North Island Explorer 11 Day

Join professional New Zealand landscape and nature photographer Phillip Bartlett as we explore the North Island on this 11-day journey.

With a maximum of only 6 participants, travelling in 2 modern 4-wheel drive vehicles, this trip has been designed to allow us to photograph a wide variety of North Island locations, from ominous volcanoes to rugged coastlines. We have planned every day to give us the best opportunity to experience the quality of light photographers dream of.

The North Island of New Zealand offers landscapes which are suprisingly different to the lake and mountain scenes so well known in the South Island. Beginning in Rotorua, our route travels to the west coast where we photograph dramatic coastal scenery and Mt Taranaki: the lone volcano which dominates the landscape. We then return inland to the Central Plateau, home to three dormant volcanoes which rise high above the surrounding plains. Travelling along quiet rural roads we then head to the south coast before arriving at the end of the road and the nation’s capital, Wellington.

The emphasis of this workshop is to be out in the field photographing, which is why we do not have formal lectures or presentations, although we will have time for informal processing sessions as requested. The small-group environment allows plenty of time for one-to-one tuition and advice, making mastering new techniques and fine-tuning your skills a quicker process.

To ensure that we are well-rested after our day’s activities we stay in comfortable, modern lodgings which are well equipped. Meals are included as noted in the itinerary and are typical of New Zealand cuisine: fresh, local produce with choices to suit all tastes and appetites. If you have any special dietary requirements please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.

We look forward to sharing the wonders of the North Island landscape with you.

     ITINERARY
Day one  AUCKLAND – ROTORUA
Arrive into Auckland and transfer to your domestic flight to Rotorua. We will arrange your airport transfer to the hotel. The day is yours to relax, revive or explore at your leisure. We all meet up for dinner. (D)Day two ROTORUA
A full day around Rotorua: waterfalls, geothermal features, rolling countryside and even a redwood forest awash with tree ferns. (BLD)

Day three ROTORUA
We depart early for a full day exploring a little-known forest reserve, photographing some of the finest podocarp forest in the North Island.(BLD)

Day four ROTORUA – TARANAKI
After breakfast we depart for the west coast, with our last light shoot of the dramatic coastline found in this area. (BLD)

Day five  TARANAKI
If the weather is suitable, we will be out very early to take a hike (optional) for our sunrise shoot of Mt Taranaki, a striking conical volcano that is the centrepiece of the district. For those who would prefer an easier sunrise location is also available. After breakfast we explore a nearby ‘goblin’ forest. Sunset again finds us photographing Mt Taranaki, from a different perspective. (BLD)

Day six TARANAKI – TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK
After sunrise we travel inland for the Central Plateau, via the road less travelled. We arrive at the Tongariro National Park in the early evening. (BLD)

Day seven  TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK
A full day photographing the volcanoes, waterfalls and the desert plateau. (BLD)

Day eight  TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK
Another full day exploring the park, photographing from different perspectives.(BLD)

Day nine  TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK – SOUTH COAST
After sunrise we depart for the east coast, where we find one of New Zealand’s most dramatic coastlines. We arrive in the late afternoon in the time for the last light.(BLD

Day ten SOUTH COAST
A full day photographing the unique coastal scenery. (BLD)

Day eleven  SOUTH COAST – WELLINGTON – DEPART
Our last sunrise shoot together before we drive to Wellington to connect with your departing afternoon flight.(BL)

Note: The weather in New Zealand is subject to frequent change. We reserve the right to make last-minute changes to the itinerary to both avoid bad weather and to take advantage of good weather and light, as the elements permit. Our intention is to assess the prevailing weather and light conditions to determine where the best photographic opportunities will be.

 

     WORKSHOP DATES and FEE

2018: March 18 – 28

SOLD OUT

Inclusions:
Photography guide services and in-field support
Accommodation for ten nights
Meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Department of Conservation National Parks and Reserves fees

Exclusions:
All international air travel and domestic transportation within your home country
Any other travel services required to arrive at the workshop commencement location and all associated taxes, levies and insurances
Immigration, duty, passport and visa fees where applicable
Any personal items including alcoholic beverages, souvenirs and travel insurance

Click here for our Terms and Conditions.

  • 2018 Details

    March 18 - 28

  • Highlights

    ▫ Volcanoes of the Central Plateau

    ▫ Mt Taranaki and surrounds

    ▫ Rotorua geothermal landscapes

    ▫ Rugged South Coast

    ▫ Primeval podocarp forests

    ▫ The Desert Plateau

    ▫ Manawatu countryside

  • “The trip with Phillip was extraordinary and delivered excellent value regardless of skill level.”
    B. Pullein, NZ

    “I have participated in a number of photo workshops both in the USA and overseas, and this particular trip is the best I have attended.”
    E. Hartmann, USA

    “Phillip possesses a wealth of experience, skill and expertise which he is able to share with each individual photographer.”
    A. Barker, Australia

  • Photography Instructor

    PHILLIP BARTLETT
    I was born and raised in New Zealand, descended from 1842 stock.

    Just over twelve years ago I started guiding photographers and have been referred to as the most highly regarded landscape photography instructor in New Zealand. I believe this is because I know where the best coffee, and hot chocolate, is to be had no matter where we are.

    The most valuable asset of digital photography, from a learning perspective, is being able to instantly assess each capture. This is immensely helpful when I am teaching photographers how to develop their individual style and master new techniques.

    It is a privilege to share my enthusiasm for the New Zealand landscape with other passionate photographers and many workshop participants have become friends and repeat clients. You are most welcome to join me on this workshop.

  • Government Licensed to operate Photography Workshops in National Parks and Reserves