EXPERIENCE

Join Ken Wright and Glen Howey for an unforgettable winter photography adventure, designed for photographers who want to elevate their craft while experiencing some of New Zealand’s most dramatic alpine landscapes. Over six nights, you’ll be fully immersed in hands-on learning, creative inspiration, and the magic of the South Island in its most atmospheric season.

Your journey begins in the remote Ashburton Lakes region, where we settle into a secluded lodge surrounded by pure high-country wilderness. Wake to frosty mornings, wander along lakes rimmed with ice, and photograph sweeping vistas made famous by The Lord of the Rings—all with personalised guidance from two of New Zealand’s leading photographers.

From there, we continue to the heart of Mackenzie Country, basing ourselves in Twizel as we explore snow-clad peaks, glacial turquoise lakes, and the alpine beauty of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Every session is crafted to help you refine your technique, expand your creativity, and build a portfolio of striking winter images.

Itinerary

Day 1-3: Ashburton Lakes 

Tour Starts: Christchurch 

Monday, 3rd August 2026: After early morning hotel pickups in Christchurch, we’ll begin our journey through Arthur’s Pass, stopping to photograph its dramatic mountain landscapes before continuing on to the Ashburton Lakes.

For three nights, we’ll stay in a remote lodge on a high-country station—an ideal base for exploring these pristine winter landscapes. This remarkable region is defined by serene lakes set within a vast basin framed by the Rakaia and Rangitata Rivers, both fed by the central Southern Alps. Much of it is protected as part of the Hakatere Conservation Park.

Each sunrise brings the possibility of crisp, frosty mornings and lakes edged with delicate ice—perfect conditions for capturing the beauty and atmosphere of the high country. We’ll also visit an iconic location featured in the Lord of the Rings films.

Throughout our stay, we’ll photograph some of the region’s most spectacular lakes. At sunset, we’ll head to Lake Heron for stunning views toward Mt Sugarloaf, and we’ll spend time at Lakes Clearwater and Camp—two of the most photogenic lakes in the Ashburton region.

Day 5-6: Twizel - Mackenzie Country - Mt Cook

In the heart of Mackenzie Country, we’ll stay for three nights in Twizel, the perfect base for exploring and photographing New Zealand’s highest peaks and breathtaking glacial lakes. This charming town provides access to a diverse tapestry of landscapes, from snow-laden mountains to vibrant turquoise lakes and serene, reflective waters.

We’ll venture into the surrounding mountains and remote high-country landscapes, capturing the spectacular winter scenery the region is famous for. We’ll explore the best locations within Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, including the Tasman Valley, the Hooker Valley, and the striking peaks and alpine lakes of the Southern Alps. Photographic opportunities abound—from the glacial turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki to the towering mountains and pristine alpine lakes that define this iconic region.

Day 7: Twizel - Lindis Pass

On our journey back to Queenstown, we’ll travel over the picturesque Lindis Pass, taking in sweeping tussock valleys, snow-dusted peaks, and crisp winter landscapes —an inspiring scene for photography.

Tour Finishes: Queenstown

Sunday, 9th August 2026: We will arrive at Queenstown airport at 3 pm in time for domestic flights departing from 4 pm. Please only book flights after 4 pm, or you will not make it to the airport on time. For international departures, please ensure you plan your flight departure allowing for the required check-in time requested by the airline.

PRICE INCLUDES

• 7 days’ photography guiding

• 6 nights accommodation [Sole Occupancy or Twin Room]

• 6 cooked breakfasts

• Stay in High Country Lodge

• Copy of Pocket Guide to Landscape Photography

• Use of Benro filters kits

• 4WD Transport during the tour 

• Queenstown pickup & Christchurch drop off

• DOC concession fees

• Donation to our Conservation Fund

• Native tree planting to Carbon Offset your tour