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.