3 Day Mt Cook Aoraki Private Photography Tour Departs Queenstown

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3 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Join us on a private photography expedition to the tallest peaks of Te Wai Pounamu, New Zealand’s South Island. This amazing region, framed by the majestic Southern Alps boasts serene lakes, meandering rivers, and majestic mountains.

Our 3-day private photography tour offers a glimpse into this extraordinary environment. Tailored to accommodate weather conditions, lighting, your photography expertise, and the rest of your New Zealand itinerary, our goal is for you to capture images you’ll proudly showcase.

In the majestic depths of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, where the highest peaks of New Zealand proudly stand, you will find yourself immersed in awe-inspiring beauty. From dawn to sunset, you will have the opportunity to capture the breathtaking alpine scenery that surrounds you.

Exploring various locations that offer stunning views of Mt Cook, the Tasman Valley, and the icebergs in Tasman Lake.

It truly is an experience you will never forget.

What's Included

In-person English Guide
Convenient transport and hotel pickup from Queenstown or Wanaka
Transport during the tour
Free loan of tripod
Bottled Water, Tea, Coffee, Biscuits
Expert tuition and guidance throughout the journey
Dinner (Optional[2])
Dinner
Breakfast (Optional[2])
Breakfast
Printed workshop notes to enhance your photography
Camera (Nikon D5100, D5600, or D7200 available to rent) - $25 NZD per day
Lunches are excluded, but we do provide snacks and water, and the opportunity to buy lunch

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Your guide will meet you at the reception area in your hotel.

OR
Meeting point

The Bus Interchange is a great option if you aren't staying in Queenstown. Parking is available 50 metres away. Pickup is usually at the northern end. There is currently construction in and around the terminal, so we will contact you before the tour to provide further details.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Queenstown to Aoraki Mount Cook

    6 stops
  • 1

    Our tour leaves Queenstown, and steeply climbs the Crown Range, this being the highest public sealed road in the country, with a photo stop at the summit.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Photo stop at the iconic Cardrona Hotel and the famous "Bradrona" bra fence.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Heading on to Wanaka and its beautiful lake, the journey promises breathtaking views and photo opportunities. Weather and time permitting, we'll stop at the Wanaka Tree. Another opportunity is available on the return journey.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Meandering through the Lindis Pass, we arrive at Omarama, with a chance for a much-needed lunch break at The Wrinkly Ram. Lunch is not included and the cost per person can range from $15 NZD to $25 NZD. In this unique landscape, we may encounter the spellbinding beauty of hoar frost and fog, depending on the season.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Depending on time, we may make a side journey to the Omarama Clay Cliffs... a geological wonder formed millions of years ago from layers of silt and gravel deposited by ancient lakes and rivers.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 6

    Upon arrival, guests will be checked in to their luxury accommodation at the Hermitage Hotel, followed by a delicious buffet dinner at the Hermitage Hotel restaurant. This will be our base for the next two nights.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
    • Day 2

    Aoraki Mount Cook

    5 stops
  • 7

    Get ready to start your day with a burst of excitement! After an exhilarating sunrise shoot to capture the first glow on the summit of Aoraki Mt Cook, we head back to the hotel for a satisfying breakfast (included) as we gear up for the day ahead.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 8

    For those of you taking part in the heli hike, get ready for an unforgettable experience! We'll whisk you away to Mount Cook Airport where you'll receive a safety briefing and gear check before taking off on a thrilling helicopter flight into the mountains. The guided interpretative glacier walk will take you through a breathtaking landscape of fluted ice, runnels, moulins, and winding streams. Your crampons will sink into ancient ice as you traverse the undulating terrain beneath the towering peaks of Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. As your helicopter safely returns you to Mt Cook Airport, you'll fly close to the massive 1,000-metre-high Hochstetter Icefall to cap off your incredible adventure.

    3 hours • Admission ticket included
  • 9

    If you're not participating in the heli-hike, don't worry - we'll still be exploring other stunning locations in the park together.

    3 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 10

    We regroup for the walk through the Hooker Valley to Hooker Lake for some stunning sunset shots, with the icebergs from Hooker Glacier in the foreground and Aoraki Mount Cook towering above... aglow with the afternoon light. Afterwards, we'll guide our eager photographers back to the hotel in the fading light (we provide you with a head torch!) for a delicious buffet dinner.

    5 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 11

    Eager astrophotographers can join the 75-90 minute Big Sky Stargazing Experience if weather permits. You will need to book directly with the hotel for this ($145 NZD per person).

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
    • Day 3

    Aoraki Mt Cook to Queenstown

    4 stops
  • 12

    The day begins with the opportunity for pre-dawn astrophotography, before returning to the hotel for a delicious breakfast. We then prepare for the return journey to Queenstown.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 13

    We'll stop at various well-known, and some not-so-well-known points on the return journey. These will be chosen according to the light and weather conditions.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 14

    The day will culminate in a stop at Wanaka. Here, you will have the chance to capture the iconic Wanaka Tree in the warm afternoon light, capturing unforgettable memories of this unforgettable day.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 15
    Queenstown

    We conclude the day by dropping you at your chosen accommodation in the Queenstown area.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Remarkable Imagery Photography Tours

Tags

Multi-day Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Photography Tours
4WD Tours
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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