New Zealand in Autumn
April 8 – 18, 2026
1 Spot Left
New Zealand in Spring
2 Spots Left
At a Glance
Location
New Zealand's South Island
Tuition
$12,995
Dates
October 18 – 28, 2026
Fitness Level
Availability
Limited to 5 Guests
Collections
- Journey
New Zealand in Spring Photography Workshop
Spectacular and Diverse Landscape Photography in Springtime
October 18 – 28, 2026
- An idyllic landscape of pristine lakes, mountains and verdant valleys
- Dawn helicopter flight to Coromandel Peak, a breathtaking sunrise view
- Private overnight wilderness cruise on Doubtful Sound
On the South Island of New Zealand, spring is a dream for landscape photography: clear air, fresh greens, and snow-tipped peaks rise over turquoise rivers and deep glacial lakes. Sunrise finds soft light brushing the Southern Alps and Lake Wanaka; by afternoon, fast-moving weather sweeps across the ranges, transforming scenes in minutes. In Fiordland, low clouds drift through towering granite mountains and waterfalls, while out on Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound the mood shifts from silver mist to late light on the fjords. From remote backcountry valleys like the Nevis and Maniototo to rainforest and beech forest, this New Zealand spring photo workshop gives you an extraordinary range of mountains, rivers, and coastlines to explore with your camera.
Access defines this trip. A private flight to Coromandel Peak gives sweeping views across Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps. On the water, we’ll photograph Milford Sound and then settle into an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound, working with changing light in one of the most beautiful fjords on earth.
On the ground, the Nevis Valley offers sculpted rivers, ancient rock tors, and big mountain backdrops; Fiordland brings misty beech forests, towering granite mountains, plunging waterfalls, and aqua blue rivers; and the Maniototo, New Zealand’s “big sky” country, is a vast elevated plain surrounded by mountains and steeped in gold mining history. Expect a balance of grand scenes and intimate studies, with time to revisit promising locations as conditions shift.
You’ll have an immersive learning experience throughout, with targeted sessions on composition for wide scenes, long-lens landscapes, moving water, compression, and more. We help you achieve clearer intent and stronger execution, guiding you on composition, camera settings, and post-processing so you return with a portfolio of images that captures both the drama and nuance of New Zealand in spring.
Small groups keep the pace calm and flexible, and this itinerary is companion-friendly—non-photographers will love the flights, fjords, and landscapes as much as the shooters. As always, image reviews and targeted post-processing help you translate New Zealand’s subtle tones and fast weather into unique photographs you’ll be proud of.
This Department of Conservation–approved workshop pairs dramatic locations with attentive instruction to create a cohesive and intentional spring portfolio.
Your Pro
Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.
October 18, 2026: Meet and Greet, drive to the Maniototo, sunset photography in the mountains
We’ll meet in Queenstown today at 1:00 PM. Guests already staying in Queenstown can be picked up at their hotel by arrangement. We’ll then drive to the Maniototo region of Central Otago and check into our hotel before gathering for a meet-and-greet dinner at a local restaurant and our first sunset shoot.
October 19, 2026: Sunrise shoot at Blue Lake and discover the landscapes of the Maniototo Plain
We’ll head to the old gold mining town of St Bathans this morning, shooting at two locations before breakfast. For the remainder of the day, we’ll discover the fascinating landscape of the Maniototo, a vast, fertile plain surrounded by tussock-clad hills and rocky mountains, dotted with sheep farms and newborn spring lambs in the fields. We will also include a visit to historic Naseby and its rich gold mining history.
October 20, 2026: Journey to the Alps and majestic Mount Cook
After breakfast, we’ll check out and head north to Mackenzie Country, across Lindis Pass and towards the heart of the Southern Alps. We’ll shoot sunset from an elevated vantage point over Lake Pukaki, with New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki-Mount Cook, dominating the landscape.
October 21, 2026: Sunrise Shoot at Peter’s Lookout, Evening Photography in Hooker Valley
We’ll photograph sunrise this morning at Peter’s Lookout for a picture-perfect view of Aoraki-Mount Cook at the head of Lake Pukaki. After breakfast, we’ll spend some time shooting around Lake Pukaki and Twizel before heading out in the afternoon to photograph in the Hooker Valley. Dinner at Mount Cook Village.
October 22, 2026: Sunrise at Lake Ruataniwha, Clay Cliffs and Signature Image Review
Sunrise at nearby Lake Ruataniwha. After breakfast, we’ll photograph the Clay Cliffs of Omarama, an unusual rock formation of gravel and silt pinnacles formed by ancient glaciers. In the afternoon we’ll take some time for an interactive image review session, and after dinner, a sunset view of Mount Cook from a lesser-visited vantage point.
October 23, 2026: Sunrise at Tasman Lake, Sunset Shoot at Dublin Bay, Drive to Wanaka
We’ll get an early start this morning to shoot sunrise at Tasman Lake, where we’ll hope to see icebergs and stunning reflections of Mount Cook and the surrounding alps. We’ll head back to Twizel for breakfast and check-out for a short drive to Wanaka. In the afternoon we’ll explore the back country of the Matukituki Valley. We’ll enjoy a great dinner at our favorite local restaurant and finish the day with a sunset shoot at Glendhu Bay towards majestic Mount Aspiring.
October 24, 2026: Sunrise at Wanaka Tree, 4×4 Adventure in Nevis Valley, Golden Hour at Duffers Saddle
Photograph sunrise at the famous Wanaka Tree, with its backdrop of snow-capped mountains. We’ll have an early lunch today before being picked up by our 4×4 driver guides and heading out to the remote backcountry of the Nevis Valley. We’ll end the day with a golden hour shoot of this spectacular wilderness from Duffers Saddle, the highest point on the New Zealand road network.
October 25, 2026: Dawn Helicopter Ride to Coromandel Peak
For a unique perspective and unforgettable view of Lake Wanaka, we will take a dawn helicopter flight up to Coromandel Peak, a mountain overlook we will have to ourselves. The snow-capped Southern Alps stretch endlessly into the far distance, while the surrounding countryside below is a vibrant green palette.
After breakfast, we’ll check out of our lodgings and drive south to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and Fiordland National Park, the most remote corner of New Zealand. Dinner will be in town.
October 26, 2026: Milford Sound Exploration, Sunrise and Sunset Photography
Sunrise across Lake Te Anau. Mid-morning, we’ll head out along the incredibly scenic Milford Highway, stopping at Te Anau Downs, the spectacular Eglinton Valley, Lake Gunn, and the glacial-blue Hollyford River. Our journey takes us through the Homer Tunnel and down through the spectacularly rugged valley to Milford Sound, where we’ll spend some time shooting from the foreshore, followed by dinner and then a sunset shoot before driving back to Te Anau.
October 27, 2026: Doubtful Sound Cruise, Overnight on Southern Secret, Wildlife Photography
This morning, we depart to board our privately chartered vessel, Southern Secret, for a unique cruising experience on remote Doubtful Sound. We’ll be on board for lunch, tea, overnight, and breakfast.
To board our overnight cruise boat at Doubtful Sound, we first have to cross Lake Manapouri by boat and then take a private bus transfer from the arrival dock over to the mooring at Deep Cove. We’ll be stopping along the way to photograph the landscape, including a spectacular view of Doubtful Sound from the summit of Wilmot Pass, cloud-cover permitting. Our cabins on board have ensuite bathrooms. You’ll only need a change of clothes, wet weather gear, and camera equipment for the overnight cruise, so the rest of our luggage will stay in the van.
The scenery in the Sound is spectacular: lush green forests, countless waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, penguins, seals, and occasionally orcas. Try your hand at fishing under the guidance of our crew, or simply enjoy photographing the scenic beauty and tranquility of this unpopulated wilderness.
October 28, 2026: Depart Doubtful Sound, Photo Stop at Devil’s Staircase, Return to Queenstown
After disembarking our vessel, we’ll head to Queenstown with a photo stop at Devil’s Staircase. You can make onward travel arrangements from 5:00 PM.
Fitness
Moderate: You are able to walk up to two miles on uneven ground.
Flights
Arrive Queenstown Airport (ZQN), Queenstown, New Zealand before 11:00 AM on October 18, 2026. Flights out can be made after 5:00 PM on October 28, 2026. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.
What to Bring
Please see our page How To Prepare For Your Workshop. We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.
What’s Included
- Double occupancy lodging. Single available for $1,000 supplement.
- All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
- All permits and park fees.
- All transportation during the workshop.
- All helicopter charters.
- Tips for crew, drivers, and local guides.
- Photographic guiding and instruction from Neil Protheroe.
- Image reviews and post-processing instruction.
- Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!
Not Included
- Travel to and from Queenstown, New Zealand.
- Unscheduled airport transfers.
- Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
- Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Alcoholic Beverages.
- Medical Evacuation Insurance (required).
- Travel Medical (required).
- Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
- Anything else specifically not listed as included.
- Single rooming available for $1,000 supplement.
Payment Terms
- Your deposit of $4,995 will hold your space in this workshop.
- Further payment of $4,000 is due by March 1, 2026.
- The balance is due not later than July 1, 2026.
- All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply.
- Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll practice composition for wide scenes, long-lens landscapes, and moving water. You'll also learn about compression techniques and post-processing to enhance your images, capturing the drama and nuance of New Zealand's landscapes.
Yes, this workshop is refundable. If you cancel more than 150 days before the start date, you receive a full refund. Cancellations between 150–91 days receive a refund of payments exceeding 50% of tuition, and between 90–61 days, a refund of payments exceeding 75% of tuition. No refunds are available within 60 days unless we fill your space, in which case you receive a 100% refund. All refunds are subject to a 5% administrative processing fee and are issued by the original payment method.
The workshop is limited to a maximum of 5 participants, ensuring a personalized and flexible experience with plenty of one-on-one instruction.
All necessary permits and park fees are included in the workshop, so you won't need to worry about obtaining any special permits for photography during the trip.
A moderate fitness level is required. You'll need to be able to walk up to two miles on uneven ground, which is typical for accessing some of the stunning landscapes we'll be photographing.
Yes, all meals, soft drinks, snacks, and double occupancy lodging are included during the workshop. Single occupancy is available for an additional supplement.
Medical evacuation insurance and travel medical insurance are required for this workshop. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but recommended to protect your investment.
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