November 08 – Nov 20, 2025
New Zealand – South Island Adventures Trip
Only spaces remaining!
Description
New Zealand – South Island Adventures
Join us as we capture amazing landscapes, awesome astro photos and experience the magic of New Zealand’s stunning South Island Scenery.
We will explore and photograph amazing landscapes of the South Island of New Zealand and the timing of this trip is perfect for astro photography in Mt Cook National Park, a dark sky sanctuary!
You do NOT NEED night time photography experience to do this tour! This tour is for you to learn and we are right there with you in a small group setting!
*Hiking difficulty – There are some shorter hikes on this tour. Generally 1-2 miles a day on fairly level terrain. If you have any concerns or special circumstances, please do not hesitate to reach out with your questions.
Beginner through Advanced!
VERY LIMITED SPACE available on this tour!
As always, we expect this tour to sell out! Don’t miss it!
Registration and more details are below.
Additional information
| Registration Type | Photographer – Pay in Full, Photographer – Payment Plan |
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THE DETAILS:
- Dates: Nov 8th – Nov 20th, 2025
- Price: $8995 (based on DBL Occupancy – Room Shared)
- Extension Option – 3 days – $2800
- Single Supplement Available
- Price includes:
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Personalized Instruction with MPA team
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McKay Team Image Reviews with Lightroom and Photoshop Instruction
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Breakfast each day
- Multiple Dinners
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Hotel Accommodations (based on dbl occupancy) Single Supplement will be made available at an additional charge
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4-star accommodations
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Punting on the Avon River in Christchurch
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Excellent astrophotography opportunities at Mt. Cook
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Gondola ride & premium buffet dinner above Queenstown
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Dart River Jet Wilderness Safari
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Overnight Milford Sound cruise on a catamaran
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- Price DOES NOT include:
- Transportation to and from Christchurch, NZ
- Personal Expenses
- Such as meals(outside the included one), room service, alcohol, or beverages
Base itinerary
Day 1 (Nov 08): Arrive in Christchurch, where your guide will meet you at the airport. Explore the city’s natural beauty, entertainment, and cultural heritage. Options include the Christchurch Tramway, Gondola, or visiting the International Antarctic Centre.
Day 2 (Nov 09): Enjoy a punting tour on the Avon River and visit the historic Botanical Gardens.
Day 3 (Nov 10): Travel south to Mount Cook, stopping at Lake Tekapo to see the Church of the Good Shepherd. Explore Mount Cook Village, visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, possible astrophotography options after dark.
Day 4 (Nov 11): Free day to explore Mount Cook. Evening astrophotography tour around Lake Tekapo.
Day 5 (Nov 12): Drive to Queenstown, with optional detours to Mount Cook Village, Cromwell’s orchards, wineries in Kawarau Gorge, Wanaka, or Arrowtown.
Day 6 (Nov 13): Free day in Queenstown. In the evening, take the Skyline Gondola for dinner with stunning views.
Day 7 (Nov 14): Explore Glenorchy in the morning, then embark on the Dart River Jet Wilderness Safari in the afternoon.
Day 8 (Nov 15): Travel to Milford Sound and take an overnight cruise, enjoying the scenery, wildlife, and onboard activities in a stunning fjord.
Day 9 (Nov 16): Return to Queenstown, stopping at scenic spots along the Milford Road. Explore Queenstown.
The end of the Base Tour – Transfers to Queenstown Airport on Nov 17 or continue on with us for a few more days
Day 10 (Nov 17):
Drive to Franz Josef, taking in the scenic Crown Range. Take a scenic helicopter flight sweeping above Westland National Park as you explore Franz Josef Glacier before landing in the snow to enjoy exceptional views of the majestic Southern Alps. There’s nothing like having your feet on the ground at this elevation and really feeling like you’re part of the beautiful landscape.
Day 11 (Nov 18): Visit Lake Matheson near Fox Glacier in the morning. Explore Franz Josef in the afternoon, with options like the Franz Josef Glacier walk, Callery Gorge hike, or Tatare Tunnel glow worm walk.
Day 12 (Nov 19): Head north to Hokitika, with optional visits to Hokitika Gorge or Lake Kaniere. Travel through Arthurs Pass, stopping at scenic viewpoints like “Deaths Corner,” Arthurs Pass town, Cave Stream Reserve, and Castle Hill. Relax in Christchurch for the evening.
Day 13 (Nov 20): Depart from Christchurch Airport.
Instructors
- Toby Gelston
- Steve Scurich
Instructors are scheduled, however, they are subject to change as needed.
Tour Pack
Please download the Tour Packet from the link below when it becomes available. The information contained in this packet is also available under the Tour Prep page here on the website. However, this packet will also include some gear specifics for this tour.
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