“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever…
It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”
— Aaron Siskind
Michael Snedic and Encompass Africa have partnered once again to create an exciting 12-day New Zealand photography tour. Join us in this grand exploration of New Zealand’s South Island.
We chose Autumn for the adventure because it is the perfect time to visit the West Coast and Fiordland areas where cool misty mornings give way to endless blue-sky days. Central Otago is also spectacular in autumn with the golden leaves from trees set against blue skies and reflected in the mirror lakes.
Weather is pleasant but keep in mind it can get quite cold and if you’re lucky there’ll be the first dusting of snow on the alps.
Our emphasis for this New Zealand Photography tour is on exploring beautiful locations at all times of day to maximise the light. It’s mostly in-the-field tuition and our itinerary is planned with a high attention to detail so we can spend the most amount of time possible getting you those great images.
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New Zealand Photography Tour
Serendipity on the South Island
Dates
10 – 21 April 2021
12 days, 11 nights
Price
NZD 11,099 per person sharing
(Approx AUD 10,435)
NZD 1,595 single supplement
(Approx AUD 1,500)
Skill level
This tour is suitable for photographers of all skill levels.
Tour size
Minimum 7, maximum 9 participants and one photography tutor, Michael Snedic.
Fitness level
A moderate level of fitness is required. Our longest walk is a half day, approximately 10 kilometres return on an easy gradient.
New Zealand Photography Tour
Day by day highlights
You arrive into Christchurch and we gather as a group before heading to Peel Forest to photograph the local birdlife, native forests and waterfalls.
It’s then time to venture into the McKenzie Basin and Lindis Pass photographing the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd at Tekapo, beautiful blue lakes framed by the Southern Alps, yellow tussocked rolling hills, sunset in the wilderness and a session on dark sky photography.
Our third day takes us to Central Otago to photograph autumn colours of orchards and vineyards, the Blue Lake of St Bathans and the iconic Wedderburn red shed.
From here on day four we head to the Moeraki Boulders and Downtown Dunedin (Scottish architecture and art).
Days five and six are spent exploring the Otago Peninsula and Caitlins for wildlife including blue and yellow eyed Penguins, fur seals, sea lions and birds, wild coastline, Nugget Point lighthouse and epic rock formations.
Day by day highlights continued…
Day seven is sensationally active in Te Anau as we head off on the Kepler Trail and take a helicopter flight over the Dusky and Doubtful Sounds.
Another day is spent exploring Milford Sound in search of the Kea bird, spectacular rainforest scenery with waterfalls and a private charter cruise to savour sunset over Milford Sound.
Day nine is a travel day with stops at scenic points from Milford to Glenorchy via Queenstown.
Day ten is all about capturing the spectacular landscapes and Lord of the Rings locations, towering mountains against the lakes and iconic Glenorchy red boat shed and high country farms.
We then head to Arrowtown and capture the beauty of the autumn colours and historic buildings and the famous Wanaka Tree.
Our last day is epic if you take up the optional activity – a pre-dawn helicopter flight so you can capture sunrise from Mt Roy overlooking the Coromandel Peaks.
What sets us apart
Choosing to tour New Zealand with us means you’re interested in seeing the country through a different lens. We visit some of the famous locations but more excitingly, we get off the tourist trail. Expect loads of fun from camping on mountain tops, heli-drops into vast landscapes and visiting lesser known gems with local guides who share their knowledge of its magic.
Plus by choosing this tour, you’re saying yes to our ethos of making a difference one tour at at time. A portion of your tour fee goes back to keeping this environment beautiful through the concession with the Department of Conservation. This ensures we stay within the rules, look after our surroundings, and give back to the team that works so hard to preserve the amazing places we visit.
How it began
We have worked with Michael Snedic from WildNature Photo Expeditions for almost a decade and it was a pleasure to create another bespoke photography tour that offers something completely different to Africa!
The idea came up when Michael and Danica met for a coffee once lock down restrictions were lifted here in Brisbane, Queensland. The pair discussed the ramifications for the Africa and Sri Lanka Photo Voyages and the difficult decision was made to cancel the series. The reason for cancelling came down to the great uncertainty for Africa travel in 2021 because the full impact of COVID-19 is still to be realised.
The pair immediately gravitated to the concept of a TransTasman bubble tour and the idea was born for a New Zealand South Island photography tour.
For more information or to book