New Zealand South Island Photography Adventure
14
Days
South Island, New Zealand
curated by
Meghan Maloney
South Island, New Zealand
Discover New Zealand's South Island's untapped beauty as you hit the road on this self-drive adventure. With an itinerary curated by award-winning landscape photographer Meghan Maloney, you'll traverse nearly 1,900 kilometres, starting and finishing in the vibrant city of Christchurch. This self-guided journey allows you to experience the real New Zealand at your own pace, with Meghan's artistic insights as your compass.
Through Meghan's curated travel guide, you'll explore the best of New Zealand's Southern landscapes. From capturing the pristine mirror reflections at Lake Matheson, kayaking the tranquil waters of Milford Sound, to stargazing in the global dark sky reserve of Lake Tekapo, and fly in a ski plane and helicopter for a spectacular snow landing on the Tasman Glacier—every stop is a photographic opportunity. Your self-drive package comes complete with motorhome accommodation, and a list of carefully selected locales, activities, and insider tips from Meghan herself, letting you focus on the stunning sceneries around you.
And the best part? This road trip is customisable, allowing you to tailor the adventure to your personal preferences and interests.
This isn't just any travel itinerary; it's a journey designed by Meghan Maloney—a native Kiwi and award-winning landscape photographer. You'll see New Zealand's South Island through the eyes of an expert who knows the land inside and out.
With Meghan's renowned skill for capturing breathtaking sunrises, sunsets, and nature's water features, you're not just embarking on a trip—you're gaining a whole new photographic perspective. The itinerary focuses on the most photogenic spots, ensuring that you come back with an enviable collection of shots.
As a Sony NZ Digital Imaging Advocate and a seasoned photography workshop host, Meghan’s curated guide will not just show you where to go, but how to capture it. Her insider tips and artistic insights are woven into the fabric of this self-guided journey, making it a learning experience as much as a travel adventure.
Collect your motorhome at the vehicle depot in Christchurch and make your way to Arthur’s Pass. The road to Arthur’s Pass is one of New Zealand's greatest drives from the East Coast to the West with breathtaking scenery around almost every corner. Along the way, you'll encounter Castle Hill, a unique location with limestone formations that are very Middle-Earth like, and when you reach the heart of Arthur’s Pass, you'll be able to experience a night in a true backcountry alpine location.
Travel time: 2 hrs
Distance: 149 kms
New Zealand's West Coast has some of the finest combinations of rainforest, coastal and mountain views, often all contained in one wide sweeping vista. Base yourself at Fox Glacier to explore the pristine waters of Lake Matheson with its mirror reflections at sunrise and sunset, with the glaciers and rugged West Coast beaches and lagoons providing ample opportunities to explore during the day.
Travel time: 3 hr 30 mins
Distance: 256 kms
Experience the West Coast scenery up close and enjoy a guided kayak tour. Take in the panoramic views of the Southern Alps, glaciers and Westland’s oldest untouched rainforest, and paddle into the heart of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, exploring the protected area with your knowledgeable guide.
The drive to Haast Pass is one of the most spectacular roads in New Zealand. There are so many waterfalls to stop and see along the way, you'll be spoilt for photographic choice.
Travel time: 2 hr 30 mins
Distance: 189 kms
Make your way to Lake Wanaka and get your own photo of the famous ‘Wanaka tree’ and the spectacular sunrises. Lake Wanaka is one of the loveliest backdrops for photography with Mt Aspiring National Park towering behind the lake.
Travel time: 1 hr
Distance: 74 kms
A half-day lake cruise will take you to a really unique spot - Mou Waho Island - known as 'the island in the lake on an island in a lake'. With epic views to write home about and native New Zealand wildlife such as the weka and weta, this will be a day out to remember!
The drive to Milford Sound might very well be one of your favourite experiences. And no wonder, when it was described by Rudyard Kipling as 'the eighth wonder of the world'.
Travel time: 4 hr 30 mins
Distance: 342 kms
Experience the impressive scale of the fiord by taking to the water. A scenic cruise will take you out for two hours all the way to the edge of the Tasman Sea and back. Get up close with Stirling Falls (complete with a drenching if you dare!) and get a glimpse of New Zealand’s native seals, birds or even dolphins along the way.
Queenstown is a location that can't be missed. There is so much more to see in the region than bungy jumping and jet boating, but don’t worry, there is time for adventure activities too! The sheer number of short hikes and amazing photographic locations in this area will keep you entertained for days.
Travel time: 3 hr 45 mins
Distance: 287 kms
Take the gondola up for the best view over Queenstown. You’ll be carried 450 metres above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob's Peak, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular 220 degree panorama with breath-taking views. Then jump aboard the luge for a few thrilling rides down the mountain.
Exploring the national park surrounding New Zealand's tallest peaks is a photographer's dream. The sheer number of day and short walks in Mount Cook National Park could keep you occupied for days, and it's also one of the best places in the country to experience the incredible night skies without light pollution.
Travel time: 3 hr 10 mins
Distance: 264 kms
Get ready for the ultimate alpine experience! Today, you will take off in a ski plane AND helicopter for an unforgettable experience of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Enjoy a scenic adventure that includes a glacier snow landing on the Tasman Glacier.
Famed for its view of the Church of the Good Shepherd with the mountain backdrop behind, there's a lot to discover in Lake Tekapo. Take a dip at the Hot Springs and spend an evening at the Mt John observatory learning all about the night sky. Lake Tekapo is one of the few International Dark Sky Reserves in the world, there's no better place to experience it!
Travel time: 1 hr 15 mins
Distance: 105 kms
Return your motorhome at the vehicle depot and use the rest of your time in New Zealand to discover Christchurch, the ‘Garden City’.
The "eighth wonder of the world."
“Thanking the stars I found Airguides and Jono's trip. We were totally taken care of! Paul answered all our questions and took care of the details so all we had to do was get there. Jono Allen is an amazing, talented photographer who created a special group experience. The WHALES were mind blowing. What a gift to be in Tonga staring into the eye of a baby whale! This trip was a lifelong dream come true. I highly recommend it so much we’ve already signed up again for next year!"
"The Airguides trip to Tonga to swim with humpback whales was the experience of a lifetime. I have traveled all over the world, and nothing compares to being in the wild, rustic, deep blue waters of the South Pacific while interacting with whales and their calves. A wonderful and caring team made our adventures stress free. Absolutely amazing, so much so, that I am doing it again this year! Thanks a million Paul, Jono, Al, Alistair, Christian and Polly!"
"Thank you for your help in putting together our trip to the Northern Territory. Everyone agreed that it was the best family holiday we'd ever had and - even better - everyone nominated something different as 'the best thing'."
"The trip with Airguides was magic. Paul was our kind and patient guide, Mark Fitz was our talented and positive photographer/storyteller. It was a perfect mix of activity and relaxation and I’m already planning my next Airguides trip."
"I recently visited Lady Musgrave Island with Airguides. They have a unique and meaningful approach to travel and travelling with and learning from a world-class photographer, who was on the trip, was incredible."
"I cannot say enough amazing things about Airguides and the amazing honeymoon they planned for us. We began our trip planning by being overwhelmed with travel blogs, not knowing what was actually the best plan for us."
“Just had an amazing trip to Heron Island organised by the Airguides team. Perfect balance of activity and relaxation, they made it so easy. Can't wait until I can do another trip!“
“ We recently organised our trip to Heron Island with Bibi and Paul as a last minute getaway. Seamlessly dealt with and an added bonus of having a world-class photographer/ free-diver as our story teller. The trip has only whet our appetite for more positive and relaxing experiences with the Airguides team- Awesome “
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