THE PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY
Go beyond the view
Photograph New Zealand's autumn trees, lakes, wooden houses, snowy mountains and meadows. Explore both broad landscapes and architectural detail; foliage and mountain visibility vary by location and weather.
Aoraki / Mount Cook
Photograph mountains, glacier lakes and surrounding landscapes in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Helicopter and glacier-walking activities are optional extras subject to availability, weather and access confirmation.
Queenstown
Queenstown's autumn hills, lakeshore and golden trees offer layers of color, with compositions shaped by Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
Arrowtown
Set beside the Arrow River, this former gold-mining town becomes an emblem of New Zealand autumn. Warm yellow and orange light up the hills in layers resembling an oil painting.
Glenorchy
Follow Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown to Glenorchy for lakeshore, mountain and road scenes. Glenorchy and its surroundings also served as filming locations for The Lord of the Rings.
Wānaka
A solitary willow stands quietly beside Lake Wānaka, closely embraced by the water. Its graceful shape has drawn countless photographers; reflections and lake light provide endless creative inspiration.
Fox Glacier
Photograph mountain scenery and reflections around Fox Glacier and Lake Matheson. Glacier walks and scenic flights require separate reservations and depend on weather and access.
Christchurch
Christchurch's botanical gardens, Avon River, streets and cultural venues offer subjects in urban nature and daily life. Explore this South Island city through its waterways, green spaces and architecture.
The journey in pictures
Photographers linked to this route: Ling Zi →Xavi Zhuang →
Itinerary images · Select a photo to enlarge
PHOTOGRAPHY LEADERS
A different way of seeing
Xavi Zhuang
Graduated from the Photography Department of South China Normal University. Specializes in landscape, documentary, mobile and drone photography. He has provided photography lectures and training for the municipal library, the Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, the news agency of South China Normal University, the Senior Photographers Association, China Southern Power Grid, the Bao'an land bureau, UnionPay International, Standard Chartered, Ping An Bank, Bank of China, Industrial Bank, China Merchants Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of Jiangsu, the coastal administration, the Capital Institute, SF Express and local community offices. Photography journeys He has led photography groups to Turkey, the Balkans, Japan, Eastern Europe, Semporna, Israel, Cuba, Iran, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Spain, Namibia, Bangladesh, Russia, Cambodia, Chiang Mai, Myanmar, Italy, Portugal and Morocco. Destinations in China include Longji, Weizhou Island, Yuanyang, Puzhehei, Bashang, Xuexiang, Beijing, Niubei Mountain, Guangwu Mountain, Huangshan, Wuyuan, Poyang Lake, Nanjing, Wuxi, Nyingchi, the Yellow River in Shaanxi, the Qiantang River, Hainan, Xiaodongjiang, Zhangjiajie, Zhongwei, Xiapu, Daocheng–Shangri-La and Ejina Banner. Selected awards and exhibitions 15th National Art Photography Competition; 2nd Shenzhen Photography Annual Exhibition; 10th PSAChina International Photography event; 2015 Toronto International TIPF Annual Excellence Award; multiple acceptances in the Austrian circuit, 2017–2019; exhibition at the 7th Dali International Photography Festival, 2018; silver award in the first Beautiful China Aerial Photography competition; second prize in the People category of the China division of the 2019 National Geographic Global Photography Contest.
Ling Zi
Specializes in filmmaking, writing and directing, production, planning, documentary photography, portraiture and landscapes. Gold award in the folk customs category of the 4th Asia-Pacific Cup International Photography Art Exhibition. She has extensive experience directing and producing promotional films and documentaries, and leads photography trips within China and overseas each year. Her photography post-production training has included more than 400 sessions and 20,000 participant attendances for organizations including the Futian urban management bureau, the water group, the Nanshan publicity department, the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration, Peking University's MBA program, the Hangcheng, Xixiang, Yutang and Taoyuan community offices, the Guangming New District Photography Association and the Shenzhen Senior Photographers Association.
THE DAYS AHEAD
A rhythm shaped by light
DAY 01Apr 22 · Pacific/AucklandDay 1: April 22, Thursday, Guangzhou–Christchurch
Meet at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport on the evening of April 22. The reference outbound flight departs early on April 23; meeting time and flight await operator confirmation.
Accommodation:flight
DAY 02Apr 23 · Pacific/AucklandDay 2: April 23, Friday, arrive in Christchurch
Arrive in Christchurch, transfer to the hotel and rest. Reference flight segments are listed under transport.
Accommodation:Christchurch
DAY 03Apr 24 · Pacific/AucklandDay 3: April 24, Saturday, Christchurch–Twizel
Unlike earlier trips, this itinerary begins directly with New Zealand's finest autumn colors at their peak. A three-hour drive from Christchurch takes us from the Garden City into a golden world in the mountainous Mackenzie region. Our accommodation is central to several photography locations, just an hour from Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo, and we stay for three consecutive nights. On the first day, photograph the Church of the Good Shepherd at sunset, then the Milky Way after dinner. With luck, the southern lights may also appear. Return afterward to the Twizel hotel, our base for three nights.
Accommodation:Twizel
DAY 04Apr 25 · Pacific/AucklandDay 4: April 25, Sunday, Twizel–Mount Cook
Today's main destination is Mount Cook. The drive is short but scenic, with abundant subjects along the route and views of the snowy peak. Some locations require walking, so there is no need for an extremely early start. Leave after breakfast, following a scenic road with milky-blue lake water to the right. A three-hour return walk offers close views of Mount Cook beyond a glacial lake; sunset on the mountain may also be possible. Another distinctive option is a glacier hike reached by helicopter, paid separately, with 2 hours on the ice. Advance booking is required, and operation remains weather-dependent even after booking. Reaching the glacier is a matter of favorable conditions.
Accommodation:Twizel
DAY 05Apr 26 · Pacific/AucklandDay 5: April 26, Monday, Twizel–Lake Tekapo–surrounding lakes
This is peak golden-leaf season on the South Island: the brilliant colors we seek combine blue skies, white clouds and yellow foliage, with some lakes adding green hues. It is our final day in the Mackenzie region. Local chestnuts are sweet and free to gather, alpine salmon is delicious, and Mount John offers 360-degree views and rich coffee. Remaining in one place for consecutive nights is unusual on this type of New Zealand photography tour. Besides reducing fatigue, it gives repeated opportunities to photograph nearby landmarks.
Accommodation:Twizel
DAY 06Apr 27 · Pacific/AucklandDay 6: April 27, Tuesday, Twizel–Queenstown
Queenstown is a major South Island visitor destination, with abundant photography subjects and activities. We stay for 3 days to take advantage of suitable weather and explore the relationship between autumn scenery and local life. Before arrival, visit the fruit-growing town to photograph triangular peach trees with yellow foliage and stock up on fruit. Stroll around Queenstown at dusk or enjoy a large burger. The hotel is near the town, which also offers some nightlife.
Accommodation:Queenstown
DAY 07Apr 28 · Pacific/AucklandDay 7: April 28, Wednesday, Queenstown–Arrowtown
Rise early for sunrise over Queenstown from the hills, perhaps with mist if conditions are favorable. After breakfast, head to Arrowtown early to photograph its historic streets against colorful hills and capture local life. Enjoy a freshly brewed drink or Patagonia ice cream. Those interested may join an optional mountaintop buffet in Queenstown in the evening, paid separately.
Accommodation:Queenstown
DAY 08Apr 29 · Pacific/AucklandDay 8: April 29, Thursday, Queenstown–Glenorchy–Queenstown
Travel west beside Lake Wakatipu toward Glenorchy, known for its heavenly setting. Blue water lies on one side and a cliffside road on the other, with several attractive photography stops. Paradise and the native forest beyond are excellent portrait settings. A distinctive wetland along the route is also well suited to aerial photography.
Accommodation:Queenstown
DAY 09Apr 30 · Pacific/AucklandDay 9: April 30, Friday, Queenstown–Wānaka
Enjoy changing scenery and surprises en route via Cardrona and the bra fence. Photograph the lone willow before dusk, then check in near Lake Wānaka. At night, use the willow as a foreground for the stars, although surrounding lights reduce the chance of capturing the full Milky Way.
Accommodation:Wānaka
DAY 10May 1 · Pacific/AucklandDay 10: May 1, Saturday, Wānaka–Fox Glacier
Cross a national park and visit the distinctive Blue Pools, a good location for aerial photography. The wild West Coast is not far beyond, and scenery changes greatly before reaching Fox Glacier. We stay for two nights to allow enough time for a glacier visit. A helicopter-assisted glacier hike is an exciting and worthwhile option.
Accommodation:Fox Glacier
DAY 11May 2 · Pacific/AucklandDay 11: May 2, Sunday, Fox Glacier
Photograph morning mist at Lake Matheson, reached by a 40-minute walk. Sheltered among mountains, the lake is usually calm and excellent for sunrise, sunset and night-sky photography. It reflects Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, and offers a western view to compare with photographs from the other side. Weather permitting, a glacier walk or helicopter-assisted photography excursion is recommended, as an optional activity paid separately; confirm the amount before booking. Book early because helicopter places are popular. Two days in the glacier-lake area provide opportunities to reach the ice; higher positions reveal clear blue glacier ice that cannot be photographed from below.
Accommodation:Fox Glacier
DAY 12May 3 · Pacific/AucklandDay 12: May 3, Monday, Fox Glacier–Punakaiki
Drive 3 hours to photograph the Pancake Rocks and stay nearby. Depending on tides, low water may reveal starfish covering the rocks. This is also an excellent sunset location. Sunrise sea mist offers another subject. At the Pancake Rocks in Paparoa National Park, a renowned West Coast photography spot, photograph sunset, stars at night and morning mist the next day.
Accommodation:near the Pancake Rocks
DAY 13May 4 · Pacific/AucklandDay 13: May 4, Tuesday, Punakaiki–Christchurch–Guangzhou
Photograph the Pancake Rocks in the morning. After breakfast, drive three and a half hours to the trip's final distinctive area, with several waterfalls and good drone opportunities along the way. The route is scenic, especially its pastoral landscapes. Our flight is in the evening, leaving plenty of daytime photography possibilities. In Christchurch, the Garden City, Hagley Park and the botanic gardens offer good subjects. The centre is excellent for walking and street photography, including its many murals. Transfer to the airport according to flight times and conclude the trip.
DAY 14May 5 · Pacific/AucklandDay 14: May 5, Wednesday, arrive in China
Arrive in Guangzhou at the end of the trip; arrival time awaits operator confirmation.
Trip staff
- Photography leader · Xavi Zhuang / Ling Zi
- IncludedDriver-guide services and tips throughout;
- ExcludedHotel porter, restaurant staff and similar tips, paid individually;
Transport
- IncludedTransport: a 12-seat Mercedes-Benz business vehicle throughout;
- ExcludedFlights and taxes between cities in China and New Zealand;
Travel details and reference schedules
The photography instructor's flights for this trip are as follows: Outbound: April 23, Guangzhou–Auckland, CZ305 / 00:35 / 15:35 April 23, Auckland–Christchurch, NZ567 / 19:00 / 20:25 Return: May 4, Christchurch–Auckland, NZ578 / 17:00 / 18:25 May 4, Auckland–Guangzhou, CZ306 / 21:25 / 05:25 +1 day Before booking transport, please confirm the departure and travel arrangements through this website. These services are for reference and do not constitute confirmed group transport. Final services and meeting times await operator confirmation.
Photography
- Aoraki / Mount Cook
- Queenstown
- Arrowtown
Photography details
Aoraki / Mount Cook Photograph mountains, glacier lakes and surrounding landscapes in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Helicopter and glacier-walking activities are optional extras subject to availability, weather and access confirmation. Queenstown Queenstown's autumn hills, lakeshore and golden trees offer layers of color, with compositions shaped by Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. Arrowtown Set beside the Arrow River, this former gold-mining town becomes an emblem of New Zealand autumn. Warm yellow and orange light up the hills in layers resembling an oil painting. Glenorchy Follow Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown to Glenorchy for lakeshore, mountain and road scenes. Glenorchy and its surroundings also served as filming locations for The Lord of the Rings. Wānaka A solitary willow stands quietly beside Lake Wānaka, closely embraced by the water. Its graceful shape has drawn countless photographers; reflections and lake light provide endless creative inspiration. Fox Glacier Photograph mountain scenery and reflections around Fox Glacier and Lake Matheson. Glacier walks and scenic flights require separate reservations and depend on weather and access. Christchurch Christchurch's botanical gardens, Avon River, streets and cultural venues offer subjects in urban nature and daily life. Explore this South Island city through its waterways, green spaces and architecture. Aoraki / Mount Cook Queenstown Arrowtown Glenorchy Wānaka Fox Glacier Christchurch Included · Photography instruction and services throughout;
Accommodation
- 13 nights
- IncludedStandard twin rooms in four-star hotels throughout;
- ExcludedHotel porter, restaurant staff and similar tips, paid individually;
Accommodation details
Day 1：flight Day 2：Christchurch Day 3：Twizel Day 4：Twizel Day 5：Twizel Day 6：Queenstown Day 7：Queenstown Day 8：Queenstown Day 9：Wānaka Day 10：Fox Glacier Day 11：Fox Glacier Day 12：near the Pancake Rocks Day 1 · 2027-04-22 flight Day 2 · 2027-04-23 Christchurch Day 3 · 2027-04-24 Twizel Day 4 · 2027-04-25 Twizel Day 5 · 2027-04-26 Twizel Day 6 · 2027-04-27 Queenstown Day 7 · 2027-04-28 Queenstown Day 8 · 2027-04-29 Queenstown Day 9 · 2027-04-30 Wānaka Day 10 · 2027-05-01 Fox Glacier Day 11 · 2027-05-02 Fox Glacier Day 12 · 2027-05-03 near the Pancake Rocks 13 nights Included · Standard twin rooms in four-star hotels throughout; Excluded · Hotel porter, restaurant staff and similar tips, paid individually; Excluded · A single supplement applies if a roommate is unavailable or a private room is requested. The amount awaits operator confirmation.
Meals
- IncludedDaily drinking water, with no waste permitted.
- ExcludedAll meal expenses, shared among participants;
- ExcludedHotel porter, restaurant staff and similar tips, paid individually;
Visa
- ExcludedNew Zealand visa fees;
A CLEAR PICTURE
Know what is included
Deposit in the operator’s published information
per personThis amount reflects the payment terms in the operator’s published information. When booking through this platform, follow the payment schedule shown at checkout.
Public prices may change. Checkout quotes expire at a stated time; your confirmed order records its price and payment deadlines.
Included
Standard twin rooms in four-star hotels throughout;
Transport: a 12-seat Mercedes-Benz business vehicle throughout;
Photography instruction and services throughout;
Driver-guide services and tips throughout;
Insurance: travel-agency liability insurance and group travel accident insurance, with maximum coverage of CNY 300000 per person;
Daily drinking water, with no waste permitted.
Not included
Flights and taxes between cities in China and New Zealand;
New Zealand visa fees;
All meal expenses, shared among participants;
Hotel porter, restaurant staff and similar tips, paid individually;
A single supplement applies if a roommate is unavailable or a private room is requested. The amount awaits operator confirmation.
Other unspecified additional service charges and personal expenses;
In force majeure circumstances such as natural disasters, war or strikes, or exceptional events including flight delays or cancellations and consular visa delays, the organizing team reserves the right to cancel or modify the itinerary. Additional expenses, including visas, accommodation, meals, transport and national airfare adjustments, may be charged based on the actual additional expenditure incurred. We will nevertheless try within our ability to minimise participants' losses;
Tax is excluded; the applicable invoice tax must be paid additionally if an invoice is required.
Single-room supplements, additional local expenses and the final total must be confirmed in writing.
BEFORE YOU GO
What to know before you go
Availability and booking
Let us know if you’re interested in this trip. Availability is not updated in real time, so please contact us to check whether the trip is confirmed, how many places are available, and the final total and booking terms.
Trip information
[Transport] 1. Flights arranged by the organizing team use economy-class group tickets. Before tickets are issued, check the airline's rules for changes and refunds. 2. Flight, road and boat journey times may vary with conditions on the day. 3. The airlines and flight times listed are for guidance only. Flight changes may require minor adjustments to the itinerary. Please follow the final trip details sent before departure. [Accommodation] Accommodation is arranged for two people sharing a room. We'll try to match solo travelers with a roommate of the same gender. If you prefer not to share, or no roommate is available, you must pay a single supplement for your own room. [Group meals] We aim to serve meals suited to Chinese tastes. We make sure everyone has enough to eat. [Photography] 1. Photography sessions follow the itinerary, but conditions on the day may affect how long we spend at each location. 2. Read the itinerary carefully and choose a trip that suits your health and circumstances. Skipping part of the itinerary for health or other personal reasons, or choosing not to use the arranged accommodation or transport, counts as voluntary withdrawal from those arrangements. You are responsible for your own safety while not taking part in the itinerary. 3. Stay with the group during photography sessions unless you have permission to leave. This does not apply during free time. The organizing team is not responsible for accidents that occur while you are away from the group. 4. Typhoons, blizzards or other events beyond our control may require changes to the itinerary. [Fuel surcharges] The organizing team reserves the right to adjust the amount payable if fluctuations in global oil markets lead to a substantial rise in fuel surcharges. If the team can absorb the increase, the amount payable will remain unchanged. [Before departure] 1. We'll send your final trip details no later than the day before departure. If arrangements are confirmed sooner, we'll let you know as soon as possible. 2. If the online itinerary differs from the final trip details sent before departure, the final trip details take precedence. [Optional activities at your own expense] Under the Tourism Law provisions prohibiting travel agencies from arranging optional paid activities, please contact the provider directly for details, charges and bookings if you wish to take part. If you need language assistance from a guide or tour leader, any help is provided in a personal capacity, whether paid or unpaid. It is not provided on behalf of the organizing team or the local tour operator. The organizing team is not involved in the payments, transactions or service standards for activities during free time. You are responsible for the outcome of those arrangements.
Itinerary notes
Photography locations, accommodations and transportation are subject to final confirmation before departure. Weather and local conditions may affect the itinerary.
Itinerary dates use Pacific/Auckland. Flight, transfer and other times follow the time zone stated for each location. Please confirm any time without a stated time zone before departure.