
• 1h wildlife cruise on the Otago Peninsula
• A guided Blue Penguin tour
• One A2 Fine-Art Print of your best shot
• Department Of Conservation concession fees
• GST

Price doesn’t include:

• International and domestic flight
• Transfert to your accommodation on the first day
• Personal expenses

NZD 12,700 per person (double/twin share)
Single supplement: On request