South Island Autumn Photography Tour
2027 Tour Dates : 12 – 20 April 2027 / 8 Nights / 9 Days
Experience the South Island in autumn on this photography tour, travelling through some of the country’s most diverse and rewarding landscapes.
Autumn brings a noticeable shift in season across the South Island. Cooler temperatures, lower sun angles, settled conditions along with rich autumn colours combine to create fantastic opportunities for photography.
The tour moves through Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie District, based around Twizel with access to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, before continuing south to Wānaka, Mt Aspiring National Park and into Fiordland. Along the way we photograph alpine peaks, glacial lakes, rivers, autumn colour, rainforest, and Milford Sound. Time is built in to work locations properly, revisit scenes as conditions change, and explore quieter, off-the-beaten-track locations where the best images are often found.
This tour is designed around being in the right places at the right times and making the most of autumn conditions allowing us to explore amazing locations and capture stunning landscape photographs.
$7900 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:
- Tasman Lake icebergs at sunrise
- Milford Sound at dawn and dusk
- Autumn colour reflections in lakes and rivers
- Long exposure photography of waterfalls and rivers
- Remote mountain valleys and winding South Island roads
- Misty mornings beneath the Southern Alps
- Dramatic changing light across Fiordland and Central Otago
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 through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes, including Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and Fiordland National Park.
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: Tekapo & Mackenzie Backcountry
We meet mid-morning in Queenstown. After introductions, we’ll run through a tour briefing covering equipment, current weather patterns, and what to expect over the coming days, with time to answer any questions.
From Queenstoen we travel toward the Mackenzie Basin through the Lindis Pass, arriving at Lake Tekapo in the afternoon. Depending on conditions, we’ll spend time photographing around the lake and surrounding high country, making the most of spring light and the open alpine landscape. This first afternoon sets the tone for the tour — responding to conditions, and focusing on strong compositions rather than rushing between locations.
Days 2 - 4: Twizel& Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park
We base ourselves in Twizel for the next three nights, giving us excellent access to the Mackenzie Basin and Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. This region offers a wide variety of subjects within a relatively compact area, making it ideal for working with changing spring conditions.
Over these days we photograph glacial lakes, braided rivers, and the dramatic alpine landscapes surrounding Aoraki / Mount Cook. We spend time in locations such as Lake Pukaki, the Tasman and Hooker Valleys, and quieter backcountry areas away from the main tourist stops. Autumn brings fresh colour to the landscape especially through the Mackenzie and Central Otago which adds depth and scale to images.
Days are structured around the best light, with early starts and evening shoots where conditions allow, and time during the day to rest, review images, and plan upcoming sessions.
Day 5 - 6: Wanaka & Surrounds
From the Mackenzie District we travel south to Wānaka, where we spend two nights exploring the lakes, river valleys, and mountain backdrops that define this region.
We focus on both well-known locations and unique, off-the-beaten-track areas that offer excellent photographic opportunities. Time is also spent within Mount Aspiring National Park, photographing waterfalls, natural pools, and forest in this rugged and highly rewarding wilderness.
Day 6 - 8: Fiordland National Park
We continue south to Te Anau, our base for exploring Fiordland National Park. Over the next three days we photograph the dramatic landscapes that define this region, including Milford Road locations, alpine valleys, waterfalls, forested slopes, and fiord environments.
Autumn in Fiordland often brings dramatic light around dawn and dusk. We structure our days to take advantage of early morning and evening conditions, while allowing flexibility to respond to weather and revisit locations. The emphasis is on working scenes thoroughly and capturing images that reflect the scale and atmosphere of this unique landscape.
Day 9: 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