About the event
Photo tour · New Zealand South Island · Winter 2027
Snow-capped peaks, glacier ice and star-filled skies over Lake Tekapo: eight days chasing winter light from Christchurch to Queenstown.
Two professional photographers. A small group. Some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet.
Ready for an epic winter photography adventure? Join Brisbane-based Sony Digital Imaging Advocate Craig Turnbull and Port Macquarie's Matt Gilligan for an unforgettable 7-day photo tour across New Zealand's South Island. Starting in Christchurch and finishing in Queenstown, you'll shoot iconic locations at their winter best, with two pros beside you helping you create the best images of your life. All the transport and accommodation is taken care of, so all you need to think about is the shot.
| 7 days |
2 pro hosts |
8 travellers max |
All levels welcome |
The journey
- Christchurch: meet the group and settle in over a welcome meal, on us
- Lake Tekapo: astrophotography at the Church of the Good Shepherd, inside the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
- Aoraki / Mt Cook: epic photography opportunities at the Tasman Glacier
- Wanaka: the famous Wanaka Lone Tree, plus a surprise lunch location along the way
- Arrowtown and Coronet Peak: explore and photograph the historic gold-mining town, then head up to the ski fields
- Milford Sound: a 2-hour scenic boat cruise through towering fiords and waterfalls
- Queenstown: ride the Queenstown Gondola for amazing views over the town and lake, then a farewell lunch, on us
A full day-by-day itinerary is provided before departure. As this is a winter tour, the itinerary is subject to weather and road conditions and may change to accommodate any adverse conditions.
What's included
- First nights accomodation in Christchurch (Friday 3rd)
- All transport. Every road trip, transfer and activity from Christchurch to Queenstown (flights not included).
- Twin-share accommodation. Hassle-free lodging for the whole tour, with a single supplement available.
- Daily water and Travel Snacks
- Milford Sound cruise and Queenstown Gondola. Both are booked and paid for, so you just turn up and shoot.
- Arrival and farewell meals. Complimentary meals on us, our way of saying thanks for joining.
- Editing sessions in the downtime. Work on your images with Craig and Matt between shoots.
- Exclusive creative presets. Access Matt and Craig's go-to base presets to speed up your editing workflow.
The details
| Starts | Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Finishes | Queenstown, New Zealand |
| Skill level | All levels welcome |
| Group size | Maximum 8 travellers, led by two photographers |
Pricing
| Twin share | $4500 per person (early bird: 10% off - Email for discount code) |
| Single room | Twin share price plus a $1300 single supplement (early bird: 5% off) |
| Deposit | $500 to secure your place (non-refundable) |
| Final payment | Due by 1 July 2027 |
Early bird special, until 1 Dec 2026 Save 10% on twin share or 5% on a single room. Twin share is the best value and the way to secure your spot: our lodges generally have a maximum of 5 rooms, so single rooms are very limited. Travelling solo? Book twin share and we'll pair you with a fellow photographer. Please contact us directly for discount code.
Pay your way
Once you've registered, you'll complete a simple online sign-up and payment process. Pay your deposit to lock in your place, then pay off the balance in as many instalments as you like, in any amounts, right up until the final payment date. Track every payment in your own client dashboard.
Direct deposit (bank transfer) is our preferred way to pay. Card payments are also accepted.
Your hosts
Craig Turnbull is a Sony Digital Imaging Advocate from Brisbane and a master of street, commercial and travel photography. Known for his candid captures and engaging teaching style, he has led workshops around the world and will inspire you to see the world differently.
Matt Gilligan is a fine art photographer based in Port Macquarie, NSW, and a former Sony Digital Imaging Advocate, specialising in ocean and moody scenes. Having visited New Zealand many times, he loves its moody, dynamic landscapes and can't wait to share his passion for Kiwi scenery and help you craft compelling stories through your lens.
Only 8 places, and twin rooms go first.
Hit Book Now to lock in the early bird price. We'll see you in Christchurch.
Cancellation policy
- Your deposit is non-refundable.
- If you cancel more than 30 days before departure, any payments above the deposit are refunded.
- If you cancel within 30 days of departure, no refund is available.
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellation. Flights are not included. As this is a winter tour, the itinerary may change due to weather and road conditions.
Techniques covered
- Camera settings
- Composition
- Photo management while travelling
- Post Processing using LR for desktop and Tablet
- Setting up and utilising Sony's Creators App
What to bring
- Camera gear suited to travel and landscape Photography
- Tripod
- Laptop or Tablet for editing sessions
- Warm winter gear including waterproof pants.
- Hiking boots
- A full packing list will be provided before departure
Event FAQs (For general FAQs, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page)
Tickets
- Twin Share A$4,500 (Deposit A$500) - Excludes Flights
- Single Supplement A$5,800 (Deposit A$500) - Excludes Flights
A$500 deposit payable via Sony Scene to secure a spot.
Balance Due Date: 01/07/2027
Payment for the remaining balance should be made directly to the host. They will be in contact with you shortly to provide the payment details and further instructions.
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