Join us on a private photography expedition to the tallest peaks of Te Wai Pounamu, New Zealand’s South Island. This amazing region, framed by the majestic Southern Alps boasts serene lakes, meandering rivers, and majestic mountains.
Our 3-day private photography tour offers a glimpse into this extraordinary environment. Tailored to accommodate weather conditions, lighting, your photography expertise, and the rest of your New Zealand itinerary, our goal is for you to capture images you’ll proudly showcase.
In the majestic depths of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, where the highest peaks of New Zealand proudly stand, you will find yourself immersed in awe-inspiring beauty. From dawn to sunset, you will have the opportunity to capture the breathtaking alpine scenery that surrounds you.
Exploring various locations that offer stunning views of Mt Cook, the Tasman Valley, and the icebergs in Tasman Lake.
It truly is an experience you will never forget.
Activity location
Cardrona
Cardrona, New Zealand
Meeting/Redemption Point
Frankton Bus Interchange (near Queenstown Airport)
9300, Queenstown, Otago Region, New Zealand
Check availability
Sorry this activity isn't available on Sat, 13 Dec
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What's included, what's not
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In-person English Guide
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Convenient transport and hotel pickup from Queenstown or Wanaka
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Transport during the tour
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Free loan of tripod
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Bottled Water, Tea, Coffee, Biscuits
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Expert tuition and guidance throughout the journey
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Printed workshop notes to enhance your photography
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Camera (Nikon D5100, available to rent) - $25 NZD per day
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Lunches are excluded, but we do provide snacks and water, and the opportunity to buy lunch
Know before you book
Service animals allowed
Specialised infant seats are available
Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Activity itinerary
Day 1: Queenstown to Aoraki Mount Cook
6 stops
Meals: snacks
Accommodation: Private luxury twin-share / double room at the Hermitage Hotel Aoraki Mount Cook Village.
Crown Range Road
30m
Our tour leaves Queenstown, and steeply climbs the Crown Range, this being the highest public sealed road in the country, with a photo stop at the summit.
Cardrona
30m
Photo stop at the iconic Cardrona Hotel and the famous "Bradrona" bra fence.
That Wanaka Tree
30m
Heading on to Wanaka and its beautiful lake, the journey promises breathtaking views and photo opportunities. Weather and time permitting, we'll stop at the Wanaka Tree. Another opportunity is available on the return journey.
Lindis Pass
1h
Meandering through the Lindis Pass, we arrive at Omarama, with a chance for a much-needed lunch break at The Wrinkly Ram. Lunch is not included and the cost per person can range from $15 NZD to $25 NZD.
In this unique landscape, we may encounter the spellbinding beauty of hoar frost and fog, depending on the season.
Clay Cliff
30m
Admission ticket included
Depending on time, we may make a side journey to the Omarama Clay Cliffs... a geological wonder formed millions of years ago from layers of silt and gravel deposited by ancient lakes and rivers.
Aoraki/Mt. Cook
30m
Upon arrival, guests will be checked in to their luxury accommodation at the Hermitage Hotel, followed by a delicious buffet dinner at the Hermitage Hotel restaurant. This will be our base for the next two nights.
Day 2: Aoraki Mount Cook
5 stops
Meals: breakfast, snacks
Accommodation: Private luxury twin-share / double room at the Hermitage Hotel Aoraki Mount Cook Village.
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
1h
Get ready to start your day with a burst of excitement! After an exhilarating sunrise shoot to capture the first glow on the summit of Aoraki Mt Cook, we head back to the hotel for a satisfying breakfast (included) as we gear up for the day ahead.
Tasman Glacier Helihike
3h
Admission ticket included
For those of you taking part in the heli hike, get ready for an unforgettable experience!
We'll whisk you away to Mount Cook Airport where you'll receive a safety briefing and gear check before taking off on a thrilling helicopter flight into the mountains.
The guided interpretative glacier walk will take you through a breathtaking landscape of fluted ice, runnels, moulins, and winding streams. Your crampons will sink into ancient ice as you traverse the undulating terrain beneath the towering peaks of Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.
As your helicopter safely returns you to Mt Cook Airport, you'll fly close to the massive 1,000-metre-high Hochstetter Icefall to cap off your incredible adventure.
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
3h
If you're not participating in the heli-hike, don't worry - we'll still be exploring other stunning locations in the park together.
Hooker Valley Track
5h
We regroup for the walk through the Hooker Valley to Hooker Lake for some stunning sunset shots, with the icebergs from Hooker Glacier in the foreground and Aoraki Mount Cook towering above... aglow with the afternoon light.
Afterwards, we'll guide our eager photographers back to the hotel in the fading light (we provide you with a head torch!) for a delicious buffet dinner.
Big Sky Stargazing
1h 30m
Admission ticket not included
Eager astrophotographers can join the 75-90 minute Big Sky Stargazing Experience if weather permits. You will need to book directly with the hotel for this ($145 NZD per person).
Day 3: Aoraki Mt Cook to Queenstown
4 stops
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Not included
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
1h
The day begins with the opportunity for pre-dawn astrophotography, before returning to the hotel for a delicious breakfast. We then prepare for the return journey to Queenstown.
Lake Tekapo
1h
We'll stop at various well-known, and some not-so-well-known points on the return journey. These will be chosen according to the light and weather conditions.
Wanaka
30m
The day will culminate in a stop at Wanaka. Here, you will have the chance to capture the iconic Wanaka Tree in the warm afternoon light, capturing unforgettable memories of this unforgettable day.
Queenstown
30m
We conclude the day by dropping you at your chosen accommodation in the Queenstown area.
Location
Activity location
LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
Cardrona
Cardrona, New Zealand
Meeting/Redemption Point
PEOPLEPEOPLE
Frankton Bus Interchange (near Queenstown Airport)
9300, Queenstown, Otago Region, New Zealand
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