Search icon

South Island

Start: Queenstown
Duration: 1 day
Travel Time: 9 hours

Details

Capture Central Otago’s Wild Gold Rush Spirit

Explore the heart of Central Otago, where tales of gold and grit echo through the hills. This private photography tour from Queenstown takes you along back roads once travelled by hopeful miners, offering the perfect mix of history and natural drama. Each stop reveals a snapshot of the past, from weathered ruins to thriving towns that hold the spirit of adventure.

Your expert photography guide shares professional techniques to make every shot count. Learn how to play with light and texture as you capture the rugged beauty of rocky valleys and crumbling settlements. Whether you’re chasing golden hour or shadowed gorges, Central Otago offers endless inspiration for your lens.

From Ghost Towns to Golden Horizons

Wander through forgotten settlements that whisper stories of fortune seekers and lost dreams. The landscapes, shaped by time and toil, now stand as open-air museums filled with photographic treasures. Every corner holds a new frame-worthy moment, from rusted tools to vast, wind-swept plains.

As you travel further into the region, vibrant towns like Cromwell and Alexandra reveal how the gold rush legacy continues to thrive. Their blend of heritage architecture and natural beauty provides the perfect contrast to the wild terrain. This journey through Central Otago is not just a photo tour — it’s an unforgettable look at New Zealand’s untamed heart.

INCLUSIONS

  • Expert Photography Guide
  • Exclusive Locations and Local Knowledge
  • Private, Customized Itinerary
  • Flexible Route Options
  • Full-Day Scenic Exploration
  • Refreshments – tea/coffee and cookies
  • Lunch Stop at a Local Village
  • Comfortable AWD Vehicle
  • Door-to-Door Pick-Up & Drop-Off to and from your accommodation in or near Queenstown
  • Nikon DSLRs are available for hire
  • We're ready! We have additional SD cards available for purchase if required
  • We cater to all levels of photography and all types of cameras

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

  • More than 14 days before departure: Full refund**.
  • Less than14 days and more than 48 hours before departure: 70% refund**
  • Within 48 hours: No refund

**Less any booking or credit card fees if applicable.

Note: Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Our founder, Martin Kohn, is an experienced artist and graphic designer who developed a deep passion for landscape photography after arriving in Queenstown. With his keen eye for design and love for exploration, Martin knows exactly where and how to capture stunning images of Queenstown’s mountains, lakes, rivers, and forests. He also has insider knowledge of hidden, off-the-beaten-path locations that only a local would know.

Our tours are flexible. You can select from various destinations and itineraries or tell us what you want to see.

After pickup, we'll discuss your goals for the day, whether it's your bucket list of locations, a theme, or capturing the mood of a few special places. We'll tailor the tour based on your preferences, weather conditions, and the best lighting for the day.

Possible Themes for Your Tour:

  • Old buildings, gold mining history and heritage
  • Vistas from the heights
  • Nature in detail

Whichever direction you choose, your guide will take you to the best spots for capturing the beauty of the region. You’ll receive expert advice on composition, exposure, and creative techniques to help you capture truly stunning images.

One-on-One Tours

If you prefer a more personalized experience, we also offer private one-on-one tours. Your guide will work closely with you, helping you refine your skills and create a collection of inspiring, memorable images. It’s like spending the day with your own photography companion—designed entirely around your creative vision.

Frequently asked questions

Any camera with manual controls for shutter speed, aperture, and ISO will work—DSLRs, mirrorless, and many bridge cameras are ideal.

For more versatility, bring additional lenses like a wide-angle for landscapes or a zoom for distant details. Polarizing or ND filters can enhance your shots.

We provide tripods, but feel free to bring your own. Spare memory cards are available for purchase, and don’t forget a fully charged battery plus a backup!

Absolutely! If you're new to your camera, our workshops are a great way to get started. While it's helpful to know the basics, bringing your user manual is recommended since every model differs.

No matter your camera, the fundamentals remain the same. We'll focus on composition, creative techniques, and key settings like aperture and shutter speed to enhance your shots.

For advanced photographers, we’ll guide you to stunning locations where you can fully explore your creativity and capture unforgettable images.

Half-day tours stay within an hour’s drive of Queenstown, typically reaching nearby villages. The distance covered depends on whether you prefer visiting multiple locations or focusing on creative shots at fewer spots.

Full-day tours venture further, exploring unique environments beyond Queenstown. More ground can be covered with frequent stops, or we can take our time to craft truly unique images.

Sign up to our newsletter for special deals & exciting news.