Reuthers
South Island / New Zealand
Guided Photo Tour

Photo Tours New Zealand South Island

Breathtaking impressions await you on this photo journey on the South Island of New Zealand. You will visit Nelson, the first city founded in New Zealand, and only a few days later you can admire the imposing Franz Josef Glacier. You'll also be able to experience the pleasures of photography in Wanaka and Milford Sound, where New Zealand's nature showcases its beauty.

 

The Route for the Photo Tour New Zealand South Island

 

The Route:

arrow down Day 1: Wellington

New Zealand, Te Papa Museum

Kia Ora to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Be our guest at our traditional Welcome Drink and Dinner. Getting to know each other is top of the list and your tour guide will give you further information on your upcoming New Zealand photo tour adventure.

arrow down Day 2: Wellington > Nelson

Interislander, Wellington, New Zealand

Before leaving the North Island, we visit Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum. In the early afternoon, we board the Interislander ferry for the scenic crossing to Picton. From there, we follow the Tasman Bay to Nelson, the first city in New Zealand and the region with the highest number of sunshine hours in the country.

arrow down Day 3: Nelson

Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

Today’s day tour takes us to Abel Tasman National Park. By water taxi, we are dropped off at a secluded beach and, after a walk through pristine wilderness, picked up again.

arrow down Day 4: Nelson > Greymouth

Pancake Rocks, New Zealand

Our photography adventure continues southwest along the famous Buller Gorge Road to Cape Foulwind, then further south to the spectacular Pancake Rocks, where we observe the sea-driven blowholes up close. Overnight stay in the coastal town of Greymouth, once an important Maori settlement.

arrow down Day 5: Greymouth > Franz Josef

New Zealand, Franz Josef Helicopter Flight

After breakfast in Hokitika, we pass the former gold-mining town of Ross and enjoy the dramatic landscape of towering mountains, lush rainforest, and the Tasman Sea to our right. We settle into our accommodation below the Franz Josef Glacier.
Optional: Depending on weather conditions, a helicopter flight with glacier landing, or alternatively, an exciting quad bike tour through the rainforest.

arrow down Day 6: Franz Josef

Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand

Explore the Franz Josef Glacier or join an optional guided hike. This day is at leisure.

arrow down Day 7: Franz Josef > Queenstown

TSS Earnslaw, Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, New Zealand

Passing the Fox Glacier, we leave the Tasman Sea behind, cross the Haast Pass, and reach Wanaka. A remote mountain road then leads us to Queenstown, New Zealand's true adventure capital. After a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu, we enjoy dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant at Walter Peak High Country Sheep Farm, including a farm tour. The historic TSS Earnslaw, the oldest coal-fired steamship in New Zealand, returns us to Queenstown.

arrow down Day 8: Queenstown

Bungee Jumping, Kawarau Bridge, New Zealand

Adventure and sightseeing await: from iconic bungy jumping at the Kawarau Bridge to parasailing and jet boat rides. Alternatively, enjoy shopping or relaxation. The day is at leisure.

arrow down Day 9: Queenstown > Te Anau

New Zealand, Queenstown Gardens

Enjoy a beautiful morning in Queenstown before continuing in the early afternoon to Te Anau.

arrow down Day 10: Te Anau

Milford Sound, New Zealand

A true world wonder awaits: Milford Sound, one of New Zealand's most famous landmarks, located in the country’s wettest region. We take a cruise along the 16 km long fjord to the Tasman Sea, capturing breathtaking photos of penguins, seals, dolphins, occasionally whales, and New Zealand's most spectacular waterfalls.

arrow down Day 11: Te Anau > Invercargill

New Zealand, Southland

Later in the morning, our photography tour continues to Invercargill, the southernmost city in New Zealand and the heart of Southland.

arrow down Day 12: Invercargill

New Zealand, Stewart Island

On Stewart Island, we explore untouched nature, observe rare bird species, and enjoy a boat tour through a spectacular underwater world.

arrow down Day 13: Invercargill > Dunedin

New Zealand, Nugget Point Lighthouse

Many may know the cult film "The World’s Fastest Indian" starring Anthony Hopkins. Today, we view Burt Munro’s original motorcycle. We then travel through The Catlins to Dunedin, with numerous photo stops along the way, including the famous Nugget Point Lighthouse.

arrow down Day 14: Dunedin

Albatross, Stewart Island, New Zealand

Today’s highlight is the Royal Albatross Colony on the Otago Peninsula, featuring albatrosses and penguins, along with a historic tour to Taiaroa Head. Prepare your cameras for unforgettable photos and videos!

arrow down Day 15: Dunedin > Mount Cook

New Zealand, Mount Cook

Our destination today is Mount Cook, over 3,800 m high and New Zealand's tallest mountain. We take part in a photography tour and, if possible, stay overnight at the legendary Hermitage Hotel at the foot of the mountain.

arrow down Day 16: Mount Cook > Christchurch

New Zealand, Church of the Good Shephard

The inland route to Christchurch leads us to the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo. This is undoubtedly the most photographed church in New Zealand, with an altar window framing breathtaking views of the lake and mountains.

arrow down Day 17: Christchurch

New Zealand, Akaroa

On a day trip, we learn more about the French influence in New Zealand in the village of Akaroa, set in a sheltered harbor and surrounded by rugged volcanic hills. Alternatively, explore Christchurch on your own.

arrow down Day 18: Christchurch > Kaikoura

New Zealand, Whale Watching Kaikoura

Depending on weather conditions we can take part in a whale-watching tour. Our destination is Kaikoura, New Zealand's most famous location for whale observation.

arrow down Day 19: Kaikoura > Blenheim

New Zealand Marlborough Winery

On our journey back north, we stay overnight in Blenheim, the center of New Zealand's wine industry, located in the Marlborough region. Naturally, we enjoy a wine tasting.

arrow down Day 20: Blenheim > Wellington

New Zealand, Queen Charlotte Sound

Welcome back to the North Island. We take the famous Interislander ferry crossing through the Queen Charlotte Sound, passing through the Cook Strait between the islands. After arriving in Wellington, we meet for our traditional Farewell Dinner in which we can recap the adventures of our photography tour through New Zealand.

Learn more about this Guided Photo Tour:

arrow down What's included - Pricing - Dates

What's included:
* The Original Tour - developed and organised by Reuthers
* Reuthers Tour Guide / Photographer - trained and multilingual
* Travelling in Minibus
* 20x Accommodation Middleclass Hotels/Motels in shared Double Room
* Luggage Transportation during the Tour
* Secured Payment Certificate (Sicherungsschein)
* Reuthers Tour Book with Itineraries and Tips
* Reuthers Travel Lecture (in English)
* Reuthers Welcome Drink
* Welcome Dinner in Restaurant
* Farewell Dinner in Restaurant
* Water Taxi Abel Tasman National Park
* Steamship Cruise TSS Earnslaw
* Dinner + Show Walter Peak High Country Farm
* Milford Sound Nature Cruise
* Ferry Stewart Island
* Boats Tour Stewart Island Underwater World
* Boats Tour Whale Watching Kaikoura (subject to change)
* Blenheim Wine Tasting
* Ferry Wellington > Picton > Wellington
* Transfers Airport > Hotel > Airport
* Entrance Fees
* Award for the best Tour Photo
* Reuthers Rewards

Dates:
There are still places available 7.Mar.-26.Mar.2026
There are still places available 11.Apr.-30.Apr.2026
There are still places available 14.Nov.-3.Dec.2026
There are still places available 30.Jan.-18.Feb.2027
There are still places available 6.Mar.-25.Mar.2027
There are still places available 10.Apr.-29.Apr.2027
There are still places available 13.Nov.-2.Dec.2027

There are still places available = There are still places available
There are only few places available = There are only few places available
Subscribe to wait list until place is available = Subscribe to wait list until place is available
Of course the individual arrangement of private, group and VIP tours is also possible. Feel free to contact us.

Pricing:
Per Person = NZD 9685
Twin Room extra charge (2 separate beds instead of 1 common bed) = NZD 200
Single Room extra charge (instead of shared Double Room) = NZD 2625

Optional Bookings:
Additional Accommodation prior tour start in shared Double Room (1 common bed) = NZD 125
Additional Accommodation prior tour start in shared Twin Room (2 separate beds) = NZD 135
Additional Accommodation prior tour start in Single Room = NZD 250
Additional Accommodation after the tour in shared Double Room (1 common bed) = NZD 125
Additional Accommodation after the tour in shared Twin Room (2 separate beds) = NZD 135
Additional Accommodation after the tour in Single Room = NZD 250
Helicopter Flight Franz Josef Glacier = NZD 355
Quad Tour in Franz Josef (Rider) = NZD 225
Quad Tour in Franz Josef (Passenger) = NZD 165
Jet Boat Ride Kawarau River = NZD 185

All pricing payable in New Zealand Dollar.
3% Early Bird Discount (booking more than 12 months prior tour start)
2% Golden Ager Discount (age at least 60 years prior tour start)
10% Group Discount (from 8 registrations made within one week, one common Payment of Balance)
Please note: The Total Discount for all applicable Discounts is a maximum of 10%.

Paying in the above tour currency is the cheapest way. If you prefer another currency - simply select:

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>>> All Reuthers Photo Tours convey the peculiarities of landscape photography and portrait photography with corresponding motifs. You learn more about the look for graphic accents and different perspectives as well as the use of different focal lengths. Finally, it is subtleties that lead to an individual photograph. For early risers we have the sunrise in the program - for night owls the sunset. And, of course, we will discuss the photo shoots of the participants in the tour group and award the best photo at the end of a Reuthers Photo Tour <<<

 

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> More information on key rights under Directive (EU) 2015/2302

 

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