Sept. 17 - 26, 2025
Oct. 16 - 25, 2025
10 days and 9 nights
Moderate: There are some hikes involved, and night shooting sessions
Small: 12 participants
+
2 photography guides
$9,800 USD (Double occupancy) Private room available for a fee
Viaje fotográfico a Nueva Zelanda 2025
The beauty of the South Island
Join us on a unique New Zealand Photo Tour to photograph the natural beauty and the most spectacular nightscapes of Aotearoa’s South Island. From the glaciated Southern Alps to the wild New Zealand Fjords, we will photograph snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes, forests, fjords, and unparalleled night skies with the Milky Way in all its glory!
We are running our New Zealand photo tours in late Winter/early Spring during the best time to photograph the Milky Way in New Zealand.
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off at the airport
- Accommodation in top hotels close to the best locations
- Transportation in a private minibus
- Accredited driver and local guides
- Photo guide services by professional landscape and astrophotographers
- Photography post-processing sessions
- Scenic sunrise flight over Mt. Cook
- Heli flight to photograph ice caves at Tasman Glacier
- Boat tour across Milford Sound
- All National Park, parking, and attraction fees
- Access to the Capture the Atlas Academy (more info below)
Not Included
- Flights to/from Queenstown
- Private accommodation ($1,200 single room, subject to availability)
- Meals except breakfasts
- NZeTA or Visa
- Health/travel insurance
- Telephone, personal expenses, tips, etc. Any other service not mentioned in the "INCLUDED" section.
Did not disappoint! Leer más
This Photo Tour with Capture the Atlas was the second tour I’ve been on with this company and it did not disappoint. The trip was very well planned and attracted a nice group of fellow photography enthusiasts. And, of course, we had the excellent guidance of our two tour leaders.
Awesome trip! Leer más
The trip was awesome. The weather really cooperated with mostly clear sky’s. The planning , which must be monumental, occurred in the background making the experience for guests very smooth and easy. Our guides were always willing to go the extra mile.
Best in class! Leer más
If you love photography and want high-level professional advice and guidance and the trip of a lifetime, seek this group out and pick your trip. And understand that they accommodate and cater to everyone from the absolute neophyte beginner to the accomplished expert.
Worth every penny! Leer más
The tour leaders are very knowledgeable about photography and took time to give you the best composition tips as well as locations for the best shot.
I’d book a second and third trip with Capture the Atlas in a heartbeat! Worth every penny!
Well planned! Leer más
We had a wonderful trip! Our trip was very well planned. We saw wonderful landscapes, waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, mountains, reflections, and more!
Incredible experience! Leer más
From the beginning, I was immediately impressed with the level of work that had gone into putting this trip together. The workshop leaders, were absolutely fantastic. Their deep knowledge of photography made this trip unforgettable.
Attentive guides! Leer más
Our guides were wonderful, so helpful and knowledgeable. No question was too basic or too complex. In fact, a woman from another group commented how attentive they were to us.
Photo Tour Overview
New Zealand’s South Island is a land of fantasy, where landscapes straight out of The Lord of the Rings come to life. The rugged peaks, vast valleys, and pristine lakes of this island offer a surreal backdrop that will make you feel like you are photographing in Middle Earth.
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest peak, is a must-see with its towering mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes. It offers incredible photo opportunities at sunrise, sunset, and especially at night when the Milky Way appears in one of the most spectacular night skies that you can see. Nearby, the turquoise waters of Tasman Lake, surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Southern Alps, provide striking views of icebergs drifting in the glacial waters.
We will capture the charming town of Wanaka, known for its scenic lake framed by snow-capped mountains and the iconic lone tree at the water’s edge. Further south, Fiordland National Park is a vast wilderness of fjords, rainforests, and dramatic mountains, with Milford Sound being one of the most iconic and photogenic spots, where waterfalls cascade into deep, misty waters. We’ll cruise across the fjord by boat so you can be completely immersed in the experience.
We will also photograph other photography gems around Queenstown and Glenorchy, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and are gateways to some of the most striking landscapes in the region. Whether you’re capturing sweeping vistas or jaw-dropping night skies, the South Island’s natural wonders offer endless inspiration and unique opportunities for photography.
New Zealand Photo Tour Highlights
- Photo tours from Sept 17 – 26 and Oct 16 – 25, 2025
- Group size: 12 participants + 2 instructors + local driver & guide
- Main topics: Landscapes and astrophotography
- Main areas: South Island of New Zealand
- Accommodation included in top hotels close to the best locations
- Transportation included in a private minibus
- Scenic sunrise flight over Mt. Cook
- Heli flight to photograph ice caves at Tasman Glacier
- Boat tour across Milford Sound
- All entrance fees to National Parks and natural attractions
- Night photography sessions in unique locations
Official New Zealand Photo Tour Brochure
2025 New Zealand Photography Tour Itinerary
Even though we have a planned itinerary for our New Zealand tour, we will maintain a flexible schedule to adapt to the ever-changing weather conditions and ensure we capture the best possible shots.
New Zealand’s South Island is known for its unpredictable weather, with clouds, rain, and wind frequently shaping the landscapes. Our goal is to be flexible, adjusting the timing and locations of our visits to take advantage of breaks in the weather for optimal light and dramatic night skies.
In some locations, the rain and clouds can often create a mystical atmosphere, especially in places like Milford Sound, where the misty conditions enhance the fjords’ dramatic beauty, or in Glenorchy, where the shifting clouds add a fantasy-like quality to the towering mountains and still waters.
We will be traveling during a statistically ideal time for landscape and astrophotography, but since the weather can be unpredictable, we’ll be ready to adjust our itinerary to maximize our chances of success at each location. We’ll ensure we’re in the right place at the right time to make the most of the unique light and conditions.
Below, you can see the details of our New Zealand tour itinerary:
DAY 1: New Zealand Photo Tour
Welcome to New Zealand! Upon your arrival in Queenstown, we’ll begin our journey with a scenic drive through the Southern Alps towards Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, home to the country’s highest peak. Our first location of the tour will be at Lake Tekapo, renowned for its stunning turquoise waters and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
If the weather allows, we’ll explore the area and capture the lake’s dramatic scenery at sunset, when the soft, golden light enhances the beauty of the landscape.
As the sun dips below the horizon, we’ll prepare for an unforgettable astrophotography session. Lake Tekapo is part of the Aoraki Mckenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. This is the largest Dark Sky Reserve in the Southern Hemisphere, offering some of the clearest, most breathtaking night skies in the world. With minimal light pollution, it’s the perfect spot to photograph the Milky Way and star trails, with the lake’s reflective surface adding depth to your images.
Our day will end at our hotel in Lake Tekapo, where you can rest and review your shots before another exciting day of adventure and photography.
DAY 2: New Zealand Photo Tour
Day 2 of our New Zealand photo tour will start with a once-in-a-lifetime airplane flight around Aoraki/Mt Cook at sunrise. As we take off from the valley floor, you’ll witness the first light of day illuminating the Southern Alps and the towering peak of Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.
From the air, the expansive glacial landscapes and dramatic alpine scenery will leave you in awe, providing unparalleled photo opportunities of the rugged terrain, deep valleys, and glaciers that define this majestic region. We are chartering an airplane with a window seat for every passenger and wings above to ensure clear views of the amazing scenery.
After the morning flight, we’ll make our way to Hooker Lake, one of the most stunning locations in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers, this lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and the iconic view of Mt Cook’s reflection on the lake’s surface, and it’s a paradise for any landscape photographer.
In the evening, we’ll set up for an astrophotography session at Hooker Lake, being also one of the best spots in the world for capturing the night sky. The combination of non-existent light pollution and the breathtaking mountain backdrop provides a perfect setting for photographing the Milky Way, star trails, and the Southern Hemisphere’s constellations. With our expert guidance on camera settings and techniques, you’ll capture some of the most spectacular Astro images of your journey.
Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel in Aoraki village, which will be our base camp during our stay in the National Park.
DAY 3: New Zealand Photo Tour
Today, we’ll begin with a breathtaking sunrise shoot at Tasman Lake, where the early morning light illuminates the rugged terrain and the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps. The still waters of the lake, often dotted with floating icebergs, provide a stunning reflection of the surrounding mountains, offering a perfect subject for stunning landscape images.
Later, we’ll take an exhilarating heli flight over the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier. From the air, you’ll capture extraordinary aerial views of the glacier’s vast ice fields, crevasses, and jagged peaks, providing unique photographic opportunities that are only possible from a helicopter.
Once we land on the glacier, we’ll explore the stunning ice caves and ice formations, where you can photograph the surreal blue ice and intricate textures within the caves. This experience allows you to capture the raw beauty of this glacial landscape from ground level, offering an intimate look at one of New Zealand’s most impressive natural wonders.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to Kea Point for sunset. The panoramic views from this location are some of the most iconic in the park, offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
As night falls, if conditions allow, we’ll return to Tasman Lake for an astrophotography session. The clear, dark skies offer the perfect opportunity to capture the constellation of Orion and other stars from this location, with the tranquil waters of the lake adding a magical element to your night sky shots.
DAY 4: New Zealand Photo Tour
We’ll start our day with an iconic sunrise shoot at the Aoraki/Mt. Cook viewpoint along the road. The first light of the day will bathe the majestic peak of Mt. Cook in soft, golden hues, offering one of the most breathtaking and photographed views in the entire region. This is a perfect opportunity to capture the grandeur of New Zealand’s highest mountain and its surrounding alpine landscape.
After sunrise, we’ll head to the nearby town of Twizel for more landscape photography. Twizel offers a unique mix of open fields and mountain views, with plenty of opportunities to capture the peaceful beauty of the land.
In the late afternoon, we’ll make our way to Ben Ōhau for a stunning sunset shoot. This location offers sweeping views of the Southern Alps and Lake Ohau, with the sun setting behind the mountains, casting warm light over the valleys and lakes below. The landscape here is ideal for wide-angle shots and long exposure photography.
If conditions allow, we’ll finish the day with an astrophotography session in Twizel, where the dark skies offer another great opportunity to capture the night sky from Lake Ruataniwha.
DAY 5: New Zealand Photo Tour
Day 5 is our designated backup day, giving us the flexibility to adjust the itinerary if any of the plane/heli flights or outdoor photography sessions from the previous days were impacted by weather conditions. We’ll also continue to monitor the weather closely to maximize our chances of successful astrophotography sessions, ensuring we’re in the best location when the skies clear.
In the event of unfavorable weather during the day, we’ll spend some time covering post-processing and editing techniques. This will allow you to enhance your images from the tour, learn advanced editing tips, and discuss how to refine your landscape and astrophotography shots. We’ll focus on how to bring out the best in your photos, whether it’s adjusting the composition, using advanced techniques, or enhancing the elements captured during our time in New Zealand.
Additionally, we’ll keep a close eye on the space weather forecast for the potential appearance of the Aurora Australis or the Southern Lights. From time to time, these stunning auroras can make an appearance in the southern skies, and if conditions align, we’ll be ready to capture this rare and beautiful phenomenon.
DAY 6: New Zealand Photo Tour
Our day starts with an early sunrise shoot in the surrounding area before we leave Aoraki/Mt Cook. After capturing the first light, we’ll embark on a scenic drive towards Wanaka, one of the most stunning towns in New Zealand, nestled between towering mountains and the shores of Lake Wanaka.
On our way, we’ll stop by the dramatic Clay Cliffs, a striking natural formation of jagged limestone pinnacles, which offer fantastic opportunities for unique landscape shots. From there, we’ll continue through the scenic Lindis Pass, a breathtaking stretch of road known for its rolling hills and sweeping views of the Southern Alps, perfect for drone and panoramic photos.
Once we arrive in Wanaka, we’ll head straight to the iconic Wanaka Tree, one of the most photographed trees in New Zealand, standing alone in the waters of Lake Wanaka.
If the weather permits, we’ll wrap up the day with an astrophotography session by Lake Wanaka. The clear, dark skies and the tranquil waters of the lake make it an ideal location to capture the stars, including the Milky Way, with the surrounding mountains providing a stunning backdrop.
DAY 7: New Zealand Photo Tour
On day 7, we will begin the day early to capture the soft, golden glow of sunrise illuminating the landscape around us. The Wanaka Tree, standing alone in the waters of Lake Wanaka, offers one of New Zealand’s most iconic and captivating photographic subjects. The calm, reflective surface of the lake at dawn creates a perfect mirror of the tree, surrounded by the towering mountains, making for a truly magical shot.
After capturing the sunrise, we’ll embark on a scenic drive to Fiordland National Park, one of the most dramatic and picturesque regions in New Zealand. On the way, we’ll stop for a short hike through the Lake Gunn forest, where we can photograph the lush greenery and the towering trees of an old-growth forest where you’ll feel like you’re in a Lord of the Rings scene.
We’ll continue our journey to Milford Sound, arriving in time for sunset. As the sun dips behind the mountains, the fjord’s towering peaks are bathed in soft, warm light. The reflections in the still waters of the fjord can enhance the dramatic scenery, giving you a chance to capture one of the most famous vistas in the world.
Fiordland is famous for its clouds but, if conditions allow, we’ll end the day with an astrophotography session near Te Anau, taking advantage of the dark skies to capture the stars. The peaceful atmosphere of the area will provide an excellent opportunity to photograph the Milky Way.
We’ll conclude the day with an overnight stay in Lake Te Anau, where you can unwind and prepare for the next day’s adventures.
DAY 8: New Zealand Photo Tour
We start the eighth day early with a sunrise shoot at Monkey Creek. This quiet spot offers one of the most impressive vistas in Fjordland National Park and a perfect opportunity to photograph the serene landscapes and wildlife before we embark on our journey to Milford Sound. Kea, a rare endemic parrot found only in the alpine regions of New Zealand, has one of the highest spotting rates in this area, so we’ll also take some wildlife shots if we can see them.
The highlight of the day is the Milford Sound boat tour, a must-do experience for photographers. As we cruise through the fjord, we’ll have unparalleled opportunities to capture the towering peaks, dramatic waterfalls, and the diverse wildlife that calls this remote location home. If we’re fortunate enough to experience low clouds and rain, the misty conditions will enhance the fjord’s dramatic beauty, creating an ethereal atmosphere that’s ideal for photography.
Milford Sound is one of the few places where heavy rain can transform the landscape into something truly spectacular, with waterfalls pouring from every cliffside and clouds swirling through the valleys. Given the region’s high rainfall, we have a great chance to witness these awe-inspiring conditions.
On the return journey, we’ll stop for photography along Milford Road, capturing the stunning landscapes, mountains, and rain-soaked vistas that make this area one of the most visually captivating in New Zealand.
We’ll conclude the day by returning to Queenstown for a well-deserved rest, staying overnight at a hotel in the town.
DAY 9: New Zealand Photo Tour
On Day 9 of our NZ Photo Tour, we will start the day early with a sunrise shoot at the iconic Glenorchy trees. This serene location, with its twisted and gnarled trees set against the backdrop of the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, offers a magical scene to photograph as the first light of day casts a warm glow over the landscape.
In the afternoon, we will head to Moke Lake for our sunset session. The peaceful waters of the lake, surrounded by rolling hills and rugged mountains, offer exceptional opportunities for landscape photography as the setting sun paints the sky with rich colors.
If the skies are clear and conditions allow, we’ll finish the day with an astrophotography session. We’ll head to the road to Glenorchy or Moke Lake, where the dark skies and remote location offer the perfect setting for capturing the stars and the Milky Way.
DAY 10: New Zealand Photo Tour
As the tour comes to a close, we’ll have the morning free to reflect on the stunning landscapes and photography opportunities we’ve experienced over the past days. Whether it’s a final walk through Queenstown or a chance to capture any last-minute shots, you’ll have time to enjoy the beauty of this remarkable destination.
Afterward, we’ll transfer you to the Queenstown airport for your departure, bringing an end to an unforgettable photography adventure across some of the most breathtaking landscapes in New Zealand.
Price: $9,800 USD
Deposit: USD 3,000
A USD 3,000 deposit is required to reserve your spot for this workshop. You can also pay in full at any time. The remaining balance is due 150 days before the starting date of this tour. If the remaining balance is not paid in full by the due date, you will lose your spot.
What does the price include?
Included
-
- Pick up and drop off at Queenstown Airport (one per group at each arrival/departure)
- Accommodation in top hotels across the South Island
- Transportation in a private minibus
- Photography instruction from two professional photographers
- Accredited driver and local guides
- Scenic sunrise flight over Mt. Cook
- Heli flight to photograph ice caves at Tasman Glacier
- Boat tour excursion across Milford Sound
- All National Park, parking, and attraction fees
*Bonus
-
- Access to Dan Zafra’s full Capture the Milky Way & Benro Polaris Course (valued at $349).
- Access to the recorded material during the tour.
- Access to David Aguilar’s Moody Landscapes course.
Not Included
-
- Flights to/from Queenstown
- Private room – Extra $1,200 (*subject to availability)
- Meals except breakfasts
- NZeTA or Visa
- Health/travel insurance
- Any other service not mentioned in the «INCLUDED» section.
Capture the Atlas partners with a local NZ company to provide all necessary commercial driving and guiding services within New Zealand’s public lands.
Upcoming New Zealand photo tour dates
Did not disappoint! Leer más
This Photo Tour with Capture the Atlas was the second tour I’ve been on with this company and it did not disappoint. The trip was very well planned and attracted a nice group of fellow photography enthusiasts. And, of course, we had the excellent guidance of our two tour leaders.
Awesome trip! Leer más
The trip was awesome. The weather really cooperated with mostly clear sky’s. The planning , which must be monumental, occurred in the background making the experience for guests very smooth and easy. Our guides were always willing to go the extra mile.
Best in class! Leer más
If you love photography and want high-level professional advice and guidance and the trip of a lifetime, seek this group out and pick your trip. And understand that they accommodate and cater to everyone from the absolute neophyte beginner to the accomplished expert.
Worth every penny! Leer más
The tour leaders are very knowledgeable about photography and took time to give you the best composition tips as well as locations for the best shot.
I’d book a second and third trip with Capture the Atlas in a heartbeat! Worth every penny!
Well planned! Leer más
We had a wonderful trip! Our trip was very well planned. We saw wonderful landscapes, waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, mountains, reflections, and more!
Incredible experience! Leer más
From the beginning, I was immediately impressed with the level of work that had gone into putting this trip together. The workshop leaders, were absolutely fantastic. Their deep knowledge of photography made this trip unforgettable.
Attentive guides! Leer más
Our guides were wonderful, so helpful and knowledgeable. No question was too basic or too complex. In fact, a woman from another group commented how attentive they were to us.
What will I learn during this New Zealand photo tour?
This workshop is mainly focused on landscape and Northern Lights photography with possibilities for aerial photography.
What you learn during the workshop will vary according to your goals and skills. Your instructors are professional photographers with extensive experience who will help you take your photography to the next level.
During the tour you’ll have the opportunity to learn:
Photography basics
Some of the photography basics you can learn during the workshop are:
- Getting comfortable shooting different types of landscapes and photos in manual mode
- Adjusting the best camera settings in each situation
- Familiarizing yourself with the basics of night and Milky Way photography
- Enhancing your compositions with the best techniques
- Designing your own shooting workflow to be more effective in the field
- Photographing daytime and night panoramas
Advanced photography techniques
Some of the advanced photography techniques you can learn during the workshop are:
- Creating powerful compositions that tell a story and engage the viewer.
- Building a connection between your photography and your vision.
- Becoming a master of light: learn how to enhance it and keep it under control.
- Advanced night & Milky Way photography techniques like stacking and panoramas.
- Advanced bracketing and exposure blending to capture the best dynamic range.
- Using wide-angle distortion and focal length blending to create powerful images.
- Focus stacking to capture tack-sharp images with interesting foregrounds.
- Advanced Milky Way shooting using a star-tracker
Post-processing techniques
Some of the post-processing techniques that you can learn with are:
- How to start using Lightroom and Photoshop (all the basics).
- Preparing your images in Lightroom/Adobe Camera Raw to start on the right foot.
- Stitching panoramas using different software like Lightroom, Photoshop, or PTGui Pro.
- Stacking night images using Starry Landscape Stacker or Sequator.
- Reducing the noise in your night images using Topaz Denoise AI.
- All types of Blendings (exposure, focal length, focus, etc.).
- Light shaping and Dodge & Burn in your landscape images.
- Advanced Milky Way techniques like star reduction, structure, natural colors, etc.
*Note: As soon as you sign up for this workshop, you will have access to my full Capture the Milky Way course, which will give you the perfect editing knowledge base before you join this astrophotography workshop
Your Instructors on this New Zealand Photo Tour
Jose Luis Cantabrana will be your photo tour leader throughout this New Zealand photo tour, ensuring that you are at the right place at the right time to capture the most spectacular landscapes and night skies. With his expertise in landscape and astrophotography, he will guide you through both the technical aspects and the artistic side of photography, helping you enhance your composition and photographic skills.
Jose Luis is a seasoned traveler and photographer with extensive experience across the globe, including remote regions of New Zealand. His deep knowledge of the country’s most photogenic locations, weather patterns, and unique natural phenomena makes him the ideal leader for this tour. Whether it’s the dramatic peaks of the Southern Alps, the ethereal beauty of Milford Sound, or the clear skies perfect for astrophotography, Jose Luis will ensure you capture the magic of each place.
In addition to his passion for travel and photography, Jose Luis is also a skilled educator, having led photo tours in other locations like Iceland and Australia. His hands-on teaching style and in-depth knowledge of post-processing make him an essential guide, both in the field and during editing sessions.
Tom Rae will be the co-leader of this New Zealand photo tour, bringing invaluable local expertise as a true native Kiwi and a seasoned photographer. With a deep knowledge of New Zealand’s landscapes, Tom has a special connection to Aoraki/Mt. Cook, where he spent two years living in Aoraki Village as an astronomy guide and photographer. His time in this unique setting has given him unmatched insight into the region’s best-kept secrets and ideal spots for capturing its incredible night skies, making him an exceptional guide for all things astrophotography.
Tom’s artistic approach combines a deep appreciation for the mysteries of the universe with an eye for creative, mind-expanding compositions. Throughout the tour, Tom will share his expertise in photography and local insights, helping you capture everything from Aoraki’s majestic landscapes to the dark skies of New Zealand. His passion for both art and astronomy makes him an inspiring co-leader, ready to guide you to the region’s most breathtaking views.
What to bring to a New Zealand photo tour
A complete list of everything that we recommend for this tour is sent to all participants upon sign-up. Below, you can find a summary of things you might need:
Photography Gear
-
- DSLR/mirrorless camera and a sturdy tripod.
- A wide-angle lens, such as a 14-24 mm lens.
- A medium zoom lens, such as a 24-70 mm lens.
- A telephoto lens, like a 70-200 mm lens.
- A camera bag to transport all your equipment.
- A headlamp for the night shoots.
You may be interested in this guide where you can dive deeper into photography equipment for traveling. Some optional items if you are focused on advanced MW photography are:
-
- A star-tracker.
- An astro-modified camera.
*While zoom lenses are acceptable for this workshop, prime lenses are recommended for Milky Way photography. Some of the best lenses in this range are:
-
- 20 mm f/1.8
- 24 mm f/1.4
- 28 mm f/1.4
- 35 mm f/1.8
- 40 mm f/1.4
- 50 mm f/1.8
You can get them either from your camera brand or from third-party manufacturers like Rokinon or Sigma.
You can find more information in our list of best lenses for Milky Way and best cameras for astrophotography.
Clothing
On this New Zealand tour, we’ll journey through diverse regions, from alpine landscapes to coastal fjords, each with its own climate and conditions. Be prepared for a range of temperatures and changing weather, especially given the influence of mountain and coastal weather systems:
-
- In Aoraki/Mt. Cook and other alpine areas, temperatures can range from highs around 55ºF (13ºC) to lows near 28ºF (-2ºC), with chilly mornings and potentially frosty nights.
- In Fiordland and Milford Sound, temperatures range from 54ºF (12ºC) during the day to 41ºF (5ºC) at night. Rain is common, creating misty, dramatic landscapes perfect for photography.
- Around Lake Tekapo and Wanaka, spring brings moderate daytime temperatures but cool mornings and evenings, ideal for capturing sunrise and astrophotography.
Please pack for varying climates, including some potential snow and ice. Recommended clothing includes:
-
- Layered tops (base layer, fleece, windproof layer, waterproof shell)
- Layered bottoms (hiking pants, fleece pants for chilly nights, waterproof overpants)
- Waterproof, supportive hiking boots
- Warm socks and comfortable walking shoes
- A wool hat, gloves, and neck gaiter for cold and windy conditions
- A light water bottle
Optional items:
-
- Hiking poles
- Cap or sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Lip balm
- External power bank
A full packing list with additional recommendations will be provided upon registration.
Money
The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across most businesses, especially in larger towns and cities like Queenstown and Wanaka. We also recommend obtaining New Zealand dollars before your trip, but if that’s not possible, you can easily exchange currency at the airport upon arrival. It’s always a good idea to carry some NZD with you during the tour.
Documentation
For travelers visiting New Zealand, entry requirements vary by nationality. Many visitors, including those from the U.S., Canada, and the EU, need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before arrival. The NZeTA can be applied online or via a mobile app and is valid for multiple entries over two years. Processing usually takes up to 72 hours, but it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your departure.
Some nationalities may require a visitor visa instead of an NZeTA. If this applies to you, consult the New Zealand immigration website for guidance and ensure you apply for the correct visa in advance.
Please note that all visitors are required to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), which is typically collected at the time of the NZeTA or visa application. Be sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand.
Other important information
Accommodation
On this New Zealand Photo Tour, we prioritize comfort and location, with top-rated hotels close to the best photography spots. Standard accommodation is double occupancy with two individual beds and a private bathroom.
Limited single-occupancy rooms are available in all hotels for an additional fee of $1,200 USD. Please indicate your interest in the sign-up form, as single rooms are subject to availability.
-
- In Lake Tekapo, we stay in town, within easy reach of iconic spots for both sunset and astrophotography sessions.
- In Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park, we’re based at the renowned Hermitage Hotel, the best hotel in the park, offering an exceptional setting right in the heart of the landscape.
- In Wanaka, Te Anau, and Queenstown, we stay in well-rated hotels conveniently located just a short drive from prime photography locations. From these hotels, we’ll have quick access to sunrise and sunset spots and evening astro shoots, providing flexibility for varied lighting and weather conditions.
This itinerary and accommodation plan aims to maximize comfort while ensuring you’re in the right place at the right time for the best photography opportunities.
Local Driver and Guides
At Capture the Atlas, your safety and experience are our top priorities. For our New Zealand photo tour, we work closely with a trusted local company that provides all necessary commercial driving and guiding services. This ensures we fully comply with New Zealand’s public land regulations and adhere to all national and local guidelines designed to protect both visitors and the pristine environment.
Our local partner holds all required permits, certifications, and insurance to operate on New Zealand’s public lands, including national parks. This partnership allows us to offer you a seamless, enjoyable, and secure experience, from transportation to on-location guidance.
Transportation
All transportation and fuel are included during the tour.
In New Zealand, we’ll travel in a private 19-seater minibus, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout the tour. The minibus is equipped with ample space so you and your camera gear can travel comfortably. With our private vehicle, we can also reach more remote and exclusive locations without the hassle and cons of big buses.
Our local drivers are expert guides who are familiar with New Zealand’s roads, landscapes, and weather conditions. They will ensure that our journey is smooth, safe, and efficient, allowing you to focus on capturing the stunning scenery without any worries.
Hiking and Fitness
In New Zealand, most of the photo locations are within an easy walk from the parking area, making the experience accessible to varying fitness levels. However, this tour is physically intensive, as we aim to capture the best light conditions throughout the day, including sunrise, sunset, and nighttime astrophotography sessions, which require a high level of energy and stamina.
While altitude won’t be a factor on this trip, as our locations are near sea level, some areas do involve moderate hiking, such as trails to Tasman Lake, Hooker Lake, Kea Point, and the Lake Gunn Forest. These trails provide rewarding photo opportunities, but participants should be prepared for a few hours of walking on uneven terrain and some elevation gain.
To ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment, our tour leaders are certified in first aid and CPR. With our local expertise and attention to detail, this New Zealand tour is crafted for a remarkable and safe experience.
Below you can see a chart with the main possible hikes:
Hike | Elevation Gain | Distance (roundtrip) | Estimated Duration (roundtrip) | Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hooker Track | 650 ft. / | 6.8 miles / | 3 hours | Moderate hike, mostly flat with gentle inclines, well-maintained gravel track. Some sections include boardwalks and swing bridges, with occasional rocky patches. |
Tasman Lake | 380 ft. / 116m | 2.3 mile / | 1 hour | Short walk, mostly flat, with a mix of gravel and rocky paths. Steep and rocky descent to the lake. |
Kea Point | 295 ft. / 90m | 1.8 miles / | 1 hour | Short hike, gradual uphill incline, compact gravel path with some uneven sections. |
Lake Gunn | 78 ft. / | 0.8 miles / 1.4 km | 30 minutes | Easy loop, mostly flat with a few gentle slopes in a well formed track. |
We recommend being in good physical shape to enjoy this experience |
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What expenses should you consider for this New Zealand photo tour?
Flights
You should book both your inbound and outbound flights to and from Queenstown (ZQN).
Queenstown has direct international flights available from major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland. Many airlines also offer connecting flights through these cities from other international hubs like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, London, Paris, and more.
For your return flight from Queenstown, there are direct flights to Auckland and Wellington, and from there, you can catch connecting flights to various international destinations, including Sydney, Melbourne, Los Angeles, and beyond.
Airline ticket prices will vary depending on your departure city, but round-trip flights from the USA typically range from $1,200 to $1,800, and from Europe, expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,500.
Meals
Meals are included as follows:
- Breakfast: Every day, we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel to start our day or after the sunrise session.
- Other Meals: Lunch, snacks, and dinners are not included. However, we will have the opportunity to try local food at various restaurants throughout the tour, sampling the best of New Zealand’s cuisine each day.
We recommend budgeting approximately NZD $50-$70 per day for meals, depending on where we dine. New Zealand offers a wide variety of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining, so you’ll have the chance to explore the local flavors and enjoy some memorable meals.
Visa
Plan on spending approximately NZD $12 for the NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) processing fee, which is required for most travelers to enter New Zealand.
If you are from a country that requires a visa, the cost will depend on your nationality and visa type. Please check the official New Zealand immigration website for specific details.
Tips
Tips for the guides nad local drivers are not included.
What makes this New Zealand Photo Tour unique?
Immersive
Our workshops are completely centered on photography: finding the best moments of light during the day and at night and creating an intensive experience that is conducive to learning and taking the best images.
Intimate
Our workshops are limited to small groups with a ratio of no more than six students per instructor. This is also an important factor for providing the attentive instruction you need during the tour.
Exclusive
During this workshop, we will photograph the famous locations in New Zealand as well as some hidden gems that we have discovered while hiking and exploring in the past that are rarely visited or photographed.
Dedicated
We will discuss your goals before the tour so we can create a dedicated instruction plan for you. It doesn’t matter your age or skills; we will design your plan and provide you with materials before, during, and after the workshop so the learning process is not limited to just the tour.
Proven
We have spent years designing national and international photo tours with successful results, helping photographers with everything from the simple task of getting off Auto to the ambitious goal of capturing complex images. Dan’s online courses have also helped more than 400 photographers over the last few years.
Unforgettable
Beyond the photography, our photography workshops help build strong bonds that last forever. After our trip, you’ll feel like you have been with a group of friends rather than on a standard tour. We are thankful to have plenty of repeat clients who keep traveling and learning with us.
Frequently asked questions about our New Zealand Photo Tours
What level do I need to attend to this photo tour to New Zealand?
Whether you are experienced or just starting in photography, you are all welcome, and I am convinced that you will progress very fast. Together, we will get you back home with greater and deeper knowledge in many photography topics.
Also, we can Zoom or Skype beforehand to discuss your skill level, knowledge, and your goals with this tour.
What physical conditions do I need to be in?
In New Zealand, most of the photo locations are within an easy walk from the parking area, making the experience accessible to varying fitness levels. However, this tour is physically intensive, as we aim to capture the best light conditions throughout the day, including sunrise, sunset, and nighttime astrophotography sessions, which require a high level of energy and stamina.
While altitude won’t be a factor on this trip, as our locations are near sea level, some areas do involve moderate hiking, such as trails to Tasman Lake, Hooker Lake, Kea Point, and the Lake Gunn Forest. These trails provide rewarding photo opportunities, but participants should be prepared for a few hours of walking on uneven terrain and some elevation gain.
To ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment, our tour leaders are certified in first aid and CPR. With our local expertise and attention to detail, this New Zealand tour is crafted for a remarkable and safe experience.
Am I too young/old for this New Zealand photo tour?
There is no age limit. This trip is perfect for anyone over 18 years old who wants to photograph New Zealand with us.
Can my non-photographer companion join us on the tour?
Non-photographer companions are welcome to join the tour, and they need to book a spot under the same price and conditions as any other participant. (We don’t allow non-participant companions tagging along with the group). We have had plenty of non-photographer companions over the years and all of them enjoyed an amazing experience. As long as they enjoy nature, beautiful landscapes, and are a bit patient with the schedules of a photo tour, joining the trip can be a great experience regardless of the shooting.
Can I bring my drone?
Capture the Atlas is drone-friendly. Our tour leaders are experienced drone pilots and can help you with your drone photography. However, drone laws in New Zealand are quite restrictive and it’s not allowed to fly them in National Parks without the right permits. We will let you know where you can fly your drones; however, we are not responsible for accidental damage, fines or if you fly it in restricted areas or without the proper paperwork.
Our Happy Students!
I’ve had the opportunity to work with and help countless photographers in photo tours over the last years:
"Our Capture the Atlas adventure was a dream of a lifetime! We were lucky to see the Northern Lights two nights in a row! Our guides were so helpful in showing us how to compose beautiful shots and use the right camera settings. We met really wonderful people, stayed at comfortable locations, and had good food too. This is definitely not our last trip was Capture the Atlas."
Denise Parker
"Our guides were wonderful, so helpful and knowledgeable. No question was too basic or too complex. In fact, a woman from another group commented how attentive they were to us -- her guides just drove them to locations and left them on their own.
This trip has been tremendous. Great locations, great guides, great company, great aurora borealis(!), and thankfully great weather when it mattered. This certainly won't be our last trip with Capture The Atlas."
Eric Parker
Everything about this trip exceeded my expectations. The guides were awesome. It was clear from the very first moments that they were only interested in the guests capturing the very best images possible. In particular I liked the way they prepared us for the coming shoot. We’d get a note every evening about the plan for the next morning, including what gear we would need to get the most out of the shoot. The same writeup was provided before our afternoon and evening shoots, which I found very helpful.
Andy Jay
Capture the Atlas provided an exceptional photography adventure. Participants were given excellent trip preparation guidance and thorough education prior to departure. Out team leaders exceeded all expectations in providing for our transportation, housing, meals, education and safety. From beginner to experienced photographers, we all received personal attention to be sure we captured the best possible images. We all came away with new and improved photography skills.
Mark Myers
Dan was a great host on my recent Photo tour of Southern Iceland. He is an excellent photographer and was energetic in his effort to get our group to so many great sites to photograph. I had great comrades along, which made the journey even more enjoyable. Would I make this trip with Capture the Atlas again? In a heartbeat!
Larry Covalciuc
Traveled with Dan on the South Iceland tour, September 2021. We had six "photographers" on the tour of varying experience and Dan was exceptional at working with us on our level. He was also accommodating by changing the timing of the itinerary due to the weather and the eruption of the volcano. The tour included, as advertised, some hiking to remote places to capture some unique photos. The weathered dictated times to get out to see the Aurora and sunrises which were all impressive.
Robert Emery
Dan & Ascen drove almost 2,000 km’s to bring us to all the locations for photo shoot’s. There was fabulous enthusiasm amongst the group. We witnessed amazing landscapes and seascapes. Dan made it all possible, the “Dancing Northern Lights” would not be missed on this tour. There was a good choice of accommodation & restaurants.
Iris Anderson
Terms and conditions
This tour is governed by specific cancellations & refund terms to meet the terms and conditions of our local provider.
- Both deposit and remaining payment are non-refundable. We highly recommend getting a cancel for any reason insurance.
- If a participant needs to cancel, Capture the Atlas will do its best to find a substitute to cover the spot. If your spot is filled by another participant, we’ll refund your balance minus payment processing fees and a $200 administrative fee plus any additional costs incurred, as well as any fees that are charged by the suppliers providing the services included in the photo tour such as hotels, transportation, tours, and others.
Our standard Terms and Conditions also apply for this photo tour, with the exception of the CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS section.
New Zealand’s South Island is a photographer’s paradise, where stunning landscapes, breathtaking vistas, and some of the clearest, darkest skies on Earth await.
Imagine standing beneath the star-filled heavens in one of the world’s best places for astrophotography, capturing the Milky Way rising over the Southern Alps, or photographing the iconic peaks of Aoraki/Mt Cook. From the rugged fjords of Milford Sound to the pristine, turquoise lakes of Tekapo and Pukaki, the South Island offers some of the most awe-inspiring natural beauty you’ll ever witness.
As a place that inspired The Lord of the Rings, New Zealand’s landscapes are nothing short of magical, offering endless opportunities to capture the raw and untouched beauty of nature. Whether you’re capturing sunrise over misty lakes, snow-capped mountains glowing in the evening light, or the elusive Southern Lights in the dark skies, this tour will take your photography to new heights.
Don’t miss the chance to experience New Zealand’s unique beauty, and join us for an unforgettable photography adventure on the South Island!
Dan Zafra
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