From snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes to rainforests draped in moss and coastlines that catch fire at sunset, this photography adventure takes you deep into the heart of New Zealand’s South Island. Over ten immersive days, we journey through some of the country’s most dramatic and diverse landscapes, capturing scenes that look almost unreal—because in New Zealand, the “postcard version” of a place is often just the starting point.

We begin in Queenstown, often called the adventure capital of the world. Sitting on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and flanked by the Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown gives us early access to alpine light, mirror-like reflections, and golden hour over a lake with its own Māori legends. This region also sets the tone for the trip: a mix of big landscapes and quiet details, all layered with stories. According to Māori beliefs, Lake Wakatipu’s rise and fall every 27 minutes is the heartbeat of Mata-au, a giant water spirit sleeping beneath the lake. Another tale tells of the warrior Matakauri, whose battle with a fearsome taniwha shaped the lake and surrounding mountains, leaving the landscape marked by the creature’s tail. As you'll discover throughout this trip, New Zealand's unique landscapes are steeped in folklore and cultural traditions, and this region is only the starting point for our journey!

Nearby Arrowtown offers a completely different atmosphere. This small historic village boomed in the 1860s during the Otago gold rush, and today it's famous for its blazing autumn color. Japanese maples, poplars, and willows turn the valley into a painter’s palette every fall. We spend time here capturing light through the trees, reflections along the Arrow River, and the quiet charm of a town that feels like it’s stepped out of another era. It’s also a place where serendipity thrives—some of our best shots come from just slowing down and looking around.

From there, the scenery shifts again as we wind into the dense, misty rainforests of Mount Aspiring National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this region holds deep green canopies, roadside waterfalls, and air so full of moisture it turns every spider web and fern into a light-catching subject. New Zealand’s native birds often make an appearance here too, like the curious fantail (pīwakawaka) or the elusive kārearea, New Zealand’s only native falcon. These forests feel ancient and alive, and they offer a totally different pace—one that’s less about wide angles and more about textures, movement, and mood.

We then travel into the Mackenzie Basin, home to Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, and the towering presence of Aoraki / Mount Cook. These glacial lakes glow with an otherworldly blue thanks to suspended rock flour, and on calm mornings, they reflect the Southern Alps in near-perfect symmetry. Aoraki itself—New Zealand’s highest mountain—is sacred to the Ngāi Tahu people, considered both ancestor and protector. The area is also part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, offering some of the clearest skies on Earth. When the stars come out here, they don’t just twinkle—they blaze!

Our final stretch takes us into Fiordland, one of the wildest and most visually powerful regions in New Zealand. We base ourselves in Te Anau, a peaceful lakeside town and gateway to Fiordland National Park. From here, we explore ancient beech forests and the towering cliffs of the Eglinton Valley, capturing rain-slicked leaves, mirror-calm rivers, and low morning light that feels straight out of a movie set. The trip builds to its dramatic finale in Milford Sound, where waterfalls plunge from sheer rock faces and clouds drift across the fiord like slow-moving smoke. Rain or shine, Milford never fails to impress—some of our most striking images come from shooting in less-than-perfect weather. It’s a place where nature doesn't pose; it performs. And it leaves you standing behind your tripod, quietly grateful to witness it.

Don’t miss your chance to experience New Zealand like never before—through the lens of your camera and the eyes of a passionate guide. Spaces are limited and this adventure fills fast, so secure your spot today and get ready to capture the wild beauty, rich history, and unforgettable stories that only New Zealand can offer. Your next great photo awaits—let’s make it together!