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Mt Cook

South Island Photography Tours — Relaxed Small-Group Journeys Through New Zealand’s Most Iconic Landscapes


Guided by professional landscape photographer Steve Cooke • Learn, explore, and capture New Zealand at a relaxed, enjoyable pace

All prices in Australian Dollars

A Premium photography holiday guided by professional landscape photographer Steve Cooke. Travel through Aoraki / Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo, Wānaka, Glenorchy, Queenstown and Milford Sound while improving your photography in real field conditions — at a relaxed and enjoyable pace.

Designed for beginner to advanced photographers, this small-group journey allows time to slow down, connect with the landscape, and learn how to see, plan and capture powerful images with confidence.

Along the way, share the experience with like-minded photographers and form genuine friendships that last well beyond the tour.

Small Group • Personal Guidance • Iconic + Hidden Locations

New Zealand's Iconic South Island Awaits You

South Island Landscape Photography Holidays

A journey through mountains, lakes, and ever-changing light — where time slows, photography deepens, and unforgettable moments unfold. Experience New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes alongside hidden locations, captured at the right time, in the right light, and at a relaxed, enjoyable pace.

This a photo of the national emplem of New Zealand the silver fern

New Zealand 
Aoraki Mt Cook

This image is of Steven Cooke on Fax Glacier in South island new zealand

​Photography Skills You'll Learn, Use or Perfect

This photograph is a star Spiral capturing the Aurora Australis

Mastering Composition

Learn how to create captivating images by understanding the art of composition. From framing landscapes to leading lines, Steve  will teach you how to bring balance and depth to your photographs, ensuring each shot tells a compelling story.

This photograph was taken half way up Mount Oliver in New Zealand in the snow looking down at Aoraki

Capturing Perfect Lighting

Discover the magic of natural light as you explore the South Island's ever-changing conditions. Whether it's the golden glow of sunrise or the soft hues of twilight, you'll learn how to work with light to enhance the mood and impact of your images.

This photography was taken from Mueller's Hut looking down at the valley below in New Zealand

Maximising Depth of Field

Develop your technical skills by mastering depth of field to create powerful images with striking detail and focus. Steve will guide you through camera settings and techniques to ensure you capture every element of New Zealand's landscapes to perfection.

Get to Know Your Tour Guide

Meet Steve Cooke

Steve Cooke is an award winning, published and accredited professional landscape photographer (AIPP) known for his stunning images that capture the natural beauty of New Zealand’s South Island, Australia and beyond. With years of experience and a passion for the outdoors, Steve combines technical skill with a creative eye, producing breathtaking photographs that showcase the country’s iconic scenery. Along with many many years of shooting Steve has completed a certificate and diploma in professional photography and digital imaging - (Photography Institute of Australia).

This is an image of the outline of New Zealand
This is a photo of Steven Cooke holding his camera to take a photo
Tour Packages and Dates
Why Choose Me?

My New Zealand photography tours and workshops offer a truly unique experience, combining expertise as an Accredited Professional Landscape Photographer with personalised, hands-on guidance. With small group sizes (max of 6), you'll receive individual attention to refine your skills and grow as a photographer. You'll have the exclusive opportunity to explore hidden gems around Aoraki, Mt Cook and Tekapo in New Zealand's South Island, ensuring you capture stunning images that few others have access to.

Gallery of Previous Tours
This image is of the Aurora Australis captured in Aoraki South Island New Zealand
Book your New Zealand Photography Tour Today!
This isn’t just a typical retreat / tour — it's an investment in your passion which will ignite and strengthen your skills in many many areas of photography. 

Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand while honing your photography skills under the guidance of expert Steve Cooke. Our tours are filling up fast, and every moment spent in this stunning environment is an opportunity to create unforgettable memories and stunning images. Secure your spot now and embark on a journey that will inspire your creativity and elevate your photography to new heights!

Discover the stunning landscapes of New Zealand with our expert-led photography tours. Join us to enhance your skills and create unforgettable memories in one of the world's most beautiful destinations.

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© 2025  Steven Cooke

Days 1 & 2 — Lake Tekapo & Dark Sky Reserve​

The journey starts at the mountainous landscapes of Lake Tekapo — famous for its turquoise water, expansive skies and world-renowned Dark Sky Reserve. Conditions permitting, we photograph the Milky Way and night skies in one of the best astro locations on Earth.

This stage of the tour is both peaceful and inspiring, offering time to enjoy the landscape and refine your photography.

 

Days 3 & 4 — Aoraki / Mt Cook​

Moving into the heart of the Southern Alps, Aoraki / Mt Cook presents some of New Zealand’s most dramatic alpine scenery. Glacial valleys, towering peaks and powerful landscapes provide unforgettable photographic moments.

These days focus on depth, scale, and working with light in mountain environments, while allowing time to explore and absorb this remarkable location.

 

Days 5 & 6 — Wānaka

We continue to the tranquil landscapes of Wānaka, known for its clean compositions, peaceful lake environments and beautiful mountain backdrops. With two nights here, we slow down and work with light, simplicity and storytelling in the landscape.

This region offers excellent opportunities for sunrise and sunset photography, long exposures, and developing a more refined visual style.

 

Days 7 & 8 — Te Anau & Milford Sound​

Now we head to magnificent Fiordland, one of the most awe-inspiring regions in the world. Mist, waterfalls, dramatic fjords and changing weather create powerful photographic opportunities and a memorable conclusion to the journey.

These final days bring together everything experienced during the tour — light, atmosphere, composition and creative vision.

 

Days 9 & 10 — Queenstown & Glenorchy

Your journey comes to a close in the dramatic landscapes surrounding Queenstown and Glenorchy — a region of mountains, lakes, and ever-changing light. These first days allow the group to settle into the rhythm of the tour while exploring powerful compositions, reflections, and atmospheric conditions.

Photography opportunities include alpine landscapes, lake reflections and classic South Island scenery.

This photography holiday is designed around a relaxed pace, with two nights in each location to allow time for light, learning and enjoyment — without rushing, and with space to fully experience each landscape.

Investment

$9,990 per person — Private Room Included

Fully inclusive 10-day photography holiday including accommodation, all meals, transport throughout the tour, Milford Sound cruise, Lake Tekapo Dark Sky experience, and personalised photography guidance.

Maximum 6 guests

A $2,000 deposit secures your place.


Balance payable 90 days prior to departure.

Due to the small group size, places are limited and tours may fill well in advance.

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