Fiordland & West Coast Photography Workshop

• Explore the rugged beauty of New Zealand’s west coast, capturing dramatic beaches, iconic rock arches, and expansive sand dunes, as well as some off-the-beaten-path locations.

• Chase golden hour light at stunning locations like Wharariki Beach and the Pancake Rocks of Punakaiki.

• Photograph the serene reflections of Aoraki Mt Cook and Mt Tasman at Reflection Island.

• Capture the famous Wanaka Tree during golden hour at Lake Wanaka.

• Immerse yourself in Fiordland’s untouched wilderness, photographing waterfalls, misty rainforests, and serene lakes.

• Overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound, photographing waterfalls, towering peaks, and pristine landscapes.

• Refine your photography skills with expert guidance on light, composition, and technique.

• Travel with a small group of passionate photographers, enjoying a supportive and inspiring environment.

DAY 1 – Nelson

We’ll meet in the hotel lobby and then head to a local restaurant for a Welcome Dinner. This will be a chance to relax, get to know one another, and go over what to expect during the workshop. Dinner is included in the workshop price.

DAY 2-3 – Nelson -Wharariki

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll check out of our hotel and make our way towards the northern most beach of the South Island’s west coast – Wharariki, where we’ll spend the next two nights. The remote beach of Wharariki is home to fur seals, diverse birdlife, iconic rock arches and expansive sand dunes. We’ll be shooting sunrises and sunsets here, and if the weather cooperates, the milky way arching across the giant sea stacks.

DAY 4 – Wharariki - Punakaiki

Today we have an early start and a long drive. After our final sunrise shoot at Wharariki and breakfast, we’ll be on the road heading towards Punakaiki. This evening we’ll be shooting sunset over the Pancake Rocks. After dinner we will head back to the rocks for some astro photography before we call it a day.

DAY 5 – Punakaiki - Fox Glacier

This morning, we’re back at Pancake Rocks to shoot sunrise. As we continue our journey south, we’ll stop to photograph turquoise waters winding through lush rainforests, contrasting against white limestone cliffs. For sunset, we’ll capture the reflections of Aoraki Mt Cook and Mt Tasman at the aptly named Reflection Island.

DAY 6 – Fox Glacier - Wanaka

We’re back at Reflection Island for sunrise. After breakfast we’re heading inland towards Wanaka and the infamous tree. Along the way we’ll be shooting waterfalls and crystal blue rivers. Sunset will be shot from the shores of Lake Wanaka.

DAY 7 – Wanaka -Te Anau

Sunrise in Wanaka wouldn’t be complete without the iconic Wanaka Tree taking centre stage in the early morning light. After we’ve captured its beauty, we’ll be making our way along the shores of Lake Wakatipu towards Te Anau – the gate way to Fiordland. This evenings sunset shoot will be near by Te Anau.

DAY 8 – Te Anau - Doubtful Sound

After sunrise, we’ll drive to Manapouri and check in for our overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound. From there, we’ll cruise across picturesque Lake Manapouri to West Arm, then travel through lush rainforest over Wilmot Pass. Upon reaching Deep Cove, we’ll board our vessel to explore the remote, scenic Doubtful Sound, a pristine wilderness filled with photo opportunities of waterfalls, rainforests, and towering mountains within the UNESCO-listed Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. As night falls, we’ll settle aboard the boat, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the fjord.

DAY 9 – Doubtful Sound - Queenstown

We’ll aboard the boat in time to capture the first light illuminating the tranquil waters and dramatic peaks of Doubtful Sound. The soft morning glow and shifting mist create a magical atmosphere, offering endless opportunities for stunning compositions. After returning to Manapouri, we make our way back to Queenstown.

All hotels are 3 Star + and have been carefully selected to minimise the distance we have to drive for early morning sunrise shoot.

• $8,100* - twin share occupancy (included)
  approx. USD $4,860

• $9,300* - single occupancy
  approx. USD $5,580

To confirm your space on the workshop, a non-refundable deposit of $1,600* (approx. USD $1,000) is required. Balance of workshop is payable 90 days before prior to the workshop start date.

*All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars. Please see T&C’s

By booking this workshop, you agree to the Terms & Conditions. Please review them here

• Accommodation from 16th - 24th September 2025. Breakfast is included each day at either the hotel or a local café

• Welcome Dinner on the 16th September

• Overnight cruise at Doubtful Sound

• Hands on tuition and guidance

• Transportation for the duration of the workshop

• Entrance to National Parks

• Flights, and transfers to and from New Zealand

• Visas and travel insurance

• Alcohol

• Food, other than what is listed

• DSLR or Mirrorless camera

• Variety of lenses that range from wide (24mm or wider) to telephoto (70-200mm or longer)

• Sturdy tripod

• Shutter cable release

• Filters - Neutral Density and CPL

• Spare batteries and SD cards

• Laptop with Lightroom and Photoshop installed

What level of photography experience is required?
All of my workshops are designed for photographers with a basic understanding of their camera equipment. If you know how to adjust settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, you're good to go! I’ll help you refine your skills and explore advanced techniques in the field.

What kind of fitness level is needed?
A moderate fitness level is sufficient. While we won’t be scaling mountains, some locations may involve walking on uneven terrain, gentle hikes, or carrying your gear for short distances. If you can handle these, you'll be comfortable throughout the workshop.

What will the daily schedule look like?
Each day is tailored to maximize the best light for photography. Expect early starts for sunrise shoots, travel between destinations during the day,  and evening sessions for sunset or astrophotography. We also include breaks for meals, rest, and editing discussions. Drive times between locations vary, but we aim to keep it manageable, often around 2-3 hours with opportunity for photography along the way.

What if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable, but that’s part of the adventure! We embrace all conditions, as dramatic weather often leads to stunning images. If outdoor shooting isn’t possible, we’ll dive into editing sessions or post-processing techniques until the weather clears.

What will the temperature be like during the workshop?
From May to October, South Island temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) during the day, with colder mornings and nights, often dropping to freezing or below in alpine areas. Snow is possible at higher elevations, while lower areas typically enjoy crisp, clear days. A recommended gear and clothing list will be sent to you upon registration to help you prepare for these conditions.