Our tour commences in Queenstown, winding through the breathtaking Crown Range, past the majestic lakes Wanaka and Hawea, and into the Haast Pass. As we descend from the arid, mountainous tussock terrain, we enter a dense beech forest, tracing the path of fast-flowing rivers that offer excellent opportunities for capturing a variety of stunning waterfalls. Upon reaching the coast at Haast, we turn northward, arriving at our accommodations in Fox. Here, you’ll have time to witness either the sun setting over the snow-capped Alps or the dramatic Tasman Coast.

An early start awaits on Day 2, as we aim to capture the sunrise at Lake Matheson. Under the right conditions, Mount Cook and the Southern Alps in the distance are beautifully reflected and framed by the tranquil waters and lush beech forest. Throughout the day, we’ll explore the Fox Glacier and Franz Josef area, with options to venture into the forest along various walking trails or explore pristine wetlands and lagoons—abodes for numerous migratory bird species. Weather permitting, there’s also the possibility of a helicopter excursion (NZD $300 to $475, depending on the option you choose on the day) to explore the upper reaches. We’ll conclude the day by capturing the forest and snow-capped peaks during sunset.

Our journey continues as we make our way back down the West Coast, immersing ourselves in the magnificent rainforest of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. Crossing back over the Haast Pass, we bid farewell to this enchanting region and return to Queenstown. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to capture the beauty of the areas we missed during our upward journey, ensuring that no moment of this extraordinary adventure is left uncaptured.