South Island West Coast

• Capture the rugged beauty of New Zealand’s West Coast, including iconic locations like Wharariki Beach and Pancake Rocks

• Photograph dramatic coastal seascapes, lush rainforests, and serene alpine lakes

• Shoot under some of the darkest skies in the world, perfect for Milky Way photography

• Explore the Oparara Arches, the largest natural rock arch in the Southern Hemisphere

• Chase stunning sunrises and sunsets at diverse, breathtaking locations

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

• Enjoy scenic drives through remote and picturesque landscapes

• Suitable for photographers of all levels, from beginners to advanced.

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 Wharariki Beach, located at the top of the South Island’s west coast, 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 - St Arnaud

After our final sunrise at Wharariki and breakfast, we’ll head towards St Arnaud, where we’ll capture the stunning shores of Lake Rotoiti. This untouched glacial lake, nestled among native beech forests, provides an idyllic photographic setting. The soft melodies of native birds along the shoreline add a serene soundtrack to our sunset shoot.

DAY 5 – St Arnaud - Karamea

This morning we’ll return to the shores of Lake Rotoiti to capture the first light of dawn, accompanied by the morning chorus as the birds greet the day. After breakfast, we’ll journey back to the west coast, heading to Karamea, the northernmost town on the west coast. After checking into our hotel, we’ll continue further up the coast for sunset, where we’ll photograph the dramatic coastline and vibrant, lush forests.

DAYS 6 – Karamea - Punakaiki

We begin the day by returning to the rugged west coast near Karamea, capturing the beauty of sunrise over this dramatic landscape. After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, we’ll head to the Oparara Arches, home to the largest natural rock arch in the Southern Hemisphere. This remarkable location offers a breathtaking setting for nature photography, featuring massive limestone formations, a tannin-stained river, and lush rainforest surroundings.

Once we’ve photographed to our heart’s content, we’ll continue down the coast to our next destination – Punakaiki. As golden hour approaches, we’ll scout for the perfect spot to capture the sunset.

DAY 7 – Punakaiki

This morning, we’ll capture the sunrise over the iconic Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki, followed by a peaceful bush walk to a serene waterfall. After lunch, we’ll focus on the evening ahead and tonight’s sunset shoot, which has been perfectly timed to align with the setting sun and tide.  Reaching our location requires a half-hour walk across a remote beach, adding to the adventure. After sunset, we’ll return to Punakaiki for dinner and a relaxing evening.

DAY 8 – Punakaiki - Franz Josef

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. As the day draws to a close, we’ll seek out a coastal lagoon, its calm waters reflecting the towering Southern Alps, creating a breathtaking backdrop. Afterward, we’ll settle in at our Franz Josef accommodation.

DAY 9 – Franz Josef - Haast

We begin the day early at Lake Matheson, capturing the first rays of sunlight reflecting off New Zealand’s tallest peaks, Aoraki Mt Cook and Mt Tasman, from the aptly names Reflection Island. After a hearty breakfast in a near by café, we’ll continue our journey south along the coast, ending the day with a sunset shoot at a secluded west coast beach.

DAY 10 – Haast -Wanaka

The sun rises in the west, and we’re here to capture it! With the Southern Alps as our stunning backdrop once again, we’ll photograph the sun as it rises from what feels like the ‘wrong’ horizon. After breakfast, we’ll bid farewell to the coast and begin our journey inland. Along the way, we’ll stop to photograph cascading rapids, powerful waterfalls, and crystal-clear rivers. As the day ends, we’ll capture sunset from the serene shores of Lake Wanaka.

DAY 11 – Wanaka -Queenstown

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 make our way over the Crown range, heading towards Queenstown, our final destination. But before we say hāre rā to this incredible journey and each other, we have one last sunset to photograph. We’ll end the day along the tranquil shores of Lake Wakatipu, where the surrounding mountains and shimmering waters provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable farewell to our adventure. Tonight’s accommodation is included in the workshop price.

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

• $6,600* - twin share occupancy (included)
  approx. USD $3,960

• $7,800* - single occupancy
  approx USD $4,860

To confirm your space on the workshop, a non-refundable deposit of $1,300*(approx. USD $800). 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 12th – 22nd May 2026. Breakfast is included each day at either the hotel or a local café

• Welcome Dinner on the 12th May

• 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

• All meals, except for daily breakfast and the welcome dinner on the 12th May

• 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.