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What to do and see in Queenstown, South Island: The Best Photography Tours
Staggering beauty and heart-pumping thrills await in the resort town of Queenstown, which is also known for its Hobbits—much of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed in the area. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Queenstown for the kayaking, bungee jumping, jetboating, white-water rafting, hiking and skiing. More mild-mannered adventurers can take a quiet cruise through nearby Milford Sound, part of the Fjordland National Park World Heritage area, or sample South Island pinot noir from one of the region's 75 wineries.
Restaurants in Queenstown
1. Private Tour Full Day Queenstown and Southern Lakes Photography Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
This is your chance to photograph one of the most spectacular and majestic places on Earth; Queenstown and the Southern Lakes. This full-day private photography tour will take you to the iconic locations you see in brochures as well as those special spots only a local would know, to explore and capture the beauty and splendor for yourself. This tour is designed for photography enthusiasts and your guide is a passionate landscape photographer, with years of local knowledge. Enjoy 8-9 hours of visiting some of the most interesting and beautiful destinations close to Queenstown and around the Southern Lakes. The weather in this amazing region is constantly changing bringing many moods that to the mountains, lakes, rivers and forests. Whatever the conditions we always know where to take you to and how to capture unique scenes of outstanding natural beauty.
Inclusions: Private tour for small-groups or individuals, Flexible itinerary, Advice on creative composition and using your camera, Local photographer guide, Comfortable 4WD, Light refreshments, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Lunch (Opportunity to buy lunch), Camera (Nikon D5100, available to rent)
Reviewed By simoneO2710JR
We booked a photo tour of areas that most people wouldn’t go, to capture unique images. We were highly delighted with not only the tour locations but the personalised and engaging explanations of the flora, fauna, local stories and histories en route. Martin, our driver and guide; was excellent tutoring, driving and advising on images. We went off-road into stunning high country which offered excellent picture opportunities, can’t wait to process. Summer was brilliant, would love to return in winter! Highly recommended and would love to repeat with Martin again if back in New Zealand.
2. Half Day Queenstown and Beyond Photography Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This is your chance to photograph one of the most spectacular and majestic places on Earth; Queenstown and the Southern Lakes. This half-day photography for you or your group will take you to the iconic locations you see in brochures as well as those special spots only a local would know, to explore and capture the beauty and splendor for yourself. This tour is designed for photography enthusiasts and your guide is a passionate landscape photographer, with years of local knowledge. Enjoy 4-5 hours of visiting some of the most interesting and beautiful destinations close to Queenstown. Your expert guide will help you with creative advice and show you how to get the most from your camera. The weather in this amazing region is constantly changing bringing many moods that to the mountains, lakes, rivers and forests. Whatever the conditions we always know where to take you to and how to capture unique scenes of outstanding natural beauty.
Inclusions: Private tour for small-groups or individuals, Flexible itinerary, Advice on creative composition and using your camera, Local photographer guide, Comfortable 4WD, Light refreshments, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Bottled water
Exclusions: Lunch, Camera (Nikon D5100, available to rent), SD Card (available for purchase)
Reviewed By adhluv2travel
My experience with Martin was a complete success. His knowledge of the area and low key teaching style gave me lots of opportunities to try things and then he made suggestions that made each shot better. I came away with a better "eye" and additional skills I will use everytime I think about capturing a scene. I highly recommend this tour.
3. AuthenticAs Paradise - Professional Photography & Exclusive Guided 4WD Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
We photograph your tour professionally, so you can sit back and relax. From posed photographs through to candid ones, we'll be helping you feel relaxed in this beautiful place creating images you'll treasure for decades to come. All of our tours are private and our Land Rovers have full leather interiors. You won't be sharing the vehicle with anyone other than your guides and your party. Nor will we be rushing, we want you to wind down. We are DOC concession holders, SMS Safety Management Audited and NZTA Licensed Operators, so you can relax knowing you're in very safe hands.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Food and Drink - a light meal, snacks and fresh spring water will be provided for you, Professional photographs - supplied digitally, a small selection within 24 hours or during the trip
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Sapetti
It is a must in Queenstown if you love photography! Staff very friendly, very good knowledge about photography, Queenstown surrounding (very good location) cameras & Apps. I would recommend!!
4. AuthenticAs Starry Nights - Professional Nightscape Portrait Photography Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Whether you live here or are visiting we have found the best places to photograph our dark skies. We also know how to plan positioning with the moon and weather. The darkest skies are around the new moon. But also we think we take some stunning images when the moon is full as a lunar portrait. Moonlight rocks! These long winter nights in NZ Wintertime coincide with Matariki or the Maori New Year. Come along with us this Winter 2019 and find out more of navigation using the stars, constellations and how to find the Matariki stars. At the very least we can show you the galactic Kiwi! We shoot your portrait with the galactic core as a backdrop while explaining the southern skies.
Inclusions: Hot chocolate & brownie, WiFi on board, PhotographyProfessional photographs - supplied digitally, a small selection within 24...
Exclusions:
Reviewed By travel7792
We booked Simon based on other reviews, and we were not disappointed - both my son and I had a great day! Would highly recommend planning your adventure with Simon so that you can create an experience of a lifetime. A bonus of touring with Simon is that he is a great photographer! (the photos were provided to us after our tour and could easily be downloaded). Would highly recommend and looking forward to the next adventure!
5. Half-Day Private Queenstown Photography Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Half day tour from Queenstown to Skippers Canyon with an experienced landscape photographer. You will learn how to take beautiful landscape images using your own equipment. I also have a few special locations up my sleeve that have magical views.
Inclusions: Experienced Photographer, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Snacks, Tripod is available on request.
Exclusions: Camera with a fully charged battery.
Reviewed By E7831IZmelissaf
Glen did an amazing job! Not only made me have the most adventurous experience I have ever had but he took amazing pictures of the whole experience. I know that is not what he normally does, but he still did it for me. He is very professional, knowledgeable and have a great personality which makes the trip even more easy and exciting.
6. Private Half Day Photography Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | Glenorchy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
• This private photography tour provides a flexible itinerary. • You can choose an astro photography tour option between February & November. • This local business is approved by Department of Conservation (DOC) to operate in public conservation areas in the South Island. It complies with environmental standards set by DOC, as well as safety standards set by an independent auditor. The DOC label shows visitors that the business pays fees to DOC to support conservation in New Zealand. • Your guide holds the public liability insurance, first aid certification and Passenger Service license, which allows to carry and transport clients and are the legal requirements for running this kind of business safely. All of this provides confidence and peace of mind to the clients that this local business offers only the high quality, safe and enjoyable experiences.
Inclusions: Coffee, tea & bottled water, Snacks, Photographic guidance, Air-conditioned 4WD vehicle with WiFi on board, Flexible itinerary and starting time, Personalized tour for solo visitors or small group (2-4 people), The Department of Conservation (DOC) approved business to operate in public conservation areas
Exclusions: Personal insurance
Reviewed By P1963YQamandad
We contacted Aiste very last minute and she was so accommodating. She actually did a family session for us - my husband, me, and our kids ages 15, 12 and 10. Despite the unbelievable WIND, Aiste captured some gorgeous photos that literally took my breath away. She got some great posed and candid shots that really brought out the personalities of each of our children. She was excellent to work with, communicated quickly and was fun during the session. I highly recommend Aiste for your family Queenstown photo session!
7. Private Couple Photo Shoot in Queenstown
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
• This private photo session provides a flexible itinerary. • You can choose an astro photo shoot option between late February and early November. • Your local photographer holds the public liability insurance, first aid certification, DOC (Department of Conservation) permit to operate in public conservation areas and the Passenger Service license, which allows to carry and transport clients and are the legal requirements for running this kind of business safely. All of this provides confidence and peace of mind to the clients that this local business offers only the high quality, safe and enjoyable experiences.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, 40 or more high resolution professional digital photographs , Bottled water, WiFi on board
Exclusions: Personal insurance
Reviewed By E9483LWjamiem
We hired Aiste to act as a tour guide and photographer for a family trip. We were pleasantly surprised to find a wonderful person, in addition to a great planner and photographer. When rain impacted our plans, she suggested a trip down to the Southern tip of NZ and then back for a stay in the Dark Sky Preserve. They were great suggestions and she took us to amazing places we never would have found on our own. I brought my own camera and she showed me the ropes for using filters with waterfalls and how to do astrophotography during the new moon. We highly recommend Aiste, not only for great service and professionalism...but also as a person to brighten your day as you experience picturesque South Island!
8. Private Photography Tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy - 1/2 Day
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Half day tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy. This photographic tour is an enjoyable outdoor adventure combined with insightful guidance on maximising the use of your camera. You will learn life long skills on the fine art of landscape photography from an award-winning photographer, while discovering some unforgettable locations. You will learn how to take beautiful landscape images using your own equipment. I also have a few special locations up my sleeve that have magical views. Glenorchy is surrounded by magical snow-capped mountains, stunning lakes and rivers, ancient beech forests. And at the edge of Mount Aspiring and Fiordland national parks, the frontier town of Glenorchy has provided the backdrop for many films, including The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Also the drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is one of the world’s greatest drives, following along the Wakatipu Lake. You will get to enjoy the whole journey as your guide looks after the driving.
Inclusions: Tripod is available on request., Hotel pickup and drop-off, Experienced Photographer, Snacks
Exclusions: Camera with a fully charged battery.
Reviewed By 0KimMy0
Amazing tour!! Glen is a wealth of knowledge and so enthusiastic to share it. He made the experience so much fun and we were able to learn so much including developing a new appreciation for lighting. Skippers Canyon is such a beautiful place and Glen was able to show us how to take photos that would do the place justice. I could not recommend Glen enough! Even for the non-photographer tag-a-long, it was still a fun and worthwhile experience.
9. Best of Queenstown Sightseeing Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 29 reviews
The daily tour departs central Queenstown and first stop is an observation point where you can take in one of the best panoramic views in Queenstown. After capturing some incredible photos, enjoy a brief stop overlooking the Shotover River before free time in the charming township Arrowtown. Travel to Gibbston and visit the world’s first commercial bungy jump, offering entertaining spectating opportunities. The region is also home to some Middle-earth magic (Lord of the Rings film locations). Enjoy wine tasting (non-alcoholic substitutes available) and a shared cheeseboard at a local winery and on the way back to Queenstown transfer from land to lake, with a picturesque thirty minute scenic boat cruise on Lake Wakatipu, ending your tour at the wharf in the heart of town. We’ve hand-picked the top local spots for an epic, half day sightseeing experience in luxury vehicles with onboard videos and complimentary wifi and bottled water.
Inclusions: WiFi on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Shared cheeseboards, Wine tasting, Non alcoholic wine substitutes, Boat cruise
Exclusions: Hotel pick up/drop off, Lunch
Reviewed By Mei F
I celebrated my birthday in Queenstown for 4days/3nights. My partner and I decided to visit Milford sound by booking a tour from altitude tours. I am writing this review to commend our most energetic, friendliest and awesome driver Tanya ( the crazy cat lady). She made our whole tiring and rainy day experience, the perfect day we had in Queenstown. From start until the end of the day, she never fails to entertain us with her life story and the tour itself. Aside from her enthusiastic attitude and expert driving, the highlights of our tour was the magnificent refreshing waterfalls, swimming dolfins, sunbating furseal, rainbow beside the waterfall, and windsurfing Keith the ?bird on the top of a van. I highly recommend you to book with them if you want your tour in Queenstown be the highlight of your vacation. Cheers to the crazy cat lady!????????
10. Half Day Skippers Canyon Photography Adventure
Journey with us into wild and remote Skippers Canyon. We'll take you on a photographic adventure into some of New Zealand's most spectacular and majestic landscapes and a ride through a window into our colourful gold mining past. This tour is perfect for photography enthusiasts, from beginners to the more advanced. Your guide will bring alive the history and the stories of this rugged region. Whatever your level of proficiency they help you find inspirational vantage points and subjects and then work with you, giving you compositional tips and tricks, showing you the camera settings you need to compose amazing images. capturing a vision you'll be proud to take home.
Inclusions: Local driver/guide/photographer, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by comfortable AWD, Tea, coffee and cookies, Creative and technical guidance, Bottled water
Exclusions: SD card (available to purchase), Camera (Nikon D5100, available to rent)
Reviewed By adhluv2travel
My experience with Martin was a complete success. His knowledge of the area and low key teaching style gave me lots of opportunities to try things and then he made suggestions that made each shot better. I came away with a better "eye" and additional skills I will use everytime I think about capturing a scene. I highly recommend this tour.
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