Learn photography amid the dramatic landscapes of New Zealand’s Southern Alps
Photograph Majestic Mountain Landscapes
The dramatic landscapes of the Southern Alps are both wild and welcoming, offering photographers unparalleled access to some of New Zealand’s most iconic scenery. From the shores of Lake Pukaki, Aoraki (Mount Cook) appears to rise effortlessly above the lake’s striking turquoise waters.
A guided walk through the Hooker Valley reveals glacial-blue lakes, sweeping moraine fields, the powerful Hooker River, and a glacier terminal face that lies seemingly within touching distance of the mountain.
Wanaka
A South Island photography tour wouldn’t be complete without time in Wanaka, the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park and its dramatic snow-capped peaks. On the shores of Lake Wanaka, we’ll photograph the world-famous Wanaka Tree at sunrise.
A spectacular helicopter flight to Coromandel Peak offers a second sunrise shoot, with panoramic views across the lake and the Southern Alps stretching endlessly beyond.
In between, we’ll explore Glendhu Bay’s striking mountain scenery, journey into the Matukituki Valley to photograph its braided river and postcard-perfect view of the Rob Roy Glacier, and finish with a sunset shoot at Dublin Bay on Lake Wanaka’s eastern shore.
The Remarkable Landscapes of the West Coast
Nestled between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea, the West Coast is New Zealand’s least populated region and one of its most visually striking. Ancient kahikatea trees are scattered across farmland, rainforests, and wetlands, while the distant alpine peaks of Glacier Country remain visible across vast stretches of land.
Lake Matheson is the standout highlight, renowned for its flawless reflections of Mount Tasman and Aoraki (Mount Cook) on still mornings.
We’ll photograph the impressive Fox Glacier from a carefully chosen vantage point, perfect for panoramic compositions. Additional locations include Okarito Lagoon on the coast, along with Lakes Wahapo and Mapourika, where we’ll seek out atmospheric morning mist to enhance the dramatic scenery.
The Landscapes of Queenstown and Glenorchy
Lake Wakatipu, the third-largest lake in New Zealand, is ringed by spectacular mountain scenery. At its northern tip lies Glenorchy, a historic frontier town set beside the braided deltas of the Rees and Dart rivers, with commanding views into Mount Aspiring National Park.
Travelling along the lake’s scenic shoreline, we’ll stop at Bob’s Cove and Bennett’s Bluff to capture sweeping views across the water toward the Southern Alps — landscapes made famous by The Lord of the Rings films.
Continuing on to Glenorchy, we’ll photograph the old wharf, lagoon walkway, and surrounding beech forest, all iconic film locations. A sunset shoot in the Glenorchy area rounds out the day before returning to Queenstown for dinner.
