New Zealand South Island Photography Workshop: Fiordland, West Coast & Alpine Landscapes

• Journey through New Zealand’s South Island, capturing dramatic peaks, serene glacial lakes, and rugged coastal seascapes

• Chase sunsets and photograph under some of the darkest skies in the world

• Private photography cruise through Milford Sound to capture stunning landscapes and wildlife, including penguins and fur seals

• Shoot iconic locations like the Pancake Rocks, Aoraki Mt Cook, and the famous Wanaka Tree

• Capture the Milky Way over remarkable landscapes, including the Wanaka Tree and Mitre Peak

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

• Explore iconic bucket-list photography locations and hidden gems

• Travel with a small group of passionate photographers in a fun, supportive environment
  

DAY 1: Christchurch

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: Christchurch – Ashburton Lakes

Today we’ll leave Christchurch and travel to the Hakatere Conservation Reserve of mid-Canterbury. This untouched area is nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps and offers a range of high-country locations, alpine lakes and tussock covered rolling vistas – you will literally be stepping into Middle Earth. We will shoot sunset at one of the near by lakes. After dinner we’ll shoot some astrophotography, weather permitting.

DAY 2 – Ashburton Lakes – Tekapo

After sunrise and a leisurely breakfast, we’re making our way to Tekapo, renowned for it’s spectacular night sky, turquoise lake and stone church. We’ll spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding landscapes and capture sunset on the shores of Lake Tekapo. If the skies are clear, we’ll shoot the Milky Way over the Church of the Good Shepherd.

DAYS 3-5 – Tekapo – Aoraki Mt Cook

This morning we’ll shoot sunrise from the Church of the Good Shepherd before travelling to Aoraki Mt Cook, where we’ll call home for the next 2 nights. At 3,724, Aoraki Mt Cook is New Zealand’s tallest peak.

Over the next two days we’ll be shooting snow-capped peaks, ice burgs, tussock covered valleys and turquoise glacial lakes. There is a 10km return walk to Hooker Lake on the second day, this is a reasonably flat walk with a total elevation gain of 197m.

DAY 6 – Aoraki Mt Cook - Queenstown

After our final sunrise shoot near Aoraki Mt Cook we’ll head towards Queenstown. It’s not a long drive today, but there are plenty of photography opportunities along the way. After lunch and checking into our Hotel, we’ll make our way along Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy, our destination for sunset. If conditions allow, we’ll also capture the Milky Way over the Remarkables.

DAYS 7-8 – Queenstown – Piopiotahi/ Milford Sound

After a sunrise shoot near Queenstown, we set off to Piopiotahi/Milford Sound, situated at the northern end of Fiordland National Park. Our route takes us along the Milford Highway, widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s most spectacular roads. After settling into the luxurious Milford Sound Lodge, where we’ll spend the next two nights, we will capture sunset over the mighty Mitre Peak.

While we’re at Piopiotahi/ Milford Sound, we’ll be embarking on a two-hour private photography cruise through the fiord. During the cruise we may have the chance to photograph rear Fiordland-crested penguins, dolphins and New Zealand fur seals. In the evening we’ll be back on the shores of Freshwater Basin to capture the Milky Way arching over Mitre Peak.

DAY 9 - Piopiotahi / Milford Sound - Queenstown
Today, we bid farewell to Piopiotahi/Milford Sound and begin our journey back, stopping at various locations along the Milford Highway that we missed on the way in. As golden hour draws near, we’ll search for the ideal spot to capture the sunset, making the most of the stunning landscapes before reaching Queenstown.

DAY 10 – Queenstown – Wanaka

We’ll be shooting at a new location near Queenstown this morning before we make our way over the Crown Range towards Wanaka where we’ll explore the surrounding valleys. We’ll end the day with a sunset shoot near Wanaka.

DAY 11 – Wanaka – Fox Glacier

A sunrise in Wanaka wouldn’t be complete without capturing the iconic Wanaka Tree bathed in the soft glow of early morning light. Once we’ve done it justice, we’ll set off toward the rugged west coast, pausing along the way to photograph cascading rapids, thundering waterfalls, and pristine, crystal-clear rivers. As the day comes to a close, we’ll turn our lenses toward the breathtaking sight of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, their peaks illuminated by the sun’s final rays and mirrored perfectly in the serene waters of Reflection Island.

DAY 12 – Fox Glacier – Punakaiki

This morning, we return to Reflection Island for sunrise. Continuing our journey north, we’ll pause to photograph stunning turquoise rivers before reaching our destination for the day: Punakaiki. Tonight’s sunset shoot will take place at the iconic Pancake Rocks or another nearby coastal gem. The rugged coastline around Punakaiki is a dreamscape for photographers, offering endless opportunities to create striking images.

DAY 13 – Punakaiki – Christchurch

Our journey concludes with a final sunrise shoot at the iconic Pancake Rocks. As we make our way back to Christchurch, the day will be filled with plenty of photography opportunities to capture the beauty along the way. Tonight’s accommodation in Christchurch 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.

• $12,000* - twin share occupancy (included)
  approx. USD $7,200

• $13,200* - single occupancy
  approx. USD $7,900

To confirm your space on the workshop, a non-refundable deposit of $2,400* (approx. 1,400) 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 7th – 19th August 2026. Breakfast is included each day at either the hotel or a local café

• Welcome Dinner on the 7th August

• Private cruise at Milford Sound

• All accommodation includes breakfast

• Transportation for the duration of the workshop

• Hands on tuition and guidance

• 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 7th August

• 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.