Begin your tour with an early morning pick-up from your Queenstown, Frankton or Arrowtown hotel by private vehicle, and head straight into the hills around Queenstown to make the most of the morning light. From a high vantage point like Skippers Saddle, enjoy spectacular views of not only Queenstown, Frankton and Arrowtown, but the entire Wakatipu Basin.
With the help of your guide, a professional photographer, learn how to get the best out of your camera, and master manual settings like aperture, shutter speed and ISO. Then, turn your lens towards the stunning landscapes below, and follow your guide’s advice on composition and lighting as you try your hand at landscape photography.
After taking in the views from above, your tour route depends on your individual preferences. You could choose to head West toward Glenorchy, Paradise and Kinloch, where you can shoot cascading waterfalls, abandoned gold mines and Lord of the Rings filming destinations around Lake Wakatipu, and the Dart and Rees Rivers.
Heading East, you’ll be treated to the rugged cliffs and canyons of the Crown Range, Gibbston Valley, Coronet Peak, and Kawarau Gorge. Alternatively, travel south past Lake Wakatipu and around the base of the Remarkables Range, where you can photograph wild rivers, alpine peaks, and an old steam railway. Finally, you could head North over the Crown Range toward Wanaka, tackling New Zealand’s highest mountain road, and enjoying views of Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring and the Southern Alps.
Along the way, pick up plenty of expert tips and enjoy ample opportunities to hone your photography skills and capture some winning shots. There will be time for lunch (own expense) in one of the villages en-route, and after your tour is over, you’ll be dropped back at your Queenstown hotel.
