Winter Landscapes Photography Tour
2027 Tour Dates : 5 – 11 July 2027 / 6 Nights / 7 Days
Designed to take advantage of the unique light and conditions of winter, this photography tour focuses on capturing the South Island at its most dramatic. Short days, clear air, and snow-covered landscapes create ideal conditions for strong landscape photography.
The tour begins in the Ashburton Lakes region before continuing south to Tekapo and Twizel in the Mackenzie Country, providing access to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and the surrounding alpine landscapes. Working across these regions gives us a wide range of winter subjects, from frozen lakes and open basins to snow-covered peaks and winter rivers, all under the crisp light that winter is known for.
Winter is an amazing season to photograph the South Island, offering unique light, landscapes and a sense of scale that is unique to this time of year.
$7500 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 - 2; Ashburton Lakes
We meet mid-morning in Christchurch. After introductions, we’ll run through a tour briefing covering equipment, weather conditions, and what to expect over the coming days, with time to answer any questions.
We then head west through Arthur’s Pass, with opportunities to stop and photograph dramatic mountain landscapes along the way. Once we settle into our base for the next two nights we start to explore this area which is within the Hakatere Conservation Park between the Rakaia and Rangitata rivers.
Over the next few days, we photograph frozen lakes, expansive open basins, and snow-covered mountains. Key locations include Lake Heron, Lakes Clearwater and Lake Camp, each offering distinct mountain -dropped compositions. We will also visit a Lord of the Rings location adding a cinematic backdrop to our photography.
Days 3: Tekapo and Backcountry Surrounds
On day 3 we head south into the Mackenzie District, spending a night at Lake Tekapo. There are fantastic options for us to explore and photograph from here including some off the beaten track back-country gems, expansive open landscapes as well as Lake Alexandrina and Lake Tekapo itself.
The short winter days allow us to take full advantage of changing light conditions, while flexibility in the itinerary ensures we can respond to the weather and make the most of every photographic opportunity.
Day 4 - 7 : Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park & Mackenzie District
For the next three nights we are based in Twizel, providing access to Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park, Lake Ohau, and surrounding alpine backcountry. Snow-covered peaks, glacial basins, alpine rivers, and dramatic mountain provide a wide range of winter subjects.
We explore iconic locations including the Tasman and Hooker Valleys, Lake Pukaki, and the backcountry around Lake Ohau. Mornings and evenings are spent photographing the mountains in crisp low-angle light, while the flexible schedule allows us to revisit locations, experiment with composition, and capture scenes under changing conditions.
The tour concludes with our journey back to Queenstown, crossing the Lindis Pass, where the tussock valleys, snow-dusted mountains, and frosted landscapes offer another opportunity for photography.
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 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 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
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 makes winter in the South Island good for landscape photography?
Winter in New Zealand offers a completely different photographic experience, with snow-covered mountains, crisp air, and some of the most dramatic light of the year. The low winter sun creates strong shadows and texture in the landscape, while clear days can produce exceptional visibility and contrast.
In the South Island especially, winter conditions can transform familiar locations into striking alpine scenes, offering unique opportunities for atmospheric and high-impact landscape photography.
What type of photographic conditions can I expect during the Winter Landscapes Tour?
Conditions during the Winter Landscapes Photography Tour can vary from clear, crisp blue-sky days to fast-changing weather systems that bring snow, cloud, and dramatic skies. These shifts are a key part of the experience and often create the most compelling photographic opportunities.
You should expect cold temperatures, especially at sunrise and in alpine areas, along with a mix of stable and dynamic weather patterns that are ideal for capturing mood, texture, and depth in your images.
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.
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