2024 - NZ Far North Photography Tour
- Duration: 7 Days
Join Ken Wright and Matthias H. Risse on a seven-day photography workshop showcasing the best of Northland’s scenery. This location offers ideal locations for long exposure photography, wild coastlines, waterfalls, and classic jetty shots.
Historically, Northland was the main hub for activity in New Zealand—and to date, it retains numerous remarkable landmarks: Russell, the former capital; the Treaty of Waitangi grounds, the home of modern New Zealand; giant sand dunes created by volcanoes; the meeting place of the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea; stunning bays; waterfalls; Kauri forest—Northland has it all!
The never-ending summers of Northland make it a beautiful place to relax. As it is a deceptively-large region, we have set aside plenty of time to explore and capture some of the lushest environment in the country.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Cape Reinga & Te Paki sand dunes
- The Northlands’ white silica sand beaches
- Chartered boat around the Bay of Islands
- Stay at Carrington Estate & Duke Of Marlborough Hotel
AUCKLAND - AUCKLAND
- Hokianga
- Te Paki Sand Dunes
- Cape Reinga
- Karikari Peninsula
- Bay of Islands
ITINERARY
Day 0 - Auckland
Arrive in Auckland and make your way to the hotel - this night accommodation is included in the tour.
Day 1 - Auckland - Russel
The tour starts from the hotel reception - today we set off toward the picturesque Bay of Islands: Russell features many historic sites, as it was the first capital of New Zealand during European colonisation. Our day ends with a sunset shoot over the picturesque coastline, on one of many beautiful bays nearby.
Day 2 – Russell
We have an early start for a sunrise shoot this morning, followed by breakfast back at the hotel. On our chartered boat, we spend the day exploring the Bay of Islands by sea, including parts of the coastline not accessible by road. We have some beautiful island stops to look forward to, and we will capture these at our own pace.
Day 3 - Russel - Cape Reinga
Today we say goodbye to Russel and begin to make our way to one of mainland New Zealand’s furthest-north points, Cape Reinga. We will be stopping en route to capture several picturesque jetties—these are well-suited to black and white ‘fine art’ style photographs. As we drive up, we will check into our hotel for the next three nights; the stunning Carrington Estate, before heading to capture sunset along the coast here. We will explore the stunning Karikari Peninsula, with its white silica sand beaches and serene bays, fringed with the red blossoms of pohutukawa trees.
Day 4 - Karikari Peninsula
Today, we head to Cape Reinga stopping on the way to photograph the Te Paki sand dunes—humongous desert-like dunes created over millions of years through volcanic eruptions. Later in the afternoon we travel up to Cape Reinga, a location of great significance both geographically and culturally. A beautiful lighthouse sits high above the meeting of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean: this is where we shall capture sunset tonight.
Day 5 – Karikari Peninsula - Hokianga
Today we set off to the beautiful Hokianga Harbour, where we will stay tonight. En route, we stop to explore native Kauri forests, reaching the Harbour for sunset over the West Coast. The scenes we will be photographing today are unlike any you’ll find elsewhere across the country.
Day 7 – Hokianga - Auckland
Another early-morning sunrise shoot across the Bay of Islands allows you to hone your field technique and capture more stunning beaches. Today, we depart the Bay of Islands and head towards Whangarei and the beautiful Whangarei Falls. This is the last stop on our journey, and we will be driving back to Auckland in the afternoon to meet with evening flights from the airport.
PRICE INCLUDES
7 days’ photography guiding & tuition
7 nights’ hotel accommodation (twin-share, single upgrade available) mostly 4✩
7 breakfasts
Boat charter in the Bay of Islands
Three nights’ stay at Carrington Estate
Two nights’ stay at the Duke Of Marlborough Hotel
Transport during the tour
Free Online Course Essential Landscape Photography
Use of Benro Filter Kits
DOC (National Park) concession fees
Copy of our Pocket Guide to Landscape & Wildlife Photography
Donation to our Conservation Fund
Native tree planting to Carbon Offset your tour