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South Island

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

Details

Discover the Magic of Queenstown & the Southern Lakes

Discover the awe-inspiring landscapes of Queenstown and the Southern Lakes through the lens of your camera on this full-day private photography tour. Whether you’re just beginning your photography journey or you’ve been perfecting your craft for years, this tailored experience helps you capture the best of New Zealand’s natural beauty. From dawn’s first light over Lake Wakatipu to the rugged mountain ranges that frame the horizon, every moment is a chance to create something truly special.

Your local photography guide knows exactly where to find the region’s best light, taking you from iconic viewpoints to secluded, lesser-known treasures. Each stop is chosen to match your interests—be it vintage gold mining towns, tranquil rivers, or sweeping alpine vistas. With flexible pacing and expert advice on composition and timing, you’ll come away with more than just photos—you’ll take home memories framed in light.

Play

A Visual Tribute to Queenstown’s Light

The Ray of Light abstract video transforms Queenstown’s luminous beauty into a captivating visual display. Inspired by the Southern Lakes’ shifting colours and reflections, it’s perfect as a serene background or screensaver, offering a moment of calm and inspiration that echoes the region’s tranquil energy.

As your photography tour concludes, you’ll find that Queenstown and the Southern Lakes have offered not just breathtaking views, but a renewed creative spirit. Each captured image tells the story of your journey—one filled with light, colour, and the timeless charm of New Zealand’s South Island.

Some directions we can go on a full day tour:

  • WEST toward Glenorchy, Paradise and Kinloch - waterfalls, Lake Wakatipu, Moke lake, Dart and Rees Rivers, gold mining, transport an farming history.
  • EAST toward Arrowtown, Crown Range, Gibbston Valley, Cromwell - heritage, vineyards, expansive views, rugged Kawarau Gorge, gold mining.
  • UP toward Coronet Peak and Skippers Canyon - heritage, expansive views, alpine tussock landscape, craggy, rugged, vertiginous mountain road.
  • SOUTH toward Kingston - Spectacular drive along Lake Wakatipu and base of The Remarkables Range, vistas of mountains, waterfalls, old steam train, climb to alpine tussock and tor country.
  • NORTH over Crown Range toward Wanaka - expansive vistas, highest road pass in NZ, heritage, iconic mountain and lake views.

Some themes you could explore:

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

INCLUSIONS

  • Expert Photography Guide
  • 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, allowing you to choose from a variety of destinations or customize your itinerary to suit your interests. Whether you want to capture breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, people, or a unique creative theme, we tailor the experience to you. After pickup, we’ll discuss your goals for the day—whether it's a bucket-list of must-visit locations, a specific theme, or simply capturing the mood of a few special places. Taking into account the weather and lighting, we’ll determine the best locations to shoot.

Possible Directions for Your Full-Day Tour:

  • West – Glenorchy, Paradise, Kinloch: Waterfalls, Lake Wakatipu, Moke Lake, Dart and Rees Rivers, gold mining history, and stunning rural landscapes.
  • East – Arrowtown, Crown Range, Gibbston Valley, Cromwell: Heritage sites, vineyards, expansive views, rugged Kawarau Gorge, and gold mining history.
  • Up – Coronet Peak & Skippers Canyon: Historic sites, sweeping alpine views, tussock-covered landscapes, and a dramatic, rugged mountain road.
  • South – Kingston: A spectacular lakeside drive with views of The Remarkables, waterfalls, an old steam train, and alpine landscapes.
  • North – Crown Range to Wanaka: New Zealand’s highest road pass, vast mountain vistas, heritage towns, and iconic lake views.

Possible Themes for Your Tour:

  • Historic buildings and gold mining heritage
  • Vineyards and wine regions
  • Elevated viewpoints and panoramic landscapes
  • Detailed nature photography

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.

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