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.

    • 2021 Details

      July 26 - August 6
      Maximum 6 photographers

      Only 2 spots left!

      All-inclusive from NZD12,980

       

    • Highlights

      ▫ Explore six National Parks

      ▫ Aerial photography of Fox Glacier and Aoraki/Mt Cook

      ▫ Two private helicopter charters to access remote regions of Fiordland National Park

      ▫ 4WD access to backcountry wilderness areas

      ▫ Dark Sky Reserve astrophotography

      ▫ Photography cruise in Milford Sound

    • REVIEWS

      “Over the last 30 years I have shot 35mm, medium format, and 4x5 large format films, and thus consider myself to be a fairly advanced amateur. It was therefore an added bonus that Phillip, a consummate professional, also taught me many new approaches to photography as I was capturing the stunning scenery of New Zealand.”
      M. McBroom, USA

      “It was indeed worthwhile to have taken the “plunge” to come to the other end of the world and to put the travel schedule into your hands. Your careful planning and knowledge of this beautiful island we explored together, paired with your professional know how has given us invaluable memories for a long time to come.”
      A. Bulato, Switzerland

      “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

      “I learned a lot about camera settings, composition, light and right moment and much more. I also learned about the difference between a good picture, a postcard picture, art and fine art – this is essential on my way to artist!”
      M. Rauvala, Finland

    • Photography Instructor

      PHILLIP BARTLETT
      Born in Nelson, at the top of the South Island, I am a full-time professional landscape photographer.
      Almost 15 years ago I started guiding photographers and have been kindly referred to as the most highly regarded landscape photography instructor in New Zealand by my international peers. I take that with a grain of salt as it matters more that my guests experience the very best while with me: incredible photography backed up with second-to-none instruction and guidance in the field.
      A wonderful benefit of digital photography is the instant assessment of each capture. This is immensely helpful when I am working with photographers 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. You are most welcome to join me on this sensational workshop.

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