Backcountry Journeys is thrilled to announce an extraordinary new addition to our lineup of international photography workshops: Solar Eclipse: New Zealand—a once-in-a-lifetime journey built around one of the most rare and awe-inspiring celestial events on Earth.

Set against the wildly diverse landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island, this workshop culminates in the July 22, 2028 total solar eclipse, an event that transforms an already legendary photographic destination into something truly otherworldly. This is not just a landscape tour—it’s a carefully designed creative expedition where timing, weather, light, and location converge to create images that simply cannot be made at any other time.

A Landscape Photographer’s Dream, Elevated by the Eclipse

The South Island is already considered one of the most visually diverse regions on the planet. From jagged alpine ridgelines and glacial lakes to temperate rainforests and storm-lashed coasts, it offers an almost impossible density of photographic opportunities.

But in July—deep in the Southern Hemisphere winter—the land changes character in ways that make it even more compelling. The sun sits low on the horizon, stretching golden hours into long, sculpted periods of soft directional light. Snow frequently dusts the high peaks, while valleys remain saturated in deep greens and moody shadows. It’s a season built for atmosphere, contrast, and storytelling.

This workshop is designed to take full advantage of that seasonal magic, while building toward a singular photographic objective: capturing the eclipse in a setting worthy of its scale and drama.

Queenstown and the Southern Alps: Where the Journey Begins

We begin in the vibrant alpine hub of Queenstown, quickly immersing ourselves in the surrounding wilderness. One of the first major photographic focuses will be the iconic Lake Wakatipu, a glacier-carved lake whose striking, zig-zag shape creates endless compositional possibilities.

Towering above the region are the peaks of The Remarkables, a rare north-to-south running mountain range that catches early and late light in a way that produces dramatic side illumination and deep textural contrast. Here, we’ll refine our approach to light, reflection, and foreground layering—core skills that will carry throughout the workshop.

From Queenstown, we move into the heart of the Southern Alps, a region shaped by the immense geological forces of the Alpine Fault. This is one of the most dynamic landscapes on Earth, where tectonic uplift continuously reshapes the terrain. The result is towering vertical relief, fast-changing weather systems, and a sense of scale that feels almost cinematic in person.

West Coast: Rainforest, Waterfalls, and Wild Atlantic Energy

Crossing the divide to the western side of the island reveals an entirely different world.

The West Coast is defined by lush, temperate rainforest ecosystems, fed by some of the highest rainfall totals on Earth. Here, we’ll slow down and shift our focus toward intimate compositions—moss-covered trees, fern-lined forest floors, and intricate layers of texture that reward patience and careful observation.

In these forests, echoes of ancient ecological history remain. Many of the plant species trace lineage back to the supercontinent Gondwana, giving the landscape a prehistoric quality that feels almost untouched by time.

Along the coastline, dramatic sea stacks and powerful surf create opportunities for long-exposure work, transforming chaotic wave energy into soft, painterly motion. These are remote, wild beaches—ideal for clean compositions where land, sea, and sky interact with minimal distraction.

Aoraki / Mount Cook: Ice, Light, and Glacial Geometry

Moving inland, we enter one of the most iconic alpine environments in the world: Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park.

At its center rises Aoraki / Mount Cook, the tallest peak in the country at 3,724 meters (12,218 feet). This region is defined by scale, clarity, and the sculptural presence of ice and rock.

Nearby glacial lakes such as Lake Pukaki and Lake Ohau glow with surreal turquoise tones created by suspended glacial sediment known as rock flour. Under the low winter sun, these lakes become natural light reflectors—perfect for minimalist compositions and dramatic color contrast.

We’ll also explore braided river systems that constantly reshape themselves, forming abstract patterns best appreciated from elevated viewpoints and potentially aerial perspectives.

This region is also home to the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the largest protected dark sky areas in the world. If conditions allow, we’ll take advantage of this extraordinary clarity for night sky imaging, Milky Way compositions, and astrophotography practice leading into eclipse planning.

Fiordland: The Edge of the World

Further south lies one of the most atmospheric regions on the planet: Fiordland National Park.

Carved by ancient glaciers, the fiords—most famously Milford Sound—feature sheer rock walls rising directly from dark waters, often wrapped in mist, cloud, and cascading waterfalls. In many ways, this is the emotional counterpoint to the alpine clarity of Mount Cook: moody, unpredictable, and deeply cinematic.

This is a place where weather is not a complication—it’s the subject. Rainfall becomes atmosphere. Low cloud becomes composition. Shifting light becomes narrative.

We’ll also explore dense beech forests coated in moss and lichen, where slower, more deliberate photography reveals subtle layers of tone and texture. Wildlife encounters are possible as well, including the famously curious kea, the world’s only alpine parrot, known for its intelligence and bold personality.

Capturing the Solar Eclipse: Precision Meets Creativity

At the heart of this workshop is the July 22, 2028 total solar eclipse, a rare celestial alignment that elevates this journey beyond traditional landscape photography.

Unlike standard fieldwork, eclipse photography demands precision. We will carefully monitor weather systems across the South Island, adjusting positioning as needed to maximize the likelihood of clear skies. Location scouting will focus on combining strong foreground elements—mountains, lakes, coastlines—with an unobstructed view of the sky.

During totality, the landscape undergoes a surreal transformation. Temperatures drop noticeably. Wind patterns shift. Shadows sharpen and become directional. The sky takes on an eerie, twilight-like glow that cannot be replicated at any other time.

For photographers, this is where technical mastery and creative intuition merge. The goal is not simply to document the eclipse, but to integrate it into a broader visual story—one that places the celestial event within the emotional and geological drama of the landscape itself.

A Workshop Built for Creative Growth

This journey with Backcountry Journeys is designed for photographers who want more than iconic viewpoints. Every location, every shoot, and every decision in the field is structured around developing deeper creative control, stronger compositional instincts, and a more intentional relationship with light.

We will adapt constantly to conditions—chasing weather, refining timing, and responding to the landscape in real time. The goal is not just to return with beautiful images, but to build a cohesive body of work that reflects both the diversity of New Zealand’s South Island and the rarity of the eclipse itself.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

There are photography workshops, and then there are moments that simply cannot be repeated.

The Solar Eclipse: New Zealand workshop sits firmly in the second category.

From glacial valleys and alpine summits to rainforest depths and storm-driven coastlines, this journey is a study in extremes. And at its center is one of nature’s most profound visual events—a total solar eclipse framed by one of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth.

For photographers ready to push their craft, expand their vision, and experience a truly rare convergence of land and sky, this is an opportunity unlike any other.