Few nature destinations hold as much to entrance photographers as New Zealand, with its spectacular landscapes and intriguing native wildlife. Our focus is the South Island, a land of topographic contrasts, from seaside rainforests and turquoise lakes to ice-crowned mountains and active glaciers. In Fiordland National Park, get aerial shots of peaks, gorges, fjords and waterfalls by private helicopter. Cruise Milford Sound aboard our chartered boat. Seek images of the elusive brown kiwi on Stewart Island, plus other endemic creatures including rare yellow-eyed penguins and the kea, the world’s only alpine parrot. Photograph buff weka on Mou Waho Island in Lake Wanaka, and towering tree ferns on the trail to wild Monro Beach. Experience the hospitality New Zealanders are renowned for as we meet sheep farmers, learn about Maori culture, and find a bit of Scottish heritage in the South Pacific.
Photograph Endangered Wildlife Found Only Here
Pursue brown kiwis on Stewart Island by starlight, incredibly rare yellow-eyed penguins, and the world's only alpine parrot, the clever kea
Shoot Milford Sound by Private Boat & Helicopter
Cruise misty fjords and photograph waterfalls from our chartered boat, and get shots of glacier-crowned peaks in Fiordland National Park by private helicopter
Capture the Dark Night Sky with Astrophotography
Famous for its protected dark sky reserves, New Zealand has some of Earth's starriest skies—learn to create wondrous images with our Expedition Leader
The Ultimate New Zealand Photography Adventure...Here's Why!
A Photo Expedition That Goes Beyond New Zealand's Iconic Landscapes
Most New Zealand photo tours are heavily weighted toward classic landscapes—mountains, lakes, waterfalls and famous viewpoints. Along with these Nat Hab classic don't-miss scenes are opportunities to photograph rare wildlife, remote wilderness and rural life, creating a much more varied photographic portfolio.Two Nights on Little-Visited Stewart Island
Few New Zealand photography tours actually stay on Stewart Island. We fly you to this far-flung locale on the southern edge of the country to spend two nights, opening up photo opportunities most itineraries miss entirely. Rakiura National Park protects much of Stewart Island, with its wild coastlines, native rainforest and outstanding birdlife, including the elusive brown kiwi.Photograph Wild Kiwis at Night
Stewart Island is one of New Zealand's top locations to look for the endemic brown kiwi in the wild. One evening is dedicated to a guided nighttime kiwi search for a chance to capture one of the country's most iconic species in its natural habitat.Astrophotography Under Some of Earth's Darkest Skies
We spend several nights engaged in astrophotography in dark sky sanctuaries. Rakiura/Stewart Island is renowned for its extraordinarily dark skies—its Maori name means "Land of Glowing Skies"—with the added possibility of photographing the aurora australis when conditions align. We'll have additional astrophotography opportunities at Wanaka, and April-May trips will shoot the stars in the Aoraki/Mount Cook International Dark Sky Reserve.Outstanding Bird Photography on Predator-Free Ulva Island
As part of a private boat excursion around Stewart Island, we visit nearby Ulva Island, a predator-free sanctuary where native birdlife is abundant. Subjects may include albatross, shearwater, shag, skua, penguins and rare endemic forest birds such as the South Island saddleback, surrounded by pristine beaches and primary native rainforest.Private Boat Trips for More Personalized Photography Opportunities
Rather than relying on large vessels for publicly shared sightseeing excursions, Nat Hab charters smaller boats for our private use, including excursions at Stewart Island and Milford Sound. This exclusive context creates a quieter experience with greater flexibility for photographers to pursue the landscapes and wildlife we want to include in our portfolios.Photograph New Zealand's Rare Endemic Birds
The trip offers a deep concentration of bird photography opportunities. In addition to kiwi and the birdlife of Ulva Island, we visit the Otago Peninsula to photograph albatrosses and extremely rare yellow-eyed penguins; the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary to capture images of the flightless takahe and other native species; and Arthur's Pass, to photograph the world's only alpine parrot, the kea.Shoot Milford Sound & Fiordland by Private Boat & Helicopter
Experience Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound from multiple perspectives: the dramatic Milford Road, a private cruise through Milford Sound, and—weather permitting—a chartered helicopter flight across the Southern Alps. The flight offers aerial perspectives of waterfalls, alpine lakes, ice fields and rainforest, with secluded landings that may include a glacier, remote beach and alpine lake.A Rare Combination of Wildlife, Landscape & Night Sky Photography
Our comprehensive itinerary connects diverse subjects encompassing wildlife, landscapes and astrophotography. Highlights include penguins and albatrosses on the Otago Peninsula; kiwi, seabirds and rainforest on Stewart and Ulva islands; Fiordland's mountains and waterfalls; Wanaka's starry skies; West Coast rainforest and penguins; and the alpine environments of Arthur's Pass.Seasonal Itineraries Foster Deep Exploration
We've tailored our routes to capitalize on the best subjects at the best time of year: Sept–Oct trips devote a substantial portion of the itinerary to the remote West Coast and Southern Alps, including Haast Pass, Lake Moeraki, Monro Beach, Lake Matheson, Hokitika Gorge, Punakaiki and Arthur's Pass, featuring many locations rarely included on a typical South Island photo tour. April–May departures concentrate in depth on Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, the Mackenzie Basin, Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, the Hooker Valley and the glacial landscapes of Tasman Lake. At night, take advantage of some of the planet's best astrophotography opportunities in the world's largest International Dark Sky Reserve.Three Nights in the Arthur's Pass High Country
Both itineraries culminate with three nights at Arthur's Pass Wilderness Lodge for extended time in the Southern Alps, rather than just passing through on a day trip, which is most common. Photograph the kea, the world's only alpine parrot, Lake Pearson and alpine landscapes, plus document working sheepdogs and daily life on an authentic merino sheep station. On April–May departures, fall colors are a highlight.Photography Informed by Naturalist Expertise
This isn't simply a landscape photography workshop transplanted to New Zealand. Nat Hab's foundation in nature travel means photographers benefit from naturalist interpretation and wildlife expertise throughout the journey—particularly valuable when photographing endemic birds, penguins, marine wildlife, rainforest ecosystems and alpine environments. Your Expedition Leader's expertise makes for a much more meaningful experience!Our Small-Group Setting Enhances Access & Intimacy
Our Wild New Zealand Photo Expedition is limited to just nine travelers. Our small size allows flexibility to pursue the best light conditions, to linger longer when subjects warrant, and to facilitate personal coaching from our Expedition Leader, no matter a photographer's ability level. With a light impact on our environment, we can also be unobtrusive with wildlife, allowing us to capture closer images.Travel with Top Guides
Nat Hab has earned an international reputation for employing the highest-quality Expedition Leaders in the industry. Our guides average 15 years of experience and training, with additional resources and access to WWF’s top scientists. Read our Expedition Leader bios and traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.