Crown Range Road

Our tour leaves Queenstown, and steeply climbs the Crown Range, this being the highest public sealed road in the country, with a photo stop at the summit.

Cardrona

Photo stop at the iconic Cardrona Hotel and the famous "Bradrona" bra fence.

That Wanaka Tree

Heading on to Wanaka and its beautiful lake, the journey promises breathtaking views and photo opportunities. Weather and time permitting, we'll stop at the Wanaka Tree. Another opportunity is available on the return journey.

Lindis Pass

Meandering through the Lindis Pass, we arrive at Omarama, with a chance for a much-needed lunch break at The Wrinkly Ram. Lunch is not included and the cost per person can range from $15 NZD to $25 NZD. In this unique landscape, we may encounter the spellbinding beauty of hoar frost and fog, depending on the season.

Clay Cliff

Depending on time, we may make a side journey to the Omarama Clay Cliffs... a geological wonder formed millions of years ago from layers of silt and gravel deposited by ancient lakes and rivers.

Aoraki/Mt. Cook

Upon arrival, guests will be checked in to their luxury accommodation at the Hermitage Hotel, followed by a delicious buffet dinner at the Hermitage Hotel restaurant. This will be our base for the next two nights.

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

Get ready to start your day with a burst of excitement! After an exhilarating sunrise shoot to capture the first glow on the summit of Aoraki Mt Cook, we head back to the hotel for a satisfying breakfast (included) as we gear up for the day ahead.

For those of you taking part in the heli hike, get ready for an unforgettable experience! We'll whisk you away to Mount Cook Airport where you'll receive a safety briefing and gear check before taking off on a thrilling helicopter flight into the mountains. The guided interpretative glacier walk will take you through a breathtaking landscape of fluted ice, runnels, moulins, and winding streams. Your crampons will sink into ancient ice as you traverse the undulating terrain beneath the towering peaks of Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. As your helicopter safely returns you to Mt Cook Airport, you'll fly close to the massive 1,000-metre-high Hochstetter Icefall to cap off your incredible adventure.

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

If you're not participating in the heli-hike, don't worry - we'll still be exploring other stunning locations in the park together.

Hooker Valley Track

We regroup for the walk through the Hooker Valley to Hooker Lake for some stunning sunset shots, with the icebergs from Hooker Glacier in the foreground and Aoraki Mount Cook towering above... aglow with the afternoon light. Afterwards, we'll guide our eager photographers back to the hotel in the fading light (we provide you with a head torch!) for a delicious buffet dinner.

Big Sky Stargazing

Eager astrophotographers can join the 75-90 minute Big Sky Stargazing Experience if weather permits. You will need to book directly with the hotel for this ($145 NZD per person).

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

The day begins with the opportunity for pre-dawn astrophotography, before returning to the hotel for a delicious breakfast. We then prepare for the return journey to Queenstown.

We'll stop at various well-known, and some not-so-well-known points on the return journey. These will be chosen according to the light and weather conditions.

Wanaka

The day will culminate in a stop at Wanaka. Here, you will have the chance to capture the iconic Wanaka Tree in the warm afternoon light, capturing unforgettable memories of this unforgettable day.

Queenstown

We conclude the day by dropping you at your chosen accommodation in the Queenstown area.