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 Spring during the best time to photograph the Milky Way in New Zealand.
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.
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:
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 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 a quick stop at Mt. John where we’ll enjoy the spectacular views over Lake Tekapo with the most important astronomical observatories in New Zealand.
Once we leave Tekapo, we will drive to the heart of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, where we’ll spend the following few days. Our first location will be the Hooker Track, one of the most iconic views in the park. If conditions allow, we will continue the trek to the end until Hooker Lake. 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 along the Hooker Track, 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.
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, and depending on the weather conditions, we will either explore new areas around the park or focus on an editing session where we’ll show you all the steps to edit your images.
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 the Tasman Valley for an astrophotography session. The clear, dark skies offer the perfect opportunity to capture the Milky Way from this spectacular area.
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 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.
In the late afternoon, we will photograph the sunset from the iconic waters of Lake Pukaki overlooking the Southern Alps.
If conditions allow, we’ll finish the day with an astrophotography session around Aoraki/Mt Cook, either in Lake Pukaki or near the Hooker/Tasman Valleys.
Our day starts with a morning shoot in Ben Ōhau. This location offers sweeping views of the Southern Alps and Lake Ohau. The landscape here is ideal for wide-angle shots and long exposure photography.
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.
On day 6, 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.
We start the seventh 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 Te Anau for a well-deserved rest. If conditions allow for Astro, we’ll shoot from out of Te Anau or the road to Milford.
On Day 8 of our NZ Photo Tour, we will start the day early with a sunrise shoot at Lake Te Anau, capturing the sun illuminating the mountains and the lake. This also offers a great opportunity for bird photography around the shoreline.
In the morning, we’ll embark on one of the most special adventures of the trip with a heli ride over Fjordland National Park. This ride offers unique views of Milford Sound, including Mitre Peak and Sutherland Falls. We’ll enjoy a wilderness landing at a stunning alpine lake, and return to Te Anau across the spectacular Murchison mountains.
After our flight, we’ll drive to Queenstown, where we’ll 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 from Moke Lake, where the dark skies and remote location offer the perfect setting for capturing the stars and the Milky Way.
On Day 9 of our NZ Photo Tour, we will start the day early with a sunrise shoot at Glenorchy. 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.
We will spend the morning in the area photographing different landscapes overlooking Lake Wakatipu; from rivers and lakes to scenic viewpoints.
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.
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.
Deposit: USD 3,000
A $3,000 USD deposit is required to reserve your spot for this workshop. You can also pay in full at any time. The remaining balance is due 120 days before the start of the photo tour. If the remaining balance is not paid in full by the due date, you will lose your spot.
Capture the Atlas partners with a local NZ company to provide all necessary commercial driving and guiding services within New Zealand’s public lands.
This workshop is mainly focused on landscape and Milky Way photography with some wildlife photo opportunities.
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:
Some of the photography basics you can learn during the workshop are:
Some of the advanced photography techniques you can learn during the workshop are:
Some of the post-processing techniques that you can learn with are:
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 not only in NZ but also 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.
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:
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:
*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:
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.
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:
Please pack for varying climates, including some potential snow and ice. Recommended clothing includes:
Optional items:
A full packing list with additional recommendations will be provided upon registration.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Altitude won’t be a factor on this trip, as our locations are near sea level. Also, there is a couple of easy to moderate walks, such as Tasman Lake and Kea Point.You can see the details of those hikes below.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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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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 are included as follows:
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.
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 for the guides and local drivers are not included.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Altitude won’t be a factor on this trip, as our locations are near sea level. Also, there is a couple of easy to moderate walks, such as Tasman Lake and Kea Point.
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.
There is no age limit. This trip is perfect for anyone over 18 years old who wants to photograph New Zealand with us.
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.
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.
I’ve had the opportunity to work with and help countless photographers in photo tours over the last years:
This tour is governed by specific cancellations & refund terms to meet the terms and conditions of our local provider.
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!
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