Experience the very best of New Zealand’s South Island on a journey through some of its most unforgettable photography locations—from the towering peaks, dramatic fiords, and wild coastlines of the Lower South to the golden beaches and limestone coves of the Top of the South. This diverse region offers an extraordinary range of landscapes, perfect for capturing everything from rugged alpine vistas and cascading waterfalls to sunlit shores and sculpted limestone formations.
In the Lower South Island, immerse yourself in iconic landscapes including Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, the untouched wilderness of Milford Sound, and the windswept beaches and coastal rainforest of the Catlins. Highlights include an overnight Milford Sound cruise, where waterfalls plunge into the sea from rainforest-clad peaks, and opportunities to photograph coastal wildlife such as sea lions on remote beaches.
Journeying north through Central Otago and Twizel, you’ll encounter golden tussock landscapes, glacial lakes, alpine vistas, and some of the clearest night skies in the world. In Kaikōura, dramatic cliffs rise from the Pacific Ocean, offering chances to capture both breathtaking coastal scenery and abundant marine life.
Continuing to the Top of the South, you’ll explore limestone formations, lush native forests, shifting sand dunes, and places where mountains meet the sea. This adventure delivers a unique chance to photograph the highlights across New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes.
Tour Starts: Queenstown
17th September 2026: Our tour starts with three nights based in Te Anau, the perfect base to explore Fiordland National Park and the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area, characterised by dramatic landscapes. We will journey out to Milford Sound, the jewel of Fiordland with towering granite peaks, cascading waterfalls, brooding lakes and mossy beech forests. At Milford Sound we take a cruise to capture the amazing landscapes from unique, alternative perspectives.
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. Inland we will visit the majestic waterfalls of the Catlins Coastal Rainforest Park which offer serene scenes surrounded by lush greenery.
We arrive in Wanaka, a photographer’s paradise famed for its dramatic surrounding mountain ranges, stunning lake reflections and iconic lone tree. Our lakefront hotel offers the perfect base to capture the raw beauty and shifting moods as the light shifts across the snow capped mountains beyond.
We will stay in Twizel for two nights as it’s the perfect base from which to take advantage of the spectacular surrounding locations of Aoraki National Park and the remote Mackenzie Country, which offer some amazing photography opportunities. We will venture deep within the mountains at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park to visit locations including alpine lakes, sweeping river vistas, and views of New Zealand’s highest peaks.
From Christchurch we will head out on a day trip to discover the charm of Akaroa’s historic French village and its stunning volcanic harbour. Start the day with a leisurely brunch, then enjoy time to wander the picturesque streets and waterfront, capturing colourful heritage buildings, gardens, and harbour views. In the afternoon, we will join a day cruise for an unforgettable wildlife experience. Photograph Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, seabirds, and dramatic volcanic cliffs.
Kaikōura is next, where the mountains meet the sea. This dramatic coastal region offers outstanding photography opportunities, from rugged shorelines and crashing waves to abundant marine life, including playful New Zealand fur seals. We take advantage of sunset shoots chosen for the best light, with the Kaikōura Ranges rising magnificently from the sea.
A night in Havelock allows us to explore the stunning Marlborough Sound. We will embark on a Pelorus Sounds mailboat cruise, photographing remote bays, sparkling waters, and native wildlife, while enjoying a unique glimpse into the region’s coastal history and lifestyle. This combination of walking and cruising offers a perfect mix of landscape, wildlife, and nature photography opportunities.
Over three days we will capture the beautiful Golden Bay coastline, capturing sunrises, sunsets, and the dramatic scenery of Wharariki Beach and Farewell Spit. Photograph unique sand dunes, rock formations, and coastal wildlife. This extended stay allows us to capture the region’s limestone formations and beech forests, creating a rich mix of coastal and forest landscapes for your photography collection.
Tour Finishes: Nelson
We will arrive at Nelson 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.
Ben is a passionate guide and photographer dedicated to capturing the beauty of life through videography and photography.
Glen has worked as a travel, documentary, and landscape photographer for over 30 years. As an educator at Massey University, The Photo School, and through photography workshops, he’s passionate about helping others discover and develop their own connection to photography.
Ken Wright’s seascapes speak for themselves, outstanding moments in time that capture sunrise and sunset. With 40 years experience in creative industries, Ken is highly skilled in design, illustration and photography.
Matthias H. Risse is a photographer and technologist who has dedicated his career to exploring the intersection of nature, technology, and human experience.
Accommodation Type: This tour uses comfortable lodge accommodation and mainly 4 star hotels.
Sole Occupancy/Twin Room: Please select sole occupancy or twin share room when booking.
Food: The tour includes 18 cooked breakfasts, lunch and dinners are not included. We’ll stop daily at local cafés or supermarkets for lunch, and a dinner reservation will be arranged each evening at a restaurant. We recommend bringing a water bottle and plenty of snacks to keep you energised throughout the day!
A 15% deposit is required to reserve your space (deposit is non-refundable). The remaining balance is due 90 days prior to the start of the workshop.
Booking and Cancellation Policy: Please click here for our booking and cancellation policy.
Our exact schedule each day will be determined according to the weather to allow for the best shooting, we may choose to swap out locations for others that are better suited to the conditions and we keep a flexible itinerary to accommodate this. We focus on spending as much time as possible out shooting, often from before dawn until sunset. During the tour, we will make time for some image review and processing session, we will fit these around times that are not optimum for shooting.
This tour runs with a maximum group size of 8 and 2 tutors, offering 1:4 ratio of tutors to guests. Limiting group sizes ensure we provide you with expert guidance, instruction, and personal attention according to your learning style. Smaller groups of up to 4 may only be led by one tutor.
A minimum level of physical activity is necessary to enjoy this tour. A lot of locations we shoot require a short walk (10-20mins one way) along the forest tracks or the coastline. These are sometimes uphill, over uneven ground, or rocky beaches and you will be carrying your own equipment. On this tour, there may be a couple of longer walk options (30-45 min one way) but if these are difficult for the group, we do have the option to split the group at these locations. If your fitness or mobility is an issue please let us know.
Camera Equipment: Our tours focus on how to use your camera, not your type of camera. A basic list of recommended camera equipment can be found here
Clothing: A list of recommended clothing to bring on the tour can be found here