The PhotoPills Expedition to New Zealand is SOLD OUT!

Wow!

All 12 spots are already gone!

Thanks so much :D

Wish to join us?

Don't give up!

There are always cancellations...

Click here to join the Waiting List.

Be the first one to know when a cancellation occurs.

We’re going to New Zealand (South Island)...

Are you in?

Around the New Moon...

From June 22nd to July 4th 2025, Daniel Murray and Andy Marty (PhotoPills Masters) will be traveling across New Zealand’s South Island to photograph the winter’s Golden Light and the majestic Milky Way along with some of the treasures hidden in this southern hemisphere paradise...

Where nature's majesty meets the soul!

Of course, we’ll be taking photos all day long!

But...

Can you imagine it?

To photograph the winter’s Golden Light and the Milky Way with iconic trees, strange rock formations, infinite waterfalls, lonely wild beaches, isolated fjords, endless glaciers, immense snow-capped peaks, lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, hidden turquoise lakes, picturesque churches and maybe one of the rarest penguins on the planet...

We’re dreaming about it!

To achieve it, we’ll use the planning power of PhotoPills and the expert knowledge of Daniel Murray and Andy Marty to always be at the right place at the right time.

Top secret: we have quite a few legendary photos planned already ;)

The Deal (Only 1 Spot Left)

We're offering you a €500 discount on the regular price!

All you have to do is to book the last spot available before Sunday December 22nd.

Read carefully all the details of this unique adventure.

And when you’re ready, click here to book your spot.

Please, book as soon as possible. The seats are sold on a first come, first served basis.

The Adventure

12 PhotoPillers | 2 PhotoPills Masters | New Zealand | Endless legendary photos

Warning! This is not a honeymoon...

We’re recruiting 12 brave PhotoPillers (PhotoPills and photography nerds) to join us on a 13-day expedition to photograph winter’s Golden Light and the Milky Way along with some of the most precious treasures hidden in the wild South Island of New Zealand...

Or “Aotearoa”, the Māori name for New Zealand, that can be translated as “Land of the Long White Cloud”.

This expedition is a non-stop adventure to chase legendary photos and you are a key asset!

We have planned tons of photos, and we’ll travel many kilometers to capture them...

But we also want to maximize our flexibility in terms of itinerary and schedule in order to take advantage of all the opportunities that the changing weather will surely put in our way.

If we're fortunate enough to be out photographing the Milky Way at night and it takes us into the late hours, we'll take a little extra sleep the next morning, skip Sunrise and kick start our day a bit later.

On the other hand, if the conditions make us skip the nighttime photography session, we'll rise and shine early to catch the Sunrise.

Whichever path we take, you can count on us to seize every photo opportunity and be right where the magic happens!

You are about to embark on a PhotoPills’ style journey. And it’s not going to be a honeymoon precisely... :P

You’ll be a true PhotoPiller!

Are you in?

Day 1. Sunday, June 22nd - Welcome to New Zealand

11:45 am

It’s Sunday morning...

And you land at Nelson Airport (NSN). Nelson is a charming city located at the top of the South Island, known for its stunning natural beauty and artsy vibe.

Surrounded by golden beaches, lush forests, and rolling hills, it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with activities like hiking, kayaking, and exploring nearby Abel Tasman National Park.

Nelson is also famous for its vibrant art scene, with numerous galleries, craft markets, and local artisans showcasing their work. The city's sunny climate and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal spot for both adventure and laid-back coastal traveling.

12:30 pm

It’s time to meet Daniel Murray and Andy Marty, and the rest of the PhotoPillers on the expedition.

12:45 pm

All aboard for our road trip to Collingwood!

It’s a small, charming town located at the northern tip of the South Island, within the Golden Bay region. It's known for its laid-back atmosphere and serves as the gateway to the stunning Farewell Spit, a long sandbar with rich birdlife and scenic walking trails, and Kahurangi National Park.

This is our base for our first photography location. You’re going to love it! :)

2:45 pm

Check-in at Collingwood Park Motel and back to our vehicles so we can start shooting right away!

3:10 pm

Get ready, because Wharariki is waiting for you. The drive there is super scenic, so make sure you’re taking it all in.

Wharariki Beach is this untouched treasure at the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, and the vibe is just wild and beautiful in the best way.

You’ll find these wide, windswept stretches of sand surrounded by huge sand dunes and rugged cliffs that make the whole place feel like it’s straight out of a nature documentary.

One of the coolest things there? The Archway Islands – massive rock formations that have been shaped by the elements, rising right out of the sea. They’re perfect for photos.

And with the waves from the Tasman Sea crashing against the shore, it all feels even more intense and awe-inspiring.

4:15 pm

We made it!

After a short walk to Wharariki Beach, the Archway Islands are right there, looking absolutely stunning.

The golden hour is here, lighting up the Archway Islands with that soft, warm glow.

Whether you're snapping pics of the sunset by the rock formations or just enjoying the way the evening light hits them, it's a view you won't forget.

And as the golden hour fades, we’re soaking up those last peaceful moments of the blue hour, catching the calm before the night settles in.

Open PhotoPills and check the position of the Milky Way so you can choose your shooting spot for tomorrow’s astro shot:

Golden hour begins at 4:25 pm, Sunset is at 5:09 pm, golden hour ends at 5:28 pm and blue hour ends at 5:40 pm. And the Galactic Center visibility begins at 6:47 pm and it ends at 6:14 am.

5:45 pm

Let’s start walking back to the parking lot. It’s time to return to our hotel and have dinner in Collingwood.

8:00 pm

What a day!

Tomorrow we will go south...

Sweet dreams, team!

Photographic pills:

• Sunset, golden hour, and blue hour with the Archway Islands at Wharariki Beach.

Day 2. Monday, June 23rd - The Wonders of Wharariki

2:45 am

Time to wake up PhotoPillers! Today we’ve got a (very) early morning shot. But it’s going to be worth it, you’ll see.

3:15 am

Back to Wharariki Beach we go, chasing the Milky Way.

4:20 am

Wharariki Beach is one of those places that blows you away during the day and then gets even more magical at night. It's a perfect spot for stargazing and photographing the Milky Way because the skies are super dark with hardly any light pollution.

At night, the beach, along with those famous sea stacks, transforms into a whole new world – just the kind of place where you’d want to set up your camera for some epic night shots.

For this shoot, we’ll be setting up on the eastern side of the beach, facing west, which is key to capturing the Milky Way’s Galactic Center in the shot.

The best part? The Moon will only be at about 10%, so it’ll give just enough light to show off the textures of the landscape without washing out the stars.

Galactic Center visibility ends at 6:14 am.

6:20 am

As the night fades away, we patiently wait for the Sun to rise...

When we’re done with our astrophotography, we switch to landscape photography.

This location offers plenty of opportunities!

We're going to focus on getting those awesome sea stacks in the shot with the beach as the perfect backdrop. The trick is to set up right where the water is pulling back on the wet sand. That way, you can get a cool reflection of the sea stacks in the water, which adds some nice depth and symmetry to the photo.

Blue hour begins at 7:22 am, golden hour begins at 7:34 am, Sunrise is at 7:53 am and golden hour ends at 8:36 am.

9:15 am

With our golden memories captured, it's time to hit the road back to Collingwood.

10:40 am

After checking out and a quick brekkie, we say goodbye to Collingwood and set off to our next destination – St Arnaud!

1:25 pm

You should be hungry by now... Let’s go have lunch at our hotel, the Alpine Lodge.

2:25 pm

After the check-in, we take some time to rest and catch up on some sleep...

4:10 pm

Alright, let’s go to Lake Rotoiti.

Lake Rotoiti is such a peaceful, beautiful place. It’s tucked away in Nelson Lakes National Park, surrounded by these towering mountains and dense forests.

The Sun is still high, but the Sunset is going to be perfect for those iconic jetty shots with the lake as your canvas.

5:45 pm

Back at the Alpine Lodge to chill for a while.

7:00 pm

Dinner time!

8:30 pm

Great! Let’s go capture a Milky Way shot at Lake Rotoiti – it’s only 10 minutes away by foot...

11:40 pm

Lake Rotoiti is such a peaceful, beautiful place. It’s tucked away in Nelson Lakes National Park, surrounded by these towering mountains and dense forests. The lake is so calm that it almost mirrors the whole landscape, which makes for some incredible photos.

So why not try to capture the Milky Way reflected on the lake?

The Moon’s down, about 5% visible, and the sky is completely dark. Galactic Center visibility begins at 6:45 pm and it ends at 6:15 am.

2:20 am

As we tuck into bed, our hearts and SD cards are full. Dream of stars, PhotoPillers – tomorrow awaits!

Photographic pills:

• Milky Way or Star Trails with the Archway Islands at Wharariki Beach
• Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour with the Archway Islands at Wharariki Beach.
• Sunset, golden hour and blue hour at Lake Rotoiti, using the iconic jetty as a compositional element.
• Milky Way or Star Trails at Lake Rotoiti.

Day 3. Tuesday, June 24th - The West Coast’s Pancakes

6:30 am

Wake up!

It's the middle of the night, but adventure calls. Grab your gear – we're heading back to Lake Rotoiti.

7:15 am

When the world is bathed in that dreamy blue glow, it feels like everything's in a different dimension. And with the Moon barely a sliver at 3.8%, it adds just the right touch of magic to the scene.

Then comes the golden hour – our favorite part, right? The light is so soft and gentle, it makes everything look amazing. This is the moment we’re always waiting for!

And once the Sun is fully up, we’re chasing that perfect mix of drama and calm with our long exposures. Let’s hope those clouds cooperate!

Blue hour begins at 7:25 am, golden hour begins at 7:37 am, Sunrise is at 7:56 am and golden hour ends at 8:41 am.

8:50 am

Back to the Alpine Lodge where we have a well deserved breakfast.

10:00 am

Time to pack up and set off on our journey to Punakaiki, our lunch destination.

We’re going south, driving along the west rugged coastline in search of its world famous pancakes made of stone.

12:40 pm

We made it!

Punakaiki is a small community nestled between the lush, green Paparoa National Park and the rugged coastline of the Tasman Sea.

It's most famous for the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.

These fascinating limestone formations resemble giant stacks of pancakes and have been sculpted by the relentless action of wind and water over millions of years.

During high tide, the sea surges into caverns beneath the rocks and bursts through blowholes in a spectacular display.

Let’s have lunch first and then check in at our hotel – the Scenic Hotel Punakaiki.

1:40 pm

Time to relax at the hotel before we explore the famed Pancake Rocks.

3:50 pm

And here we are, at the Pancake Rocks, ready for the golden light.

The Sun is quickly dipping into the Tasman Sea, silhouetting the Pancake Rocks.

The place gets its name because the rocks actually look like stacks of pancakes – seriously, it’s wild! Over millions of years, the sea has shaped them into this super cool and surreal landscape.

So be quick and choose your composition. Let’s capture this moment!

Golden hour begins at 4:24 pm, Sunset is at 5:10 pm, golden hour ends at 5:30 pm and blue hour ends at 5:42 pm.

6:00 pm

After a day full of photographs, it's time to relax, have dinner, and share our experiences.

10:50 pm

As night falls, the Milky Way presents yet another photo opportunity. Or perhaps, you'd fancy some Star Trails over the Pancake Rocks?

If the sky is clear, we’ll go out and photograph the stars.

The astronomical twilight begins at 6:17 pm and the Galactic Center is visible from 6:51 pm until 6:22 am. The New Moon (0.7%) rises at 7:58 am.

12:40 am

Bed time!

Photographic pills:

• Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Lake Rotoiti, using the iconic jetty as a compositional element.
• Sunset, golden hour and blue hour photography at the fascinating Pancake Rocks.
• Optional night shoot with a vertical Milky Way or Star Trails at Pancake Rocks.

Day 4. Wednesday, June 25th - Reflections

3:30 am

Wake up!

Our day begins while the night still reigns...

We embark on a moonless walk to the Pancake Rocks.

4:10 am

The Milky Way is arching over the rugged Pancake Rocks.

The Core stands bright up in the sky!

Is there anything more exciting than this?!

6:30 am

Let’s get ready to capture the changing morning light! :)

You know that time just before dawn when everything feels so calm? That's the blue hour, when the world seems to slow down, and this gentle light wraps around everything.

Then there's the golden hour – it’s like nature flips a switch, and suddenly everything is bathed in this warm, magical glow, making even ordinary places look stunning.

And if you're at Pancake Rocks during Sunrise, it's something else. The light from the east hits just right, turning the crashing waves into an epic show against the coastline.

What a way to start the day!

Blue hour begins at 7:32 am, golden hour begins at 7:44 am, Sunrise is at 8:04 am, and golden hour ends at 8:49 am.

9:00 am

After enjoying the beauty of the morning, we head back to the hotel for breakfast and get ready for the next part of our trip.

10:00 am

On our way to Hokitika, we are pretty excited about seeing some new places and stocking up on stuff we need.

11:10 am

We make a quick stop in Hokitika. We can pick up any stuff we need and grab a relaxed lunch while we're there.

12:00 pm

Our drive continues to Heartland Hotel Glacier Country, our hotel for tonight.

2:05 pm

We check-in as soon as we arrive and take some time to relax.

3:20 pm

When we get to Reflection Island at Lake Matheson, it’s the perfect spot to snap some amazing photos of the calm waters.

Our goal? To capture the incredible reflections of New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Mount Cook, standing at a whopping 3,724 m (or 12,218 ft).

As the golden hour gets closer, we make sure our cameras are all set and ready for the magic that’s about to unfold.

Then, the Sunset hits, casting this gorgeous golden light over the peaks of Mount Cook and creating a stunning mirror-like reflection on the lake.

Golden hour begins at 4:24 pm, Sunset is at 5:11 pm, golden hour ends at 5:32 pm, and blue hour ends at 5:44 pm.

6:30 pm

Having dinner out in the field today is such a great chance to relax, enjoy the scenery, and share a nice moment together. It’s one of those times where you can just take a breather, soak in the nature around you, and connect with the people you're with.

6:55 pm

As night settles, the vertical Milky Way and Mount Cook engage in a celestial dance, reflected in the mirror-like Lake Matheson.

Let’s hope for clear skies!

The astronomical twilight begins at 6:20 pm and the Galactic Center is visible from 6:55 pm until 6:30 am. The New Moon (0.6%) rises at 9:11 am.

8:35 pm

Let’s walk back to the bus and drive back to our hotel...

9:20 pm

After spending the day soaking in the beauty of stars, the sea, lakes, and mountains, we finally crash for the night, excited to see what tomorrow’s got in store for us.

Photographic pills:

• Night shoot with a vertical Milky Way or Star Trails at Pancake Rocks.
• Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Pancake Rocks.
• Sunset, golden hour and blue hour reflections of Mount Cook at Lake Matheson.
• The Milky Way next to Mount Cook with reflections in Lake Matheson.

Day 5. Thursday, June 26th - The Lone Tree

6:40 am

We hop in the car for a short drive back to Lake Matheson, getting ready for a little morning adventure. We're heading to Reflection Island, hoping to catch the early light.

It's still pretty dark as the last glimpse of the Galactic Center fades away.

7:25 am

You know that peaceful moment just before dawn, when everything is bathed in those soft, calm blue tones? That's the blue hour. Then, right after that, the golden hour kicks in, lighting everything up with this beautiful, almost magical glow.

And then, out of nowhere, the Sun starts to rise, and it’s like someone flipped a switch. Mount Cook and all the nearby peaks light up, and you can see their reflections crystal clear in the calm water of Lake Matheson. It's such a stunning sight!

Blue hour begins at 7:41 am, golden hour begins at 7:53 am, Sunrise is at 8:13 am and golden hour ends at 9:00 am.

9:05 am

After capturing the morning's first light, we return to the hotel for breakfast and check out.

10:15 am

We embark on our journey to Haast, where we have lunch on our way to our final destination...

1:10 pm

We pause along the way to capture the landscapes, including the cascading Thunder Creek Falls.

Thunder Creek Falls is a spectacular natural attraction located within the lush rainforests of Mount Aspiring National Park.

Cascading from a height of around 28 m (92 ft), the waterfall is a part of the Haast River system and is fed by the melting snow and glaciers from the Southern Alps.

3:30 pm

We’ve finally arrived in Wanaka, and of course, we’re heading straight to see the famous Wanaka Tree.

As the golden hour starts creeping in, it’s time to get the cameras ready for the evening’s shots.

Sunset gives us the perfect opportunity to capture the tree under different lighting conditions.

And before the Sun dips, we’ll use PhotoPills to plan out our Milky Way shots, making sure we get the best angles.

The goal? To snap the Milky Way and the Galactic Center lined up vertically right behind the tree. It’s going to look amazing!

Golden hour begins at 4:22 pm, Sunset is at 5:10 pm, golden hour ends at 5:31 pm and blue hour ends at 5:44 pm.

5:50 pm

We drive to the Edgewater Hotel to check in.

6:35 pm

Post-processing class with Daniel and Andy.

The goal of the class is to show you the exact step by step workflow to edit your landscape images, to enhance them and make them pop!

7:35 pm

Dinner time.

9:05 pm

Time to decide... Bed or astrophotography? :D

12:40 am

We head back to the Wanaka Tree for nighttime photography opportunities, including the Milky Way and Star Trails.

And as planned, a vertical Milky Way aligns with the Wanaka Tree. With the Core of the Milky Way high in the sky, the scene is set for a spectacular celestial display.

The astronomical twilight begins at 6:21 pm and the Galactic Center is visible from 6:57 pm until 6:35 am. The waning crescent Moon (3.3%) rises at 10:06 am.

2:45 am

We wrap up our photo adventure and call it a night.

Photographic pills:

• Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour reflections of Mount Cook at Lake Matheson.
• Landscapes and features during our drive to Wanaka including Thunder Creek Falls.
• Sunset, golden hour and blue hour with the Wanaka Tree.
• Vertical Milky Way and Star Trails with the Wanaka Tree.

Day 6. Friday, June 27th - Lakes and Peaks

7:00 am

Wake up!

The first light of dawn is not far away, and we must be ready to greet it.

7:30 am

We head out for a quick morning walk, making our way to the Wanaka Tree again, hoping to catch the sunrise.

The blue hour casts a peaceful, almost magical glow over everything, just before the sun starts to rise. Then, as the golden hour arrives, the whole landscape begins to glow with those soft, warm tones that make everything feel so serene.

As the Sun finally breaks the horizon, it lights up the tree, turning it into a stunning silhouette against the brightening sky, with the lake reflecting the new day unfolding.

Blue hour begins at 7:48 am, golden hour begins at 8:01 am, Sunrise is at 8:21 am, and the golden hour ends at 9:10 am.

9:15 am

After snapping a bunch of great photos by the lake, we head back to our hotel, ready to dig into a well-deserved breakfast.

10:30 am

Second post-processing class with Daniel and Andy. It’s time to learn how to edit the Milky Way!

12:00 pm

We set off for Queenstown!

1:10 pm

We arrive in Queenstown. This is a stunning adventure hub nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges like The Remarkables.

It started off back in 1860 as a farming settlement, but everything changed when gold was discovered just a few years later.

Ever since then, it’s been buzzing – though these days, it’s the tourism scene that keeps the place thriving. People call it the 'Adventure Capital of the World' for a reason. You can do anything that gets your heart racing here (hiking, skiing, bungy jumping, paragliding, rafting) you name it, they've got it!

Let’s go to have lunch and then we’ll check in at our hotel Crowne Plaza Queenstown and relax...

3:50 pm

After a very short drive we arrive to Skyline Queenstown, where we take a scenic ride in the iconic Skyline Gondola and take in the stunning views as we ride the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere.

From up there, you get this amazing view of Queenstown spread out along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, with the Remarkables mountain range towering behind it.

It’s one of those spots photographers love, especially as the Sun sets and the blue hour kicks in. That’s when the town starts to light up, making the whole scene even more magical against the deepening sky.

When we’re ready for the shot, we’ll set up to catch that iconic skyline right as the blue hour hits and the town's lights start to flicker on. It’s the sweet spot for photos, where the mix of natural light and the warm glow of the town create this perfectly balanced scene...

Golden hour begins at 4:22 pm, Sunset is at 5:12 pm, golden hour ends at 5:33 pm and blue hour ends at 5:46 pm.

6:00 pm

We take the Skyline Gondola back and return to the hotel.

7:00 pm

We meet at the lobby and go for a delicious dinner in town!

8:30 pm

We head back to our cozy rooms, already thinking about the amazing photos we're going to take tomorrow... from way up in the sky!

Photographic pills:

• Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at the Wanaka Tree.
• Sunset, golden hour and blue hour from the Skyline complex in Queenstown.

Day 7. Saturday, June 28th - Highs and Fjord-side Hues

6:00 am

Wake up!

Let’s pack our bags and go to the lobby for the check out.

Our first scenic flight of the adventure awaits!

7:00 am

Brief drive to Queenstown Airport. Today we’ll be photographing the white mountains from above.

7:40 am

As the engines start up, we lift off, and right there in front of us is Mount Aspiring (3,033 m, 9,951 ft) – this massive giant, glowing softly in the early morning light. Its peaks and valleys look like something straight out of a dream, just begging to be captured on camera.

Down below, it’s a whole different story. There’s this crazy mix of patterns, shapes, and shadows, all waiting for us to explore and snap some amazing shots.

Blue hour begins at 7:51 am, golden hour begins at 8:04 am, Sunrise is at 8:24 am, and the golden hour ends at 9:13 am.

9:15 am

After the flight, we gather for breakfast, swapping stories about our time in the sky and showing off our best photos.

The smell of fresh coffee and pastries fills the air, making the whole experience even better... :)

9:45 am

We're heading to Te Anau, so get ready for an amazing trip. Every twist and turn along the way feels like nature is painting a masterpiece right in front of you.

12:30 pm

After enjoying the cozy vibe and tasty lunch in Te Anau, we hit the road toward Milford Sound.

The drive is packed with stunning views. We can’t resist pulling over a few times, especially at Mirror Lakes, where the water is so calm it perfectly reflects everything. It’s one of those spots you just have to stop and snap a photo.

3:10 pm

We get to our hotel, the Milford Sound Lodge, where we check in and take a quick break.

3:50 pm

Milford Sound is one of those places that feels like it’s straight out of a postcard, especially with the epic Mitre Peak towering over everything. The whole area has this crazy fjord landscape, and it’s perfect if you’re into photography.

What’s really cool is that we’ll be there during low tide, which totally changes the scenery. Parts that are usually underwater will be exposed, giving us the chance to explore and find some really interesting rocks and tidal pools.

Plus, with the reflections of Mitre Peak in the water, it’s going to make for some stunning shots.

Golden hour begins at 4:28 pm, Sunset is at 5:16 pm, golden hour ends at 5:37 pm, and the blue hour ends at 5:50 pm.

5:40 pm

We head back to Milford Sound Lodge, the perfect spot to unwind and take a moment to soak in everything we've experienced.

6:45 pm

Dinner time!

8:15 pm

Off to bed!

Photographic pills:

• Dawn ascent with a scenic flight over the formidable Mt. Aspiring, capturing the grandeur of its snow-capped peaks from above.
• The journey to Te Anau, seizing the dynamic landscapes that unfold along the way, including the serene reflections at Mirror Lakes.
• Sunset, golden hour and blue hour at Milford Sound.

Day 8. Sunday, June 29th - The Secret

I’ve been giving you lots of details of this amazing expedition to New Zealand.

Maybe far too many...

But on June 29th we’ll do something very special...

What will that be?

Well, you'll have to be there, with us, to figure it out :P

Day 9. Monday, June 30th - Fjordland’s Wonders

2:00 am

The alarm buzzes... Time to get up!

If the sky is clear, you have a chance to capture the Galactic Center of the Milky Way on the left side of Mitre Peak. If the water’s still, it might even reflect the stars!

2:50 am

At night, Milford Sound turns into this calm, almost magical spot, perfect for astrophotography. With no light pollution, the sky becomes super clear and full of stars, and the Milky Way just stretches out across the horizon.

It's one of those rare chances to capture the Southern Hemisphere’s night sky in such a breathtaking natural setting.

The astronomical twilight begins at 7:03 pm and the Galactic Center is visible from 7:03 pm until 6:40 am. The waning crescent Moon (8.4%) rises at 10:45 am.

5:20 am

Mission accomplished! Let’s go back to the hotel and rest for a while.

7:15 am

Wake up (again)! :D

The day starts early to seize the serene ambiance of Milford Sound at sunrise. The morning light is promising for capturing the landscape’s awakening.

7:45 am

It’s just a short walk to the perfect spot for watching the sunrise. At 8:06 am, the tide will be low, and that’s when you’ll see these really cool patterns and textures on the shore – perfect for snapping some unique shots.

By the time the blue hour kicks in, we’ll already be at the spot, cameras ready, soaking in that calm, early morning light before the sun even rises.

Then, when the golden hour hits, the light’s going to make everything look amazing, especially the peaks. It’s the best time to catch that dramatic lighting.

The real magic happens when the Sun finally comes up over the horizon, lighting up the fiord. You’ll definitely want a wide-angle lens to capture the whole scene, but a telephoto could be great for zooming in on the peaks as they catch the sunlight.

Once the golden light starts to fade, we’ll wrap up our Sunrise shoot, hopefully with some awesome shots of Milford Sound at its best in the morning.

Blue hour begins at 7:53 am, golden hour begins at 8:05 am, Sunrise is at 8:26 am, and the golden hour ends at 9:14 am.

9:20 am

We walk back for a well-deserved breakfast, and then we pack all our stuff up.

Before checking out from the hotel, we make sure to take our lunch boxes. Today, we’ll have lunch on our way to Queenstown, in one of the photo stops we’ll make.

11:00 am

Next, we embark on a scenic drive towards Christie Falls in Fiordland National Park, preparing for a different kind of nature photography.

12:25 pm

We take a nice walk over to Marian Falls, and once we’re there, we spend some time capturing the beauty of the falls and the vibrant greenery around it. It’s a great spot for long exposure photography, so that’ll be the main thing to focus on.

2:00 pm

We also stop at Mirror Lakes. Those reflections are just jaw-dropping...

3:00 pm

We walk back to the bus and commence our journey towards Te Anau for a coffee break and any last-minute supplies.

4:15 pm

The drive to Queenstown is going to be packed with gorgeous scenery.

And as twilight fades, we’ll complete our journey and check into our Queenstown hotel.

Golden hour begins at 4:22 pm, Sunset is at 5:12 pm, golden hour ends at 5:33 pm and the blue hour ends at 5:46 pm.

7:30 pm

After a full day, we’ll enjoy a well deserved dinner in a nice place in Queenstown.

9:20 pm

Bed time!

Rest is essential, as we prepare for the adventures of the following day.

Photographic pills:

• Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Milford Sound.
• Long exposure photography at Christie Falls, Marian Falls and Mirror Lakes.

Day 10. Tuesday, July 1st - Mount Cook

6:15 am

Wake up! Today we’ll photograph the majestic Mount Cook.

We have an early breakfast and we check out.

7:15 am

Our journey north begins with a short drive to the tranquil Moke Lake, a hidden gem known for its reflective waters and peaceful surroundings.

In the ethereal pre-dawn light, the world takes on a cool, serene hue, providing a moment of calm before the day truly begins.

As the golden hour dawns, we await the sun's rays to cast their golden glow, promising a spectacular play of light against cloud and lake.

The sun peeks over the horizon, the sky alight with colors as the reflections dance upon Moke Lake – a symphony of light and shadow, inviting a flurry of shutter clicks.

Blue hour begins at 7:50 am, golden hour begins at 8:03 am, Sunrise is at 8:24 am, and the golden hour ends at 9:12 am.

9:20 am

As we move on from the charm of the lake, we take this really scenic drive to Twizel.

12:10 pm

Taking a break in Twizel around midday is the perfect chance to recharge before diving back into the photography adventure.

Twizel itself is a charming little town right in the middle of the Mackenzie Basin. It was actually founded back in 1968 as a place for the workers building the Upper Waitaki Hydroelectric Scheme to live.

1:25 pm

We drive to Peter’s lookout. Located on the road to Mount Cook, it offers one of those bucket-list road trip photos that you have definitely seen on social media.

On a clear day, views from the lookout and the road reach far out to the incredible Aoraki (Mount Cook).

4:00 pm

After a 45-minute drive, we get to Tekapo Airfield.

We're all buzzing with excitement, waiting to hear the exact time for our scenic flight over Aoraki. You can almost feel the anticipation!

On this flight, we're going to focus on the incredible views of the Southern Alps from up high. Picture those glacier-fed rivers snaking through the valleys below, perfect for capturing the natural flow and all the contrasting colors in the landscape.

As we get closer to Mount Cook, you’ll see those sharp peaks and huge glaciers – absolutely stunning for your aerial photos. We’ll circle around the mountain too, giving you different angles of its most iconic spots.

As the day starts to end the golden hour hits. Everything feels magical in that warm light.

Before landing, the Sun sets, its golden rays lighting up the sky and land, filling us with hope and awe.

Golden hour begins at 4:22 pm, Sunset is at 5:10 pm, and the golden hour ends at 5:31 pm.

5:25 pm

We drive to our accommodation for tonight, Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook.

6:35 pm

After checking in, we take a quick break.

Let’s meet back at the lobby in half an hour.

7:05 pm

Dinner time!

8:40 pm

Off to bed... We are exhausted after so many emotions.

Photographic pills:

• Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Moke Lake.
• Afternoon scenic flight to capture the grandeur of Mount Cook.

Day 11. Wednesday, July 2nd - The Tasman

6:15 am

Wake up!

Light waits for no one!

6:40 am

We drive a short distance to the Tasman Lake car park, where our walk to the lake kicks off. It’s about a 30-minute stroll, and by the end, we’re at the first spot for photos.

In that peaceful time just before dawn, the soft, calm light sets the scene perfectly for our first shots of the day.

Then, as the golden hour rolls in, the world warms up, getting us ready for the magical play of light that comes with Sunrise.

Tasman Lake looks stunning in the morning, with icebergs and mountain peaks glowing in the golden light. It’s the perfect moment to snap some photos, especially with the ice crystals sparkling in the foreground.

Once the golden light starts to fade, we pack up our gear and head back to the carpark, with the beauty of the morning light captured in our shots.

Blue hour begins at 7:41 am, golden hour begins at 7:53 am, Sunrise is at 8:13 am, and the golden hour ends at 9:00 am.

9:45 am

Breakfast at our hotel where we’ll enjoy a delicious meal and even better views.

10:10 am

Time for our third post-processing class!

Daniel and Andy will show us their workflow to create such stunning landscape images.

12:10 pm

Lunch time!

1:35 pm

The trail to the Hooker Lake car park is where our adventure kicks off, leading us to one of the most stunning views New Zealand has to offer.

Honestly, the walk is just as exciting as getting to the lake, with plenty of spots along the way that are totally worth snapping photos of.

With a few photo breaks along the way, we’re looking at around a two-hour hike to reach this tucked-away lake. The hike itself is pretty manageable, somewhere between easy and moderate.

3:35 pm

We finally make it to Hooker Lake, and wow, the view of Mount Cook is incredible. It’s so close, it almost feels like you could reach out and touch it.

Then, as the golden hour hits, everything just gets even more magical. The reflection of Mount Cook in the icy lake is breathtaking – seriously, it’s the perfect spot if you love taking photos.

Golden hour begins at 4:26 pm, Sunset is at 5:13 pm, golden hour ends at 5:33 pm and the blue hour ends at 5:46 pm.

5:50 pm

As the light starts to fade, we find ourselves back where we began, with the last moments of daylight still lingering in our thoughts.

7:30 pm

We settle into the comforts of Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook.

8:00 pm

When we sit down for dinner, we end up swapping stories, showing off our best catches, and just enjoying that special bond that comes from loving the same thing.

9:00 pm

Bed time!

Photographic pills:

• Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Tasman Lake.
• The journey to Hooker Lake presents an epic montage of rugged terrains and alpine vistas.
• Sunset, golden hour and blue hour at Hooker Lake by Mount Cook.

Day 12. Thursday, July 3rd - The Church and the Lake

6:10 am

Wake up! We’re going to capture the Sunrise at a beautiful location!

7:15 am

We’re back at Peter’s Lookout, waiting for a beautiful Sunrise...

In the meantime, our Masters can ask the driver to drive back and forth along the road so we can capture some cool light trails with the rest of the scene.

Blue hour begins at 7:42 am, golden hour begins at 7:54 am, Sunrise is at 8:14 am, and the golden hour ends at 9:02 am.

9:30 am

Back at the hotel, we enjoy an energetic breakfast. Then, we check out.

10:30 am

Let’s go for a round table session. You surely have lots of questions!

1:15 pm

We're heading out to Lake Tekapo. The mix of blues, greens, and those mountains in the distance is just unreal.

2:25 pm

Check in at our hotel, the Peppers Bluewater Tekapo, and time to relax.

4:10 pm

As the day wanes, we find ourselves at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd.

Here, the last light of day sets the scene for a stunning photographic opportunity, with the stone edifice standing sentinel by the shores of the turquoise Lake Tekapo and the snow-capped mountains behind.

Golden hour begins at 4:24 pm, Sunset is at 5:11 pm, golden hour ends at 5:31 pm and the blue hour ends at 5:44 pm.

7:00 pm

Delicious dinner while we discuss today’s adventures.

8:45 pm

Bed time!

Photographic pills:

• Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Peter’s lookout.
• Sunset, golden hour and blue hour at Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd.

Day 13. Friday, July 4th - The Farewell

1:15 am

Our adventure begins early on our final day!

We meet up at a secret spot to take a shortcut and get to the Church of the Good Shepherd.

1:30 am

We’re in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, which happens to be the largest dark sky reserve in the world. That means you're getting some of the clearest and darkest skies you'll ever see. The little stone church, all lit up with stars shining behind it, is the perfect setting for those stunning night sky photos.

For our astro shoot, we'll start around 1:40 am, just after the Moon sets. That’s when the sky gets even darker, giving us prime conditions for star photography.

Now, the Milky Way won't be in the best position to get it hovering right above the church, but that just means we can switch things up. This is a great time to try out Star Trails – where the stars form these cool circular patterns as the Earth rotates. The church will look amazing as the foreground with those swirling stars above, especially with the super dark skies here making everything pop.

The astronomical twilight begins at 6:58 pm and the Galactic Center is visible from 7:56 pm until 6:28 am. The gibbous crescent Moon (61.9%) rises at 12:29 am.

3:30 am

Let’s go back to the hotel and catch some well deserved sleep.

7:00 am

After the late-night session, grabbing a relaxed breakfast is the perfect way to connect with everyone.

7:30 am

Let’s walk back to the Church of the Good Shepherd.

It’s the perfect subject for a Sunrise shooting session!

Blue hour begins at 7:40 am, golden hour begins at 7:53 am, Sunrise is at 8:13 am, and the golden hour ends at 9:00 am.

10:15 am

After checking out, we head to a place where we can get some delicious pies as a late snack.

11:00 am

As we make our way toward Christchurch Airport, we recall all the amazing locations we’ve captured, although each mile brings us closer to wrapping up the adventure.

1:20 pm

It’s that time – our journey wraps up at Christchurch Airport...

As we prepare to say goodbye to our incredible journey through New Zealand’s South Island, it's impossible not to feel a mix of awe and gratitude.

From the surreal shores of Wharariki Beach to the peaceful reflections at Lake Matheson, each location offered us more than just a photo—it gave us a memory, an experience, a moment shared under the Milky Way or wrapped in the Golden Light of dawn.

Together, we've chased starlight across Fiordland, felt the mist of waterfalls, and touched the edges of towering peaks from the skies above.

We've stood side by side, cameras ready, with the Wanaka Tree, the mysterious formations of Pancake Rocks, and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd.

Thank you, PhotoPillers, for every laugh, every early morning wake-up call, every freezing yet thrilling night under the stars. It’s been an adventure of epic proportions, and none of it would have been the same without you by our side.

Here's to the shots we captured, the moments we shared, and the memories we’ll carry home.

Until our next adventure—safe travels, keep dreaming, and may the light be always with you.

Book Now and Save €500 (Only 1 Spot Left)

To book your spot to join the Expedition to New Zealand at a reduced price of €8,500 (the official price is €9,000), a €2,000 deposit is required by Sunday, December 22nd.

The balance payment will be made via two payments due on the following dates:

• January 26th, 2025
• February 23rd, 2025

Please, finalize your booking as soon as possible. The seats are sold on a first come, first served basis.

BOOK NOW

What’s included in the price

• The PhotoPills Welcome pack.
• A 13-day expedition photographing New Zealand South Island’s most iconic features along with the winter’s Golden Light and the Milky Way.
• 13 days of learning, fun and adventure with Daniel Murray, Andy Marty (PhotoPills Masters) and the funniest geek community – the PhotoPillers.
• Full immersion in the PhotoPills method (Imagine.Plan.Shoot!).
• Ground transportation during the expedition.
• Activities:
  • Secret day special activities (super fun).
  • 2 scenic flights over Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and over Mount Aspiring.
• All lodging sharing with another PhotoPiller (optional €1,400 single supplement upon availability): 12 nights
  • 1 night at Collingwood Park Motel (accommodation only).
  • 1 night at Alpine Lodge Rotoiti (bed and breakfast).
  • 1 night at Scenic Hotel Punakaiki (bed and breakfast).
  • 1 night at Heartland Hotel Glacier Country (bed and breakfast).
  • 1 night at Edgewater Hotel Wanaka (bed and breakfast).
  • 2 nights at Crowne Plaza Queenstown (bed and breakfast).
  • 2 nights at Milford Sound Lodge (dinner, bed and breakfast).
  • 2 nights at Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook (bed and breakfast).
  • 1 night at Peppers Bluewater Tekapo (bed and breakfast).

What’s not included

• Flights/transport to Nelson, New Zealand.
• Tourist visa (if necessary).
• International medical and travel insurance coverage (strongly recommended).
• Breakfasts out of the hotels.
• Lunch & dinner (except 2 dinners at Milford Lodge).
• Snacks, alcohol and beverages.
• Anything not mentioned in the “included” list.

Do you want an example of how huge this will be?

This is a glimpse to what happened in our Expedition to Iceland. We had so many adventures and so much fun... We can’t wait for New Zealand!

But you don’t have to take our word for granted. Here’s what some PhotoPillers say about the PhotoPills adventures:

“I went to Iceland expecting to have the opportunity to photograph the marvelous landscape and master nightscapes. What I encountered was so much more – 14 kindred souls from across the globe who share a passion for photography. Together we expanded our creative boundaries, learned from one another and had an insane amount of fun in the process. I am confident that everyone came away from the experience a better photographer.”

“From the very moment the guys from PhotoPills announced the expedition to Iceland... I didn’t think it twice! I was using PhotoPills but not at its full capacity, so I had no better chance to learn from the creators of this amazing app. The experience was even more amazing than anything I could have imagined. In Iceland, I discovered a bunch of folks as crazy about photography as I am. I had a blast!

Photography is a continuous learning process, you always find something new that motivates you to improve. And this adventure made me improve more than I could imagine.”

"The PhotoPills guys know how to create a fantastic experience. They bring an infectiously fun energy and are always willing to drop some handy photography knowledge on you that you will take with you. You take their trip and you'll for sure have a good time, get some amazing pics and leave a better photographer."

“During my experience in Iceland I lived wonderful moments and had surprises that were beyond the expected. It completely exceeded my initial expectations! Sharing knowledge, experiences and ways of working and living photography with such a great group has been one of the most enriching life experiences I have ever had.

Who he said that learning and knowledge sharing can not be wonderfully fun?”

“I can't say enough about what a fantastic time I had during the PhotoPills Iceland photo tour! The guys from PhotoPills and Donal Boyd were so knowledgeable, accommodating, and especially lots of fun. Never a dull moment – nonstop action and shooting of amazing landscapes for 10 days. I came away with enough images and memories to last a lifetime!”

FAQs

What’s the temperature in New Zealand in June and July?

It’s winter and it’s going to be cold.

The average temperature is between 5ºC (41ºF) and -4ºC (24ºF). The peaks will be covered in a white blanket of snow, creating a dramatic winter scenery.

It’s key to wear different layers of clothing (base, middle and shell layers) to be able to adapt to any temperature change, snow and rain.

What do you recommend I bring along for the expedition?

Your sense of adventure and fun, your camera and of course your sense of humor.

Besides that? Once you book your spot, we’ll send you further details and suggestions about what to bring (gear, clothing, etc.).

Is travel insurance included in the price of the expedition?

No. Participants are suggested to purchase national or international medical and travel insurance coverage.

Also, we recommend you to choose a travel insurance that:

• Covers trip cancellation costs.
• Covers Covid-19 health, travel and cancellation costs.

What is the cancellation policy?

We hope you don’t need to cancel your spot, but if a situation arises where you don’t have a choice, our cancellation policy is the following.

If you decide not to go on the Expedition, you might have to pay a fee. This fee would be the cost of the Expedition, but we’ll take off any money we save or make if we’re able to fill your spot with someone else.

However, if there are unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances at the destination or nearby that significantly affect the execution of the Expedition or the transportation of passengers to the destination, no penalty will be applied, and we will refund all payments you have made toward the Expedition.

Refunds will be paid by the same method that the original payment was made.

Credits: All images by Daniel Murray and Marco Grassi.