This morning we begin our adventure and travel west across the scenic Canterbury Plains towards the alpine village of Arthur's Pass, which is situated on the eastern side of the Southern Alps. Our journey to the village will take us through the expansive high country of the Selwyn District, over the tussock-covered Porter's Pass and into the upper Waimakariri basin. Here the forest-fringed Waimakariri river leads up to the majestic snow-covered peaks of the Southern Alps. We then continue over Arthur's Pass before descending through the precipitous Otira Gorge before following the Taramakau River out to the coast. We arrive at the seaside town of Greymouth in the early afternoon and take a short break to refresh before heading north along the scenic coast road to Punakaiki, in the Paparoa National Park. This region has the largest remaining lowland coastal forest in New Zealand and the vegetation here is lush and tropical in appearance. At Punakaiki we photograph the bizarre limestone formations which overlook the wild Tasman Sea. Known as the Pancake Rocks they got their name due to water erosion giving them the appearance of large stacks of pancakes. On our return to Greymouth we dine at our favourite local restaurant.

Today we venture further south along the West Coast as we enter the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, which was established in 1960. Here the mountains rise steeply above the coastal lowlands. Dense rainforest hides scenic lakes created by the retreating glaciers, and turquoise rivers wind their way out to driftwood-strewn surf beaches. We have ample opportunities to photograph as we travel. In the late afternoon we explore a hidden coast location where tall, sculptured Kahikatea trees are backed by the snow-clad Westland mountains. This lowland forest is also home to New Zealand's rarest kiwi: the rowi.

Our lodging tonight is in the village of Franz Josef and we arrive in the early evening, with a delicious dinner to complete another incredible day's photography.

This morning we will photograph the first light at a nearby forest lake before returning to the village for breakfast. We then explore the Waiho River valley, where sheer-sided mountains have been carved out by the Franz Josef glacier. Later in the morning we depart for the nearby rural community of Fox Glacier. Our accommodation here is very close to an enchanting, moss-draped rainforest where we will be surrounded by macro opportunities. Later in the afternoon we will photograph the last light on New Zealand's highest peaks: Aoraki/Mt Cook and Horokoau/Mt Tasman.

This morning we leave the lodge pre-dawn and take an easy walk around Lake Matheson to a clearing in the forest where New Zealand's tallest mountains Aoraki/Mt Cook and Horokoau/Mt Tasman are reflected in the tannin-stained waters. This scene is one of New Zealand's most famous landscapes and a wonder to experience. A relaxed breakfast at the nearby cafe will be very welcome after our early start.

There will be a chance to take an optional helicopter flight for doors-off aerial photography, flying over the blue-ice formations of the upper Fox Glacier before continuing on to photograph the majestic Southern Alps in all their winter glory. The timing of this flight will be dependant on the prevailing weather conditions.

We have one more opportunity to photograph first light at Lake Matheson this morning before we depart. After breakfast our journey travels south past the settlement of Haast and then follows the Haast River east through the Mt Aspiring National Park towards the lakes district of Central Otago. Once we are over the Haast Pass the landscapes begin to change as the land east of the main divide is in the rain shadow. We then travel alongside the azure waters of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea before turning north to the Mackenzie district. Here we find expansive tussock lands with artistic braided rivers flanked by rugged mountain ranges. The jewel of this area is the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park; home to New Zealand's tallest peak of the same name and flanked by the impressive Southern Alps. The small town of Twizel will be our base for the next two nights as there are excellent photo opportunities in all directions. We will choose our photography locations based on the weather conditions.

An early start this morning to photograph first light on Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Tasman Valley. After breakfast we will assess the weather and make a decision for the afternoon photography. This region has many spectacular backcountry areas which are not well known and we will set up where conditions offer the best possibilities for late light photography.

We rise early again this morning to photograph the first light on the Southern Alps. After breakfast we travel down the Waitaki Valley as we make for the east coast. We make a brief stop in the historic town of Oamaru before continuing on to the fishing village of Moeraki. Later in the afternoon we drive to the nearby Moeraki Boulders for last-light photography of these other-worldly spherical boulders which are embedded in the beach.

We are at the Moeraki Boulders again this morning to photograph sunrise over these fascinating concretions. After breakfast we travel west to Central Otago to, where unique rock-tor landscapes are interspersed with beautiful golden tussocks. This terrain offers excellent minimalist photography opportunities and we photograph until sundown. 

This morning we travel to a nearby area which often has hoar frost at this time of the year. This winter spectacle looks like something straight out of a fairytale and we hope to find good conditions for photography. After breakfast we continue south to the lake town of Te Anau, which is situated on the fringe of the Fiordland National Park. This is New Zealand's largest national park, covering 1.2 million hectares. Most of the park is only accessible by air or sea, making it the most exclusive landscapes from a photographer's perspective. Also close to Te Anau are other hidden wilderness areas rich in photo opportunities. In the afternoon we drive into the backcountry to photograph the late light on the snow-draped mountains.

Today we travel to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi at the northern end of the Fiordland National Park. At sunrise we are on the shoreline to photograph the iconic Mitre Peak, along with The Lion and The Elephant. After breakfast we take a photography cruise through the fiord and out to the Tasman Sea. In the early afternoon we begin the return journey to Te Anau and will make stops to photograph dramatic mountains carved out by glaciers, lush rainforest and crystal-clear rivers.

We photograph sunrise along the shoreline at Lake Manapouri this morning before returning to Te Anau for a late breakfast. Our plan for this afternoon is to take a private helicopter transfer to an elevated vantage location in the heart of the Fiordland National Park, where our position gives us magnificent mountain views in all directions. We will spend an extended period photographing here before returning to Te Anau.

We enjoy a festive farewell dinner tonight to celebrate the amazing adventure we have shared together.

Our final sunrise together along the shores of Lake Te Anau. After breakfast we depart for Queenstown, arriving in the late morning in time to catch your departing flight. If you are staying longer we will transfer you to the hotel.