Fiordland & Catlins Photography Tour
2027 Tour Dates : 5 – 10 April 2027 / 5 Nights / 6 Days
This Fiordland & Catlins Photography Tour is designed to put you in front of the best that these regions have to offer. This immersive six-day journey explores two of New Zealand’s most remote and dramatic landscapes.
Based out of Te Anau and designed for photographers of all levels, we’ll explore Milford Sound, the Hollyford Valley, and Doubtful Sound, giving us the time and opportunity to capture amazing images in these ultimate landscapes. Then we move to The Catlins where we’ll photograph Nugget Point Lighthouse as well as explore the beautiful native forests, waterfalls and coastal scenery that make the region such a rewarding photographic destination.
Days are structured around the best light, with mornings and evenings spent photographing to make the most of dawn and dusk.Fiordland and The Catlins are filled with dramatic landscape of magnificent mountains, alpine lakes, quiet fiords, moss-laden forests, and cascading waterfalls, all of which provide unparalleled photographic opportunities.
Flexibility is built into the itinerary, giving time to revisit locations, explore hidden gems, and respond to light and weather conditions to get the best possible shots.
$6750 NZD
I have now been on three tours with Richard. I first did the South Island Autumn 2024 tour, then returned to do the West Coast 2024 tour. I have just done the South Island Autumn 2025 Tour. All of these tours were very well organised and great experiences. I very much recommend a photo tour with Richard.
WHAT TO EXPECT
During this photography tour we are up and on location before dawn and aim to stay out till after sunset – taking advantage of what can often be magical dawn and dusk light. We never rush locations and make sure that everyone is capturing the images they want. Often we are the only people at these amazing locations.
Throughout the tour you will learn a variety of in-field techniques including how to use ND, Graduated and Polarizing filters allowing you to capture beautiful photographs. You will also learn how to read the changing light conditions, identify strong compositions within the landscape and capture a variety of images types.
We share leading techniques within camera and good workflows with RAW files to ensure you are capturing amazing photographs. There is an enormous amount of knowledge shared throughout the tour on all aspects of landscape photography ensuring you are capturing stunning photographs and are able to present them to their fullest.
Over this tour our photography will include:
- Nugget Point Lighthouse
- Stunning waterfalls and remote coastlines
A Typical Day
Note: Times given are general and provided to give you a good feel for how a day is structured. Times do vary between seasons and drive and walk times vary with each location.
Our day begins early, with a meeting time around 5:30 AM to ensure we arrive at the first location well before dawn. Depending on the site, this may involve a drive of up to 45 minutes, followed by a short walk to reach our location. Upon arrival, we explore the location and begin shooting. We remain on location throughout sunrise capturing the scene as it transforms in the dawn light.
Following the morning session, we will head to a café for breakfast and coffee – this first coffee of the day always tastes amazing after an adventurous morning shooting photography. If we are changing locations, we will checkout of our accommodation and depart shortly thereafter allowing us plenty of time to settle into our new location before heading out for our evening shoot. Otherwise, we take time to relax and review the images captured during the morning, while discussing plans for the afternoon and evening photography sessions.
In the mid-afternoon, typically around 3:30 PM, we will set out for the afternoon shoot. Again this may require up to an hour’s drive. En-route, we remain attentive to potential photographic opportunities that often arise spontaneously. Our objective is to arrive at the evening location in plenty of time allowing us to explore the scene and begin shooting as the light changes throughout sunset and dusk. The day concludes with dinner at a local restaurant, where we discuss the day’s photography, share insights, and outline plans for the following day photography.
who this tour suits
This tour is designed for photographers of all levels, from keen enthusiasts through to those with more experience. It suits those who want to refine how they see, compose, and work with light in the field, in some of the most amazing scenery anywhere. Days generally start early and time is spent on location. The emphasis is on thoughtful photography, working scenes as conditions change, and coming away with a strong set of images and a clearer photographic approach.
the difference
These are not rushed, checklist-style photography trips. The focus is on small groups, thoughtful planning, and a deep understanding of each location. Years of exploring New Zealand mean we can move beyond the obvious viewpoints and work with quieter, more intentional compositions. The emphasis is on helping you grow as a photographer—seeing differently, working more deliberately, and creating images that go beyond the postcards and into something more personal and meaningful.
what you’ll take away
Beyond a collection of images, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to read light, simplify a scene, and make more intentional creative choices in the field. The aim is not just better photographs from the trip, but a more confident and thoughtful approach you can carry into your future work, wherever you are shooting. Most of all, this is designed to be the photographic journey of a lifetime in Fiordland National Park and The Catlins – two of New Zealand’s most iconic wilderness areas.
Tour itinerary
The precise order of locations we visit is determined by the conditions – we allow for flexibility in our schedule and aim to be in the best locations at the right time. We have learnt that sometimes the best photographs are captured when you ‘follow the light’.
Day 1: Arrival in Fiordland
We meet mid-morning in Queenstown. After introductions, we’ll run through a tour briefing, covering equipment, current weather conditions, and what to expect over the coming days, with time to answer any questions.
From here we drive to Te Anau where we settle in for the next couple of days.
The afternoon and evening are spent photographing at a range of locations around the shoreline of Lake Te Anau, making the most of changing light and conditions.
Day 2: Milford Sound
Today we explore the Milford Road, one of the most dramatic drives in the country and a highlight of the tour. As we descend into the Hollyford Valley, the scale of Fiordland really reveals itself, with towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and constantly changing conditions.
The day is planned around the light, with stops at key locations along the route before continuing through to Milford Sound.
We aim to arrive at Milford Sound with plenty of time to work the area as the light fades throughout dusk.
Day 3: Doubtful Sound
Today we travel from Te Anau to Manapouri and begin the journey into Doubtful Sound. This involves crossing Lake Manapouri by boat, followed by a drive over Wilmot Pass, where the landscape becomes increasingly remote and rugged.
From here we board our vessel and head deep into Doubtful Sound for a full-day cruise through one of New Zealand’s most remote and spectacular wilderness areas. Surrounded by towering peaks, waterfalls and ancient rainforest, we will have plenty of opportunities to photograph the dramatic landscapes and ever-changing moods that make Doubtful Sound so special.
Throughout the day we will keep an eye out for wildlife, including dolphins, fur seals and, if we are fortunate, Fiordland crested penguins.
Later in the afternoon we begin the return journey across Doubtful Sound, over Wilmot Pass and back across Lake Manapouri before arriving in Te Anau in the evening. After a full day exploring this remarkable fiord, the evening is yours to relax, enjoy dinner and review the day’s images.
Day 4: Milford Sound Cruise
The focus of today is a Milford Sound cruise, giving us the chance to photograph the fiord from the water and capture iconic sights such as Bowen Falls, towering cliffs, and cascading waterfalls from a unique perspective.
Along the way, there is flexibility to revisit locations along the Milford Road or explore hidden gems, alpine lakes, and other stops that caught our attention earlier in the tour. The emphasis is on making the most of the day, capturing the images you want, and responding to what Fiordland has to offer as the light and weather allow.
Day 5: The Catlins
Today we leave Fiordland behind and travel east to The Catlins, a region renowned for its rugged coastline, native forests, waterfalls and rich wildlife. Often overlooked by visitors to New Zealand, The Catlins offers a diverse range of photographic subjects and provides a wonderful contrast to the dramatic mountain landscapes of Fiordland.
Along the way we will stop to photograph some of the region’s beautiful forest and waterfall locations, where ancient podocarp and beech forests create a distinctly different atmosphere from the alpine environments we have explored earlier in the tour.
In the evening we head to the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse, one of New Zealand’s most photogenic coastal locations. Perched high above a collection of rocky islets stretching out into the Pacific Ocean, Nugget Point offers outstanding opportunities for landscape photography as the changing light brings the coastline to life. We will remain on location through sunset before returning to our accommodation for the evening.
Day 6: Te Anau to Queenstown
We begin the day before sunrise with a return visit to Nugget Point Lighthouse. The early morning light often brings a completely different mood to the coastline, providing fresh photographic opportunities and the chance to capture one of New Zealand’s most iconic coastal landscapes at its best.
After breakfast, we continue exploring The Catlins, spending time in the region’s beautiful native forests where winding trails, ancient trees and picturesque waterfalls offer a variety of landscape and nature photography opportunities.
By late morning we begin our trip back Queenstown where the tour concludes in time for late afternoon flights.
Price Includes
- Accommodation – Your Own Room
- Transportation in quality private vehicle
- Expert Landscape Photography Instruction
- Carefully planned locations based on weather and light
- Small group sizes – more personal and focused experience
- On-location tuition in composition, light, and field technique
- Support throughout the tour, from preparation to fieldwork
- An unhurried pace with time to work each scene
- An amazing photography adventure
Price Excludes
- Medical & Travel Insurance
- Meals
- Beverages & Alcohol
Photo Tour Reviews
I attended the 2024 Taranaki Workshop which was fantastic. The knowledge provided and great locations made for a some great photographs of this region. I highly recommend this workshop to anyone looking to enhance their photography skills and have a great experience.
Richard is a very experienced photographer. He took me and my wife to amazing places and shared his knowledge with us. I enjoyed this photography tour very much. Thank you again for a great experience. This was my first photography tour. I am now an addict.
I have now been on three tours with Richard. I first did the South Island Autumn 2024 tour, then returned to do the West Coast 2024 tour. I have just done the South Island Autumn 2025 Tour. All of these tours were very well organised and great experiences. I very much recommend a photo tour with Richard.
Further Details
What are the booking, payment and cancellation terms?
A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place on a photography tour. The remaining balance is due 60 days before the tour commencement date.
If you need to cancel your booking, the refund conditions depend on the timing of your cancellation. For full details regarding payments, cancellations, travel insurance and participation requirements, please read our Terms & Conditions.
What type of accommodation is included?
Our accommodation is in quality hotels, apartment studios or chalets depending on the location.
Accommodation is full single supplement ie your own room – we believe at the end of a full day of photography you will relax and refresh the best with your own room.
What are the meal options on the tour?
We generally find that there are a variety of meal options applied across a typical tour. Breakfast will normally be at a cafe after a dawn photo shoot – that first coffee can be really rewarding after a early morning on location.
We always allow time to get supplies at supermarkets, bakeries or cafe’s and lunch is usually spent along the way, often in some superb spots. Dinner is usually after our evening photo shoot at a local restaurant where we can relax after a great day of photography.
Meals are not included in the tour price.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. We strongly recommend that all participants purchase travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and equipment loss or damage.
What Fitness level is required?
For most of the tours a medium level of fitness will be fine. There is some moderate walking required along the way but nothing too excessive.
What level of photographic experience do I need?
You should be comfortable using your DSLR or mirrorless camera and changing basic settings such as lenses and shooting modes. The tour is designed for everyone from enthusiast through to more experienced levels of experience.
These photography tours are designed to help you develop both your technical skills and your creative approach in the field. Throughout the tour you will receive guidance on composition, working with changing light, camera settings, long exposures, and the use of filters such as ND, graduated ND, and polarising filters.
With decades of landscape photography experience, Richard provides practical in-field guidance to help you make the most of each location and condition. Whether you are looking to build confidence, refine your technique, or expand your creative vision, the tour is designed to be both educational and inspiring.
You will return home with new knowledge, a strong collection of images, and a deeper understanding of landscape photography in the field.
What camera gear should I bring?
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses is ideal. A wide-angle lens is particularly useful for landscapes, along with a mid-range zoom for flexibility. A sturdy tripod is essential for low-light and long-exposure work, especially for sunrises, sunsets, and waterfalls.
If you have them, bring filters such as a polariser (to manage reflections and enhance skies) and neutral density (ND) filters for long exposures in daylight. Extra batteries, memory cards, and weather protection for your camera are also strongly recommended, as conditions can change quickly in New Zealand.
Most importantly, bring the gear you are comfortable using — the focus of the tour is on making the most of your photography in the field, not on having the most equipment.
What is the group size?
We have a maximum group size of six on our photography tours.
We have found this to be the right size to have great dynamics within the group (we have a lot of fun along the way) and allow everyone’s needs to be met in terms of learning and the overall experience.
What weather conditions should I expect in Fiordland?
Fiordland is known for rapidly changing and highly variable weather conditions, which are part of what makes the region so dramatic to photograph. You should expect a mix of sunshine, rain, cooler temperatures, mist, and low cloud throughout the tour — sometimes all within the same day.
These changing conditions often create the most atmospheric photographic opportunities, from moody mountain landscapes to dramatic light and reflections. A full recommended clothing and gear list will be provided after registration, but waterproof outer layers and warm clothing are strongly recommended.
Are there long driving days on the tour?
Most days are designed to balance photography opportunities with comfortable travel times, however there are some longer driving periods involved, particularly on the journey along the Milford Road to Milford Sound. This is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine routes, with numerous photography opportunities along the way.
The itinerary is planned to allow regular stops for photography, breaks, and changing conditions, helping make the travel itself part of the overall experience rather than simply time spent in transit.
How do I book my place on the tour?
To book your place on a photo tour press the ‘Book Tour’ button on any tour page and fill in the form.
We will send full bank account details allowing you to make a direct Bank Transfer (including Switch Code which is sometimes required for international transfers)
Can I pay a deposit to reserve my place?
You can pay for the tour in full or pay a deposit of $1000 to secure you a place on the tour.
Please note: The booking deposit is non-refundable. The balance is due 60 days out from the tour start date.
Full registration details will be sent once payment is received.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Can I bring someone who is not a photographer?
Yes this is fine and normal booking is required.
This person should consider that this is a landscape photography orientated tour where our focus is getting to and being at amazing scenes often early in the morning and well into the evening. Photography is about patience and we don’t rush at these amazing locations.
Have any more questions?
There are more tour FAQ’s on the Photography Tours FAQ page.
However if you have any further questions on this photography tour please get in contact. You can contact us via the form on the contact us page or send an email to info@richardhume.com