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South Island

Start: Queenstown
Duration: 1 day
Travel Time: 5 hours

Details

Discover the Scenic Secrets of Queenstown

Queenstown’s dramatic landscapes provide endless inspiration for photographers seeking to capture the essence of New Zealand’s South Island. From serene lakes and rugged peaks to charming heritage towns, every scene offers a fresh creative challenge. With the guidance of an experienced local photographer, you’ll uncover hidden viewpoints that reveal the region’s natural beauty in all its glory.

This half-day private tour blends flexibility with expertise, allowing you to explore well-known landmarks and secluded spots alike. Your guide tailors each stop to suit lighting, weather, and your artistic goals, ensuring every shot tells a story. Whether you prefer capturing wide panoramic vistas or detailed close-ups, the pace is relaxed so you can focus on your craft.

Learn, Create, and Capture Like a Pro

More than just sightseeing, this tour is a chance to refine your photography skills in one of the world’s most photogenic locations. Receive hands-on advice on composition, exposure, and the art of using natural light to your advantage. Even if you’re new to photography, you’ll gain confidence and return home with a gallery of striking images.

Each tour is customised to your preferences, making every experience unique. You might capture reflections on Lake Hayes, the vibrant hues of Arrowtown, or the golden light washing over The Remarkables. By the end of the day, you’ll not only have beautiful photos but also a deeper understanding of how to tell visual stories through your lens.

Tour Inclusions

  • Expert Photography Guide
  • Private, Customized Itinerary
  • Flexible Route Options
  • 5 Hours of Scenic Exploration across Queenstown/Wakatipu basin
  • Refreshments – tea/coffee and cookies
  • Comfortable AWD Vehicle
  • Door-to-Door Pick-Up & Drop-Off to and from your accommodation in or near Queenstown

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 half-day tours are flexible, allowing you to select from a variety of destinations and photography themes. If you're unsure, we can tailor the tour based on your preferences, weather conditions, and the best lighting for the day.

Route Options:

  • West Towards Glenorchy – Capture waterfalls, Lake Wakatipu, Moke Lake, and remnants of gold mining history.
  • East Towards Arrowtown & Crown Range – Discover heritage buildings, vineyards, rugged gorges, and panoramic views.
  • Up Towards Coronet Peak & Skippers Canyon – Explore alpine landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and historic mining sites.
  • South Towards Kingston – Journey along Lake Wakatipu’s edge, with towering mountain backdrops and stunning waterfalls.

Photography Themes to Explore:

  • Gold Mining Heritage – Historic mining sites, old settlements, and rugged landscapes.
  • Wine Vineyards – Capture the charm of Queenstown’s renowned wine country.
  • Scenic High-Altitude Views – Mountain peaks, dramatic vistas, and breathtaking overlooks.

Whichever direction you choose, your guide will take you to the most stunning, awe-inspiring spots while offering expert advice on angles, compositions, and camera settings.

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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