Photo nature trip to New Zealand
Capture the Wild Essence of the South Island with Two Passionate Photographers
Duration
15 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, groupe
The spirit of travel
Discover the exceptional sites of the South Island of Nouvelle-Zélande, accompanied by Yoann and Marios, photographers and professional guides based in the country. A unique trip to bring back superb shots!
- Accompaniment by two professional photographers: Yoann and Marios, local experts, will guide you throughout the journey.
- Exclusive small group: A maximum of 8 participants for a personalized and friendly experience.
- Emblematic and diverse sites: Explore must-see places such as Golden Bay, the West Coast, Arthur's Pass National Park, Mount Cook National Park, Milford Sound, Dunedin, the Otago Peninsula, and Wanaka.
- Varied photo sessions: Discover and practice different photographic themes adapted to nature.
- Support for beginners: Receive a cheat sheet to improve your skills and an A2 print of your best photo as a souvenir.
15-day trip: From Nelson on March 31, 2026 to Queenstown on April 14, 2026, for a complete adventure.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Discover Nelson: An unforgettable stay begins here!
Meet up with the group and the photographers in late afternoon at Nelson. This first meeting allows you to get to know each other, discover the detailed itinerary for your stay and discuss the level and expectations of each participant.
The day concludes with a welcome dinner.
Golden Bay and sunset at Wharariki: a magical moment
From Nelson, take the road to Golden Bay by crossing the Tākaka range. After discovering the bohemian atmosphere of the Tākaka region, continue to Cape Farewell.
At the end of the day, head to Wharariki Beach to photograph its landscapes at sunset. The site offers many composition possibilities for photographers in your group.
Discovery of Pancake Rocks and the spectacular landscapes of Kahurangi
After breakfast, explore limestone blocks with shapes sculpted by rata tree roots. This first stop sets the tone for a day dedicated to rocky landscapes and photography.
You then skirt around Kahurangi National Park and traverse the Buller Gorges before reaching Punakaiki. Discover the Pancake Rocks, then take time to explore and photograph the surrounding landscapes.
Lush Forest, Pororari Gorges and 19th Century Immersion at Shanty Town
The morning starts on the Truman Track, between lush forest and wild beach. You then explore the Pororari River gorges, where mountains, waterways, dense forest and birds offer many subjects to photograph.
Continue with a visit to Shantytown Heritage Park, a reconstructed mining town that immerses you in the atmosphere of the nineteenth century. A trail then leads you through primary forest to the shores of Lake Brunner.
Crossing the Southern Alps and discovering the geological formations of Castle Hill
You cross the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass, with a stop to discover a waterfall in the national park. At Castle Hill, take time to explore the amazing rock formations and choose your shots among the many photographic possibilities.
The road continues across the vast Canterbury Plains, at the foot of the New Zealand Alps, until Methven.
Ashburton Lakes, Mackenzie Country and the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook
A detour takes you to the Ashburton Lakes, natural bodies of water surrounded by arid mountains. If the wind calms down, their waters offer beautiful reflections to photograph.
You then climb in altitude towards the landscapes of Mackenzie Country, with stops at Lake Tekapo and at several viewpoints over Lake Pukaki. The day ends at Mount Cook Village, in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where the highest peaks of Nouvelle-Zélande stand.
Hiking in the mountains and sunset over Aoraki/Mount Cook
From Mount Cook Village, you set off hiking in the Hooker Valley and up to the viewpoint over Tasman Glacier. Rocks, ice and streams make up alpine landscapes that you take time to photograph.
The day could be extended by a sunset over Aoraki/Mount Cook, the country's highest peak. You take advantage of the tranquility of the place to find your last compositions.
Fairy Chimneys, Victorian Architecture and Scottish Heritage in Dunedin
The day starts at the Omarama fairy chimneys. You then drive down the Waitaki Valley, with a stop near a hydroelectric dam to photograph the autumn colors by the water.
On the coast, you stop at Oamaru to photograph the details of its limestone Victorian architecture. In the late afternoon, you stroll through the historic center of Dunedin, among the spires and monuments that testify to its Scottish heritage.
Meeting with Marine Animals of the Otago Peninsula and Penguins
From Dunedin, you explore the coasts of the Otago Peninsula, where many seabirds live, including royal albatrosses. An hour-long cruise also gives you the opportunity to observe marine mammals in their natural habitat. You receive tips on how to photograph them from the boat.
At the end of the day, you discover a colony of little penguins in a private reserve and attempt to capture their portraits at dusk.
Tunnel Beach, Central Otago landscapes and autumn immersion in Wanaka
This morning, a short but steep trail leads you to the cliffs of Tunnel Beach. Facing the waves crashing against the coast, you'll be able to experiment with long exposure to add movement to your photographs.
You then head towards Central Otago. Its past linked to the gold rush and its landscapes with western-style scenery offer several opportunities to stop and photograph the region. At the end of the day, you reach Wānaka, adorned with autumn colors.
Free day to practice your photography techniques in Wanaka
Your photography guides are taking a day of rest. You are free to practice the techniques you have learned since the beginning of the trip and to photograph Wānaka at your own pace. Before this day, your guides will have suggested several photography ideas in the region.
From Wanaka to Te Anau: exploring the Kepler Track and landscapes nestled in nature
You join Te Anau by crossing the Cardrona Valley and along the Lake Wakatipu. The town is located on the edge of New Zealand's second largest lake.
In the afternoon, you walk a section of the Kepler Track. The trees covered in moss and lichen offer varied compositions: take time to set up your tripod to photograph the forest.
Milford Sound: an unforgettable journey through spectacular landscapes
You travel the road to Milford Sound, between forests, steep peaks and isolated valleys. Heavy rainfall shapes these landscapes and offers numerous subjects to photograph along the way.
At Milford Sound, you board to discover the fjord from the water. You dine and spend the night aboard the cruise ship.
Last exploration at Milford Sound and farewell dinner in Queenstown
At dawn, the boat resumes its navigation for a new discovery of Milford Sound. You enjoy the fjord landscapes and their photographic opportunities one last time.
You then return to Queenstown, where other photo-taking opportunities may present themselves. The day ends with a farewell dinner at the top of the gondola, with views over the city and its surroundings.
See you soon in Nouvelle-Zélande!
After breakfast, transfer to Queenstown airport and end of your photographic journey in Nouvelle-Zélande.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Airport-accommodation transfers on the first day
- Optional activities proposed on site by your photographer-guide
- A change in the GST rate or the introduction of a new government tax
- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Possible surcharges for public holidays and special events
- Entry fees to New Zealand territory (NZeTA and IVL)
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance (highly recommended, see our partner Chapka)
Included
- 2 professional photographers/guides/drivers speaking English and Anglophone languages
- 13 nights in 4* hotels, motels and lodges (local standard) and 1 night aboard a boat in Milford Fiord
- 14 breakfasts and 10 dinners
- Comfortable minibus transport
- Transfer to the airport on the last day
- Shantytown Entrance
- Sea outing in Dunedin to photograph albatrosses
- Guided tour to observe pygmy penguins
- Cruise with overnight stay on the boat in Milford Sound
- Taxes (GST 15%) included
- DOC Concessions (access rights to parks and private lands managed by the Department of Conservation)
- Insurance and mandatory licenses
- Beginner's quick reference guide
- A2 Print of Your Most Beautiful Photo
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to New Zealand for tourism purposes. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter New Zealand, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay and contain at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay without a visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays.
To date, this exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 12-month period.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
NZeTA Travel Authorization
Before your arrival, you must obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authorization (NZeTA), issued by the New Zealand Immigration authorities.
This authorization is required even without a visa and must be obtained before boarding your flight. It is electronically linked to your passport. During your application, you will also need to pay the International Visitor Levy (IVL).
To submit your application, you will need the following information:
passport information
a recent photograph
flight details
address of your first accommodation in New Zealand
The NZeTA application must be submitted online or via the official app at least 72 hours before departure. A digital confirmation will be sent via email and may be requested when passing through immigration.
Strict health and customs rules
New Zealand applies particularly stringent phytosanitary and customs controls upon arrival. It is prohibited or strictly regulated to bring in many food products, plants, animal products, or outdoor equipment (hiking boots, camping gear, etc.).
Any item subject to declaration must be declared on the arrival card. Non-compliance with these rules can result in heavy fines.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport as well as an individual NZeTA covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Affected travelers should inquire with the New Zealand embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the policy document detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy document with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Before traveling to New Zealand, you must obtain an NZeTA authorization (approximately 17 NZD) and pay the IVL tourist tax (35 NZD). The authorization is valid for 2 years and allows multiple entries of up to 90 days per stay. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from New Zealand. Entry conditions vary depending on your nationality. Please check with the New Zealand consular authorities in your country before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €250 and €400 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (€1500-2200 return) are additional. Campervan rental is a popular and often economical option.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — South Island
A Nomadays advisor will get back to you to refine this project — itinerary, dates, budget, wishes — and propose a tailor-made version suited to your trip.
