New Zealand
Overview
LUMINOUS LIGHT OF NEW ZEALAND’S SOUTH ISLAND, ON AN INTIMATE PHOTO ADVENTURE
“The expedition greatly exceeded my expectations. It was no doubt an amazing and awesome experience of a lifetime!” –Susan S., New Zealand expedition participant
“I feel my experience in New Zealand has made me a much better photographer. I had several ‘a-ha’ moments that I will carry with me every time I pick up the camera.” –Marla R., New Zealand expedition participant
Snow-clad peaks rising above luminous glacial lakes, rugged limestone coasts pounded by the Southern Ocean, ancient rainforests dripping with moss, and the soaring wings of albatross gliding effortlessly over the sea—these are among the extraordinary scenes we will photograph during this 16-day expedition across the spectacular South Island.
Led by Justin Black and acclaimed New Zealand photographer Phillip Bartlett, this journey has been crafted specifically for passionate photographers who want to experience the remarkable diversity of New Zealand’s landscapes at a particularly photogenic time of year.
August is late winter in New Zealand. The Southern Alps are typically draped in fresh snow, the air is remarkably clear, and the sun traces a low arc across the sky—creating long hours of soft, directional light ideal for landscape photography. Frosty mornings, dramatic weather systems, and fewer visitors combine to produce conditions that are both atmospheric and serene.
Our journey begins in Christchurch before traveling north along the Pacific coast to the seaside town of Kaikōura, one of the most distinctive coastal environments in New Zealand. Here, intricately sculpted limestone shorelines meet the ocean beneath two dramatic mountain ranges that rise abruptly from the sea. During our stay we embark on a private charter boat excursion over the deep waters of the Kaikōura Canyon—one of the best places in the world to photograph pelagic seabirds. Albatross, petrels, and other ocean wanderers often pass astonishingly close to the boat, offering rare opportunities to photograph these magnificent birds in flight at eye level. We may also encounter dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and—on fortunate days—sperm whales or orca.
From Kaikōura we cross the Southern Alps via the scenic Lewis Pass and descend to the wild West Coast, where temperate rainforest meets the Tasman Sea. Our base in Greymouth places us within easy reach of the remarkable limestone formations known as the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Here, layers of sculpted rock rise above surging ocean swells, creating endlessly compelling opportunities for long-exposure seascapes and dramatic coastal compositions.
Continuing south, we reach the small village of Fox Glacier, where lush rainforest and towering glaciated peaks coexist in dramatic proximity. A pre-dawn walk leads us to the celebrated reflections of Lake Matheson, where the snow-clad summits of Aoraki / Mount Cook and Mount Tasman may appear perfectly mirrored in the tannin-dark waters of the lake. Nearby, moss-draped rainforest provides exceptional opportunities for intimate landscape and macro photography. Weather permitting, participants will have the opportunity to take part in an optional “door-off” helicopter excursion, offering unobstructed views above the glaciers and peaks of the Southern Alps near Fox Glacier and Aoraki / Mount Cook. Because these flights depend on weather and aircraft availability, participation is optional and the cost (around $500 per person) is not included in the workshop fee. Those who choose to fly will have the chance to photograph some of the South Island’s most spectacular landscapes from a unique perspective that few experience.
Our route then leads to the relaxed alpine town of Wānaka, where we will photograph along the lakeshore, which features the famous lone willow known as the “Wanaka Tree” at first light before continuing to nearby Queenstown. From here we explore the sweeping landscapes of Lake Wakatipu and the photogenic valley near Glenorchy, where braided rivers, pastoral hills, and snow-draped mountains combine to create quintessential South Island scenery.
The next stage of our journey takes us deep into the wilderness of Fiordland National Park. At Milford Sound we photograph the dramatic fjord landscape at both blue hour and sunrise, when mist and early light often transform the scene into something truly magical. A two-hour cruise through the fjord provides unique perspectives of sheer granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and the iconic spire of Mitre Peak rising vertically from the sea.
From Milford Sound we travel to the lakeside town of Te Anau, our base for exploring Fiordland’s immense wilderness. During our time here we embark on an included private helicopter charter that allows us to reach remote alpine locations rarely visited by photographers. With multiple landings planned according to the weather, we will photograph hidden valleys, untouched mountain ridges, and glacial landscapes that few people ever experience.
Our final chapter unfolds near the high country town of Twizel on the edge of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Here the Southern Alps rise dramatically above braided rivers and vast glacial lakes, offering some of the most iconic alpine landscapes in New Zealand. Winter conditions often produce pristine snowfields and beautifully sculpted light across the peaks—an inspiring setting for our final days of photography before returning to Christchurch.
Throughout the expedition we travel in a small group, allowing the flexibility and personal attention that serious photographers appreciate. Justin and Phillip provide attentive guidance on composition, light, and creative interpretation while ensuring that we are in the right places at the best times of day.
For photographers who wish to experience New Zealand at its most dramatic and atmospheric, late winter in the South Island offers an unforgettable combination of luminous light, powerful landscapes, and remarkable photographic opportunities.
Itinerary
August 10 – Day 0 Arrival in Christchurch
Fly into Christchurch International Airport (CHC). Just a few steps from the arrivals hall you will check into our group’s hotel to relax before our introductory meeting and orientation, followed by a group dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Overnight at Novotel, Christchurch Airport (D)
August 11 – Day 1 Christchurch – Kaikoura
Depart Christchurch after breakfast and travel north along the east coast to the seaside town of Kaikoura. Originally known as the Rock Lobster capital of New Zealand the scenery found here is unique and found nowhere else in the country: intricate limestone shoreline overlooked by two impressive mountain ranges. Kaikoura is also home to a wide variety of seabirds and ocean mammals. During our stay here we will enjoy a private-charter boat trip to look for different varieties of albatross, petrels, and other pelagic bird species. It is possible that we will encounter Dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and blue penguins during our cruise. On rare occasions we sight sperm whales and orca.
We arrive in the early afternoon and take a break before our late afternoon photography along the coast. After sundown we return to the hotel.
Travel time: 2.5 hours
August 12 – Day 2 Kaikoura
After an early breakfast we transfer to our private charter boat and cruise out towards the Kaikoura Canyon where the seabirds can be found. Having the ability to photograph albatross and other birds on the wing from sea level is unparalleled, with close encounters of the masters of the ocean providing us with many fantastic photo opportunities. We return to land mid-morning. In the afternoon we set up along the coast again to photograph the last light on the landscape. There may also be the option to join a whale watch excursion to cruise around the feeding grounds of the resident sperm whale population hoping to catch sight of these gentle giants as they dive to feed.
August 13 – Day 3 Kaikoura to Greymouth
We set up pre-dawn along the coast to attempt to capture a famous Kaikoura sunrise. After breakfast we depart and travel through the Lewis Pass, which cuts through the Southern Alps, as we make for the West Coast town of Greymouth. We will arrive in the early afternoon and take a break before travelling north along the coast for sunset photography of the peculiar Pancake Rocks, located in the Paparoa National Park. Overnight at Greymouth.
Travel time: 4 hours
August 14 – Day 4 Greymouth to Fox Glacier
Based on the weather conditions we will choose our morning photography location before returning to Greymouth for breakfast. We then continue south as we make for the farming village of Fox Glacier. If the weather is cooperating we will photograph the last light on the coast and mountains along the way. We will arrive into Fox Glacier in the early evening.
Travel time: 3 hours
August 15 – Day 5 Fox Glacier
A very early start this morning as we have a gentle 40-minute walk through the forest to our photography location on the edge of Lake Matheson. One of New Zealand’s top five most-loved landscapes we will photograph the majestic peaks of New Zealand’s two highest mountains, Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman, which are often perfectly reflected in the tannin-stained waters of the lake. Nearby our accommodation is an enchanting moss-draped rainforest which offers wonderful macro opportunities. In the late afternoon we will photograph the late light on the Southern Alps. If the weather conditions permit there is the option to take a helicopter ride to photograph Fox Glacier and the peaks of the Southern Alps.
August 16 – Day 6 Fox Glacier to Wanaka
We have one more chance to photograph at Lake Matheson this morning before we depart and continue our travels south. Our destination today is the lake-town of Wanaka and we will arrive in the early evening as there are different landscapes to photograph along the way.
Travel time: 3 hours
August 17 – Day 7 Wanaka to Queenstown
Our first-light photography will be at the Wanaka Tree. After breakfast we depart for Queenstown which is located close by. In the afternoon we explore the northern area of Lake Wakatipu and the vicinity of Glenorchy.
Travel time: 1.5 hours
August 18 – Day 8 Queenstown
Rest day.
August 19 – Day 9 Queenstown to Milford Sound
We leave the hotel pre-dawn and drive to a spectacular lookout point, which commands a panoramic view over the Wakatipu Basin and is backed by the Remarkables mountain range. After sunrise we return to the hotel for breakfast. Our destination today is Milford Sound, which is located in the northern part of the Fiordland National Park. We will arrive at Milford Sound in the mid-afternoon and take a moment to refresh before we set up our cameras along the foreshore to photograph the iconic Mitre Peak and surrounding mountains.
Travel time: 4 hours
August 20 – Day 10 Milford Sound to Te Anau
Pre-dawn we are in position again to photograph blue hour in Milford Sound. We then join a 2-hour cruise of Milford Sound which travels the length of the fiord. Upon return we will travel back to Te Anau making stops along the way to photograph the incredible glacier-carved landscapes of the Hollyford and Eglinton valleys.
Travel time: 2 hours
August 21-22 – Day 11 – 12 Te Anau
Two full days exploring the mountain and lake landscapes in this area. The highlight of our stay here will be our private helicopter charter to explore the hidden landscapes of the Fiordland National Park. This excursion, featuring multiple landings, will be planned around the prevailing weather conditions and can be made in either the morning or the afternoon. We will be photographing at locations which very few have ever seen. As the Fiordland National Park covers just under 5,000 square miles I will determine the best location plan based on the weather.
August 23 – Day 13 Te Anau – Twizel
After breakfast we depart for Twizel, which is situated on the fringe of the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. We expect to arrive in the mid-afternoon. We will choose a last-light photography location based on the weather.
Travel time: 4.5 hours
August 24 – Day 14 Twizel
A full day exploring the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park and surrounds.
August 25 – Day 15 Twizel – Christchurch – depart
Our final sunrise photo session of the Southern Alps. After breakfast we return to Christchurch arriving in the early afternoon.
Travel time: 3.5 hours
Instructors
Justin Black
- JUSTIN BLACK is a photographer, writer, editor, conservationist, expedition leader, certified Antarctica guide, ...
Phillip Bartlett
- "The great thing about photographing in the digital age is instant feedback. Having the ability to assess each capture, while teaching out in the field, makes it so much ...
Gallery
Pricing
PRICING AND OCCUPANCY
All prices are per person.
This workshop is priced for single-occupancy, with pro-rated double occupancy rates for couples or participants who have made arrangements to share a room with another participant. We are not pairing individuals who are not traveling together in the same room until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic. If you are an individual traveler, please select single occupancy registration. Should this change we will update this page.
If you are interested in adding the optional helicopter flight at Fox Glacier, please let us know when you register. The additional cost of US$500 will be added to your final payment.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
- 30% deposit at time of registration
- 30% deposit due January 10, 2027
- 40% final payment due April 10, 2027
All other terms and conditions apply. Please review our terms and conditions even if you have participated in previous Visionary Wild trips so that you are aware of current policies
INCLUDED:
- Accommodation for fifteen nights
- All meals and beverages (including wine or beer with dinners)
- All in-tour photographic instruction
- Airport transfers
- Guide services by leader team of two photo pros plus one group field support
- Photo cruise on Milford Sound
- Private dolphin boat excursion on Kaikoura Bay
- Helicopter flight at Te Anau
- Department of Conservation concession and permit fees, all local taxes
EXCLUDED:
- All international air travel and domestic transportation within your home country, any other travel services required to arrive at the tour commencement location along with all associated taxes, levies and insurances.
- Immigration, duty, passport and visa fees where applicable.
- Personal items including gifts or other purchases, any paid communications, hotel room service or minibar charges, travel insurance, etc.
- Optional activities not explicitly listed as included in the itinerary, e.g. helicopter flight(s) at Fox Glacier, additional whale watching excursion, etc.
- Gratuities for the driver
Highlights
- Landscapes that have to be seen to be believed: Alpine peaks and glaciers, tree fern rainforests, moody fjords, pristine lakes and blue glacial rivers, dramatic coastlines
- Wildlife: Little blue penguins, dusky dolphins, albatrosses
- Boat excursion on Milford Sound
- Helicopter excursion at Te Anau (included)
- Optional additional helicopter aerials: private, doors-off photography session over Fox Glacier (additional cost)
- Group transport for group of six participants in a spacious and comfortable Mercedes Sprinter Van (seats for 12-13 passengers).
- Small group – ideal for superior field photography experience, ample one-on-one instruction, and enhanced camaraderie
- Professional photographic instruction throughout by Justin Black and Phillip Bartlett, with first-rate local support
- Creativity and visualization: learn to find new and unexpected compositions
- Advanced field techniques for landscape and wildlife photography
- Breaking through creative block and making great photographs in challenging situations
- Constructive critiques of participant photographs
- All-inclusive from Christchurch
Travel
