The trip

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We couldn't be more excited to host a trip in New Zealand!
For this trip, we'll partner up with Cam Stables, a local photographer and videographer who will guide us there and be our co-host.  Even though our trips are focused on photography, everyone is welcome, regardless of photography level, age, equipment, or physical condition. On this expedition, we intend to pass on all our photographic and video knowledge to the participants, from planning a photo to the final editing (and much more!). There will be 11 days of photographic experiences in different landscape and light conditions, in addition to part of our time being dedicated to theory and post-editing. The group will be 12 people, including us, and all routes and tours will be done in our rental cars, giving us the complete freedom to explore this beautiful country!

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Itinerary

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Day 1  - 22/02 - Arrival in Queenstown.

Guests should plan to arrive in Queenstown on the 22nd of February. We'll kick off with an introduction to the group, discussing the trip details and enjoying dinner together in Queenstown.

We recommend you arrive one or two days earlier to rest and try to beat the jetlag while enjoying the beautiful city of Queenstown. We'll be there already :)

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Day 2 – 23/02 - Queenstown to Twizel/Mt Cook 

We depart in the morning, making our way through the golden hills and vast plains of Mackenzie Country. Following the scenic drive, we’ll cross the Lindis Pass (the highest pass in New Zealand), before reaching the small town of Twizel, which will be our base for the next few days.

 

 

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Day 3 – 24/02 - Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park  

A full day to explore and photograph the beauty of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. We’ll be up at the crack of dawn to catch sunrise in the park. During the day we’ll be able to explore many of Mt Cooks incredible hikes and capture the views along one of the most scenic roads in the country. Optional: An overnight hike to Mueller Hut for stunning views.

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Day 4 – 25/02 - Drive to Lake Wanaka

If the weather is good, we’ll head out for one last sunrise in Mackenzie Country before driving South again towards Otago. A relaxed drive back through the mountains towards the township of Wanaka, with stops at scenic viewpoints like Omarama Clay Cliffs and Lake Hawea. Evening option: editing workshop or sunset shoot.

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Day 5  –  26/02 - Queenstown/Wanaka

Day to explore Wanaka. Depending on the weather, we can choose to hike to one of Wanaka’s viewpoints, including Roy’s Peak or Isthmus Peak, while also taking some time to enjoy New Zealand’s laid-back culture and go for a swim in fresh mountain water. Optional: challenging but rewarding hikes such as Roy's Peak or Isthmus Peak. Extra time: Visit Haast Pass to explore unique waterfalls or explore Lake Hawea.

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Day 6 – 27/02 - Wanaka to Te Anau

Drive from Wanaka to Te Anau, stopping along the way at scenic locations. Evening: Editing workshop or free time. Overnight in Te Anau.​

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Day 7 /8 - 28/02 and 01/03 – Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park  

Over the next 2 days, we will drive the scenic Milford Road into Fiordland National Park, stopping at various points along the way to hike into the mountains, photograph the abundance of mountainous scenery, hike through lush rainforest, and hopefully spot some Kea. Ultimately making our way to the world-famous Milford Sound, where we will hop on a boat and cruise through the Fiord. Optional Hikes: Lake Marian or Key Summit.

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Days 9/10 - 02/03 and 03/03 – Doubtful Sound

Spend a night aboard a boat exploring Doubtful Sound, one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. Operated by Real NZ, the cruise offers chances to kayak, swim, and enjoy the serene fjords. Plenty of opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting abound. Return to Queenstown on Day 10 for one final night together.

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Photographic equipment

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There is no mandatory equipment - what you have is enough! That said, below is a list of equipment and accessories that, if you have them, will provide a better photographic experience. Remember that, on trips like this, we can always share material and equipment so that we all have an incredible experience!

• Camera;

• Lenses: Both open (wide angle) and long (tele) lenses could lead to interesting compositions. I recommend taking all you have!

• Tripod - For night photography and still videos.

• Extra batteries;

• Memory Cards;

• Cables and chargers;

• Polarizing/ND filter;

• HD or SSD for storage;

• Laptop (preferably with Lightroom and Photoshop installed);

• Drones *

• External battery.

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*It is illegal to fly drones within New Zealand’s national parks without the appropriate permits. You are welcome to bring a drone with you, but considering we will be spending a fair amount of time in the National Parks, there will be limited opportunities to use it throughout the trip.​

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Investment

The price of the trip is 3500 USD, per person. ​

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• What's included:

- All accommodations include breakfast and Wi-Fi. We’ll stay in a mix of cozy lodges and charming mountain accommodations, and dorms chosen for their proximity to our shooting locations and comfort.

- All tours and activities (unless listed as optional)

- Professional photography guidance throughout the trip  

- All transportation within New Zealand  

- Doubtful Sound Cruise  

- Group editing workshops  

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• What's not included:

Flight tickets;

Health insurance;

Equipment insurance;

Lunch and dinner;

Drinks;

Optional tours and activities.