Wild New Zealand Photo Expedition

We purposely limit our group sizes on all trips, and this is especially so on photography adventures. With our group capped at just nine travelers, you’re assured plenty of personalized attention when you need it, as well as space for your equipment. In a small group, we can be nimble, flexible and able to position ourselves to maximize the best photo opportunities, departing early and lingering later in search of the best light and subject matter.

To minimize long overland drives and complex logistics, we use chartered flights between key destinations. These flights provide direct access to remote regions, maximizing comfort and time in the field while ensuring a smoother overall travel experience.

Accommodations, services of Nat Hab's professional Expedition Leader(s), local guides and lodge staff, all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day, private boat tour on Stewart Island, private boat tour in Milford Sound, private boat tour to Mou Waho Island, private boat tour on Tasman Glacial Lake (Apr-May departures), all kayaking equipment, some gratuities, airport transfers for those arriving by air on Day 1 and final day, all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits and service fees.

Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, some alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees (if any), optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any), required medical evacuation insurance, optional travel protection insurance.

Internal air: Flights from Invercargill to Stewart Island and back to Invercargill, and private scenic helicopter flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown, including scenic glacier and alpine lake landings, plus any additional taxes and fees on these flights (this will be listed separately on our invoicing).

The South Island of New Zealand is vast, and we attempt to take in as much of this beautiful land as possible without rushing, from mountain passes to ocean fjords. Our comprehensive exploration covers more than 900 miles, and the trip involves a fair amount of driving. These are scenic drives that we break up with activities and short stops along the way. They’re always worth the windshield time, allowing us to visit iconic nature destinations like Stewart Island, Milford Sound, Lake Wanaka and Arthur’s Pass, with additional exploration of either the West Coast wilderness or the Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook region, depending on departure. Our Expedition Leader knows the land and its flora and fauna intimately, as well as its less-visited sites.

New Zealand’s climate is quite complex and varied. Travelers should expect a cool, temperate climate on the South Island, with alpine conditions in the mountainous areas. Mountain chains extending the length of New Zealand provide a barrier for the prevailing westerly winds, dividing the country into dramatically different climate regions. The west coast of the South Island is the wettest area of New Zealand, while areas just east of the mountains are considerably drier. Conditions can vary substantially throughout the journey, so you should be prepared for chilly and wet weather.

Meals on your New Zealand adventure are generally satisfying and well-prepared, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. You’ll enjoy a variety of dining experiences, from lodge-cooked meals and casual barbecues to regional specialties served in scenic settings. That said, it’s important to note that in remote areas, such as Stewart Island and other wilderness locations, meal options can be limited due to location and access to supplies. In these settings, you can expect simple, wholesome meals that reflect what’s locally available. Travel days may also include more straightforward meals like packed lunches or quick stops. While the overall quality is strong, we encourage guests to bring a flexible mindset and an appetite for variety—these meals are part of the authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience that makes this trip so memorable.

Accommodations on your New Zealand adventure are chosen not just for comfort, but for their location and connection to the surrounding environment. You’ll stay in a mix of boutique hotels, historic properties and remote wilderness lodges—places that immerse you in the landscapes, wildlife and culture that make this journey so special. Because some of our destinations are intentionally remote, such as Stewart Island, amenities may be simpler. You might find that rooms are more rustic, with fewer modern conveniences, but they offer warmth, character and often a deeper connection to place. These properties are selected for their proximity to nature, and while they may be simple, they are all part of exploring New Zealand’s wilder corners in a meaningful way.

This trip begins in Dunedin, New Zealand, and ends in Christchurch. We recommend that you arrive at least one day prior to Day 1 to rest from your travels and adjust to the time difference. For guests who come in early, recommended hotels will be included in your pre-departure materials. Guests participating in the North Island pre-trip extension have an included pre-trip night in Dunedin and will join the full group at the start of the tour.

If you plan to arrive on Day 1, you must arrive in Dunedin by 12 pm in order to join your group for an afternoon tour of the Otago Peninsula to view royal albatross and yellow-eyed penguins.

You may depart Christchurch any time after 1 pm on the final day.

Our Natural Habitat Adventures Travel Desk can best assist with your travel reservations, as our staff is familiar with the specific requirements of this program and can help arrange the most efficient itinerary. Please call us at 800-543-8917. While we offer the best available rates to us on airfare and additional nights’ accommodations, you may occasionally find special web rates or lower fares online.