TRIP LENGTH: 11 Days/10 Nights
Capture The Most Beautiful Country on Earth
Join Us for Ultimate New Zealand!
Join Us for Ultimate New Zealand!
TRIP DETAILS
These Special Trip Departures are valid for new trip reservations only (no transfers)
ELEVATE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY
TOP RATED PHOTO DESTINATIONS
THE BEST TEAM IN THE BUSINESS
WORLD-CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY COMMUNITY
We connect passionate people to exceptional experiences.
Ultimate New Zealand
Meet the epitome of landscape photography – the Ultimate New Zealand photo workshop and tour! Join us for an extraordinary journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the South Island. Explore New Zealand's diverse and stunning vistas, guided by our amazing team, which includes one of the best landscape photographers and guides in all of New Zealand. New Zealand is consistently ranked in the top 5 of most beautiful places on Earth!
Mount Cook
Stand in awe as you witness the grandeur of Mount Cook and the Southern Alps. Here, nature's masterpieces take center stage. Marvel at the snow-capped peaks, their reflection shimmering on serene alpine lakes filled with icebergs. Feel the crisp mountain air invigorate your senses as you compose your shots. Mount Cook is New Zealand's tallest peak and the landscapes here are some of the best in the world.
Milford Sound
Prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring beauty of Milford Sound, a true New Zealand treasure. Here, ocean and mountain converge in an enchanting embrace. Venture both on land and water, cruising through the fjords where peaks dramatically rise from the deep waters. Countless waterfalls cascade from sheer cliffs, creating a symphony of nature that resonates with every photograph. Optional helicopter flights for aerial photography may be available as well, if conditions permit.
Lush Fiordland
Venture into the lush, enigmatic rainforests of the South Island's West Coast— a hidden trove of natural wonders awaiting your camera. As cascading waterfalls carve their path through emerald foliage and remote beaches beckon with striking sea stacks against the horizon, you'll find yourself immersed in a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. The symphony of elements in Fiordland presents one of the finest opportunities for landscape photography.
All-Inclusive Experience
No need to worry about logistics! You can relax and enjoy your trip knowing that everything is taken care of for you during the trip dates. You will have the opportunity to learn from professional photographers who can help you improve your photography skills. With local connections, your guides will help you find the best spots to take photos. Expect a mix of iconic locales and hidden gems.
The Best Team
Photography is best enjoyed in good company, and that's exactly what you'll find with us. We keep our groups small, fostering an intimate atmosphere. This trip will be limited to only 7 photographers, and features some of the most accomplished photographers and guides in the industry and New Zealand. Liz Carmel (2024) and Matt Meisenheimer (2025) will lead this trip in conjunction with one of the best landscape photographers in New Zealand.
ITINERARY
Ultimate New Zealand
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
(B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 1 (ARRIVAL DAY)
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
Arrive to Queenstown, New Zealand (ZQD). An arrival hotel near the airport awaits - rest up for orientation and our first meeting the next morning.
DAY 2 (L,D)
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
Our journey begins in the picturesque lakeside town of Queenstown.
We'll have an orientation at 10:00 am and then head out to explore our first locations. We'll photograph the tree-lined hills of Arrowtown and visit some other great spots in the Queenstown area.
We'll cap off our first full day with a majestic sunset by one of Queenstown's mountain-framed lakefronts.
We'll have an orientation at 10:00 am and then head out to explore our first locations. We'll photograph the tree-lined hills of Arrowtown and visit some other great spots in the Queenstown area.
We'll cap off our first full day with a majestic sunset by one of Queenstown's mountain-framed lakefronts.
DAYS 3-4 (B,L,D)
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
Following a sunrise outing at one of our great locations near Queenstown, we'll venture to the West Coast.
Crossing from east to west, the landscape transforms into a lush temperate rainforest. During the following days, we'll capture the rainforest and waterfalls before enjoy dramatic sunsets along a rugged section of coastline.
Crossing from east to west, the landscape transforms into a lush temperate rainforest. During the following days, we'll capture the rainforest and waterfalls before enjoy dramatic sunsets along a rugged section of coastline.
DAYS 5-7 (B,L,D)
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
We'll head back inland to focus on the Southern Alps for Days 5-7. Our focus will be glacial lakes, rivers, and the tallest mountains in all of New Zealand.
We'll photograph Mount Cook, Lake Ohau, Tasman Lake, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, and more. On Days 6 and 7, there may be an opportunity for an optional doors-off helicopter flight if conditions allow (not included).
We'll photograph Mount Cook, Lake Ohau, Tasman Lake, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, and more. On Days 6 and 7, there may be an opportunity for an optional doors-off helicopter flight if conditions allow (not included).
DAYS 8-10 (B,L,D)
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
After a final sunrise in the Twizel area, we'll head south to the iconic Fiordland wilderness of the South Island.
These next few days, we'll spend our time in the forests, valleys, and mountains of Fiordland, witnessing some of the best landscape scenes on the planet. We'll also enjoy a 2-hour cruise into the depths of the Milford Sound.
These next few days, we'll spend our time in the forests, valleys, and mountains of Fiordland, witnessing some of the best landscape scenes on the planet. We'll also enjoy a 2-hour cruise into the depths of the Milford Sound.
DAY 11 (B)
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
We'll conclude an inspiring and productive trip with a final sunrise shoot in the Eglinton Valley.
After some processing and breakfast, we'll take in the sights and scenery during our return drive to Queenstown.
We'll arrive back in the early afternoon for flights back home.
After some processing and breakfast, we'll take in the sights and scenery during our return drive to Queenstown.
We'll arrive back in the early afternoon for flights back home.
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
What's Included
- All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
- All transportation during the workshop
- All lodging during the workshop, including an arrival hotel
- All New Zealand permits and park fees
- Milford Sound cruise and Mount Cook Museum entry
- Professional photography guiding and instruction
- Gratuity for service staff
What's Not Included
- Transportation to and from Queenstown, New Zealand
- Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
- Lodging outside workshop dates
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs and personal items
- Optional helicopter flights for aerial photography (not guaranteed due to conditions)
- Gratuity for photography guide(s)
- Trip Insurance (recommended) & Medical Evacuation - see plans here.
SEE WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY
Julie K.
"I have traveled with Backcountry Journeys (BCJ) several times over the last 4 years to Glacier NP, Costa Rica (2x), Smoky Mountains NP, Joshua Tree, Zion and Bryce NPs, and most recently to Alaska.
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
Scott S.
"BCJ provides an outstanding experience for photographers of all levels of experience/expertise. Each day's excursion is well planned-out and the guides always have a back-up plan if the weather is less than cooperative.
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
Katherine P.
"I have now been on 8 trips with Backcountry Journeys. I love traveling with this company, as I am a woman traveling alone, and all I have to do is show up and they take care of everything else.
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
Backcountry Journeys
Our proven process for world-class photography workshops, tours, and safaris
arrow_drop_down_circle
Divider Text
TRIP ENROLLMENT
Our team of Photo Adventure Specialists will guide you through onboarding and enrollment when you book a trip. Expect excellent customer service.
ALL-INCLUSIVE
Enjoy a hassle-free experience with an all-inclusive package that takes care of all your needs, from transportation to meals and lodging.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Improve your photography skills with personalized guidance from professional photographers who are passionate about helping you succeed and getting you to the best locations.
BCJ COMMUNITY
Become part of our family - interact with BCJ guides and new friends. Share images, ask questions, talk about everything photography!
Backcountry Journeys © 2023