Fiordland Photography Tour
2026 Tour Dates: 11 – 16 September 2026 / 5 Nights / 6 Days
2027 Tour Dates : 5 – 10 April 2027 / 5 Nights / 6 Days
This Fiordland Photography Tour is designed to put you in front of the best that Fiordland has to offer. This immersive six-day journey explores one 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 spend a night deep in Doubtful Sound, giving us the time and opportunity to capture amazing images in these ultimate landscapes.
Days are structured around the best light, with mornings and evenings spent photographing to make the most of dawn and dusk.Fiordland is a 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:
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, one 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’.
Dat 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 - 4: Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
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, spending the afternoon and evening exploring and photographing this vast and quiet fiord. Staying overnight on the ship allows time to work with the changing light as well as experience Doubtful Sound in a special way. The sense of scale, silence, and isolation makes this a standout part of the tour and a rare opportunity to photograph Fiordland at its most immersive.
The morning is spent back out on Doubtful Sound, taking advantage of early light and the calm conditions that often settle in overnight. After breakfast, we begin the return journey, retracing our route back across Doubtful Sound etc before arriving back in Te Anau later in the day. The afternoon is kept flexible, allowing time to rest, review images, and head out for a short local shoot.
Day 5: 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 6: Te Anau to Queenstown
On the final morning of the tour, we spend time photographing around the shores of Lake Te Anau and its surrounds, taking advantage of the early light and revisiting any spots that may have caught your eye.
After a relaxed morning we make our way back to Queenstown where the tour concludes.
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 Fitness level Do I Need?
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 photographic experience do I need?
You should be familiar with the basic operations of a DSLR camera. Regardless of your skill level you will learn and experience new and exciting things.
What will I learn?
Our photo tours are designed to provide you with practical new skills and techniques – and then put these to practice in-the-field in amazing landscapes. You will be photographing alongside a guide with decades of experience and a passion for creating beautiful photographic images.
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.
You will come away with new knowledge, many new images and an amazing experience that leaves you highly inspired in your own landscape photography journey.
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.
What is the Accommodation?
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.
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 To Bring?
Your sense of adventure and fun – our photo tours are immersive experiences with plenty of fun along the way.
We send you a photo tour welcome package in advance of the start which offers a detailed list of what gear to bring. However a good start is:
Essentials
- A DSLR or mirrorless camera and lenses (eg wide angle, mid range and telephoto)
- A sturdy tripod
- Memory cards – we take plenty of images
- Spare batteries and recharging cables
- Walking shoes, head torch, rain jacket, sun hat, gloves – we get all the weather conditions
To get the most out of this tour you should have all or some of the following filters
- Polarizer, Graduated and Neutral Density (eg 3 stop & 6 stop) filters
Nice to haves
- Remote shutter release
How to book your 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 along 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.
What happens if I arrive late or miss the meeting point?
If you have travel delays, contact us as soon as possible. We will do our best to accommodate you, possibly arranging for you to meet the group at an intermediate location without missing the rest of the tour. We highly recommend having comprehensive travel insurance for situations like this.
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.
Are the tours insured and safe?
Yes, we are fully insured with public liability coverage, and your safety is the top priority during all tours.
Any Questions
If you have any further questions on this photography tour please get in contact – we love to hear from you. You can contact us via the form on the contact us page or send an email to info@richardhume.com