New Zealand – South Island Splendor
April 3 - April 12, 2027 (Sold Out, Request Waitlist)
Optional North Island Extension: April 12 - April 18, 2027 (Space Available)
The South Island is a land of extraordinary beauty, where towering alpine peaks, pristine lakes, ancient rainforests, and rugged coastlines create one of the world's premier adventure destinations. Discover the Scottish heritage and dramatic coastal scenery of Dunedin before journeying through the breathtaking landscapes of Fiordland to magnificent Milford Sound, where soaring cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil waters leave a lasting impression. Continue to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery and renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, then venture to the wild West Coast to experience the awe-inspiring Franz Josef Glacier, one of the few places on Earth where ancient ice descends through temperate rainforest. From unforgettable wildlife encounters to world-class hiking and immersive wilderness experiences, the South Island offers an exceptional blend of awe, adventure, and authentic Kiwi hospitality.
Care to see more? Our optional North Island extension complements its southern counterpart with a vibrant mix of rich Māori culture, geothermal wonders, and volcanic landscapes. Explore cosmopolitan Auckland, wander through lush native forests, marvel at bubbling mud pools and steaming geysers in Rotorua, and experience the rolling green hills during your tour of Hobbiton, the movie set used in the Lord of the Rings franchise.
South Island Adventure
The South Island is the adventure isle of the world with rolling green pastures, sandy beaches, the towering Southern Alps mountain range, mirror blue lakes, glaciers, fjords, and so much more! The famed Queenstown has even been coined the "Adrenaline Capital of the World".
Christchurch → Hokitika
From the very start, we'll hit the ground running with a night in the Garden City - Christchurch, NZ's South Island capital - 
before heading on our first epic road trip across the Southern Alps to the gorgeous west coast. Experience multiple national parks in a single day to enjoy viewpoints, nature walks, and some light hikes.
- Explore Christchurch: walkable city with interesting street art, stunning botanical garden, vintage hop-on/off tram, local markets, and more.
- Arthur's Pass National Park: highest pass over the Southern Alps with numerous hiking paths to choose from featuring waterfalls, steep gorges, and mountain scenery in every direction.
- Enter Paparoa National Park: visit to Pancake Rocks, huge pinnacles pushing out of the ocean made out chalk rocks. Layers lie clearly separated from harder deposits leaving behind unique structures.
- Walk the Truman Track: A short walk along the coast, one of the region's most popular, through a natural sub-tropical forest bordering the lively Tasman Sea.
- Explore Hokitka Gorge: Gentle walk through native forest to a series of suspension bridges overlooking unforgettable turquoise waters.
- Okarito Lagoon: New Zealand's Largest unmodified estuarine lagoon, a wetlands area with some great nature walks and the possibility to see dozens of native bird species.
Franz Josef
- Franz Josef and Glacier Walk: This small town has a wildlife center, fun downtown, spas, and more. On a walk, see and photograph this unique glacier, one of only a few in the world that descends into a temperate rain forest. Our guided walking tour gets us as close as possible to the terminal face of the glacier.
- Helicopter Tour (optional): Daily departures on modern aircraft help you see and feel the enormity of the glacier. There are different length of time in the air to choose from or different routes available - both will land on the glacier!
- Kayak Tour (optional): Enjoy quiet on Lake Mapourika with a guided kayaking adventure set against the backdrop of the Southern Alps and the glaciers of Westland Tai Poutini National Park. This peaceful paddle takes you across the lake's glassy waters known for calm waters and tremendous scenery - beginners welcome!
Queenstown & Milford Sound
- Explore Queenstown: Lovely lakeside town with pleasant downtown, small shops, cafes, and delicious restaurants. During your free time, take the gondola up the neighboring hill for a beautiful view.
- Walk Around Lake Matheson: Enjoy a short walk along the shores of this beautiful mirror lake. When the waters are still, the mirror reflection provides some incredible photos of the Southern Alps.
- TSS Earnslaw Historic Steamship Experience: step aboard this vintage boat and steam across the lake Walter Peak Farm for a Kiwi-style gourmet BBQ dinner and farm show.
- Mind-Blowing Milford Sound Exploration & Cruise: This is a place that potentially tops all others in New Zealand. Famed British writer Rudyard Kipling deemed Milford Sound the 8th Wonder of the World. Numerous waterfalls decorate the walls of the cliffs and shower down into the sea. Explore and photograph the gigantic fjords towering hundreds of feet up on both sides!
Dunedin
- Dunedin City: A lively small city full of energy, youth, interesting Scottish roots, and stunning Edwardian and Victorian Architecture. Around the city and on a tour, see the gorgeous Dunedin Railway Station, Baldwin Street (steepest residential street in the world!), the vibrant eight-sided central plaza known as the Octagon, and more.
- Tour Larnach Castle: The only castle in New Zealand, see beautifully restored interiors, manicured gardens, and splendid hillside views
- One-hour Wildlife Cruise: The sheltered waters around Otago peninsula are full of fur seals, Royal Albatross, sea lions, penguins, and other marine wildlife.
- Wildlife Tour with Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance: With a conservationist, walk protected wildlife areas to learn more about the region's unique flora and fauna with the chance to see the rare yellow-eyed penguin - one of the species most endangered species.
Price: $3,995.00
Single Supplement: $795.00
Optional - North Island Extension
April 12 - April 18, 2027
For the complete New Zealand experience come with us to the North Island, with vastly different landscapes, rich in geothermal activity and home to iconic volcanoes such as Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe (filmed in Lord of the Rings as Mt. Doom). We'll explore the rolling hills of national parks surrounded by towering cliffs and the largest volcanic cone in Auckland. Experience & photograph fascinating geothermal activity in Rotorua and become immersed in Māori culture. In just one week, we'll see & photograph a completely different island compared to the south. And! There's a guided tour of Hobbiton, the filming location selected specifically by Peter Jackson for a number of Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies.
Whether you're joining us on our epic New Zealand South Island journey or not, this adventure is not to be missed! All are welcome to join this extension option! (Ask about a reduced rate since no domestic flight needed)
Auckland and Rangitoto Island
On arrival at the Auckland International Airport, we'll waste no time and head straight into the north island's capital. Known as the “City of Sails”, NZ's largest city boasts a beautiful harbor filled with sailboats. A drive around the city highlights takes us to some fantastic lookout points for great panoramic views and pictures!
- Auckland War Memorial Museum: Our visit here is a great way to discover the country's history and culture including a memorial to those who sacrificed their lives in wartime. It has pre-eminent Māori and Pacific collections (our favorite part!), significant natural history resources, and major social and military history collections, as well as decorative arts and pictorial collections.
- Rangitoto Volcano Island: Part of the massive Auckland volcano field, the Rangitoto volcanic cone is the largest of them all. At 1000 ft, the last eruption was only 600 years ago. At the time, the Polynesian Māori were living on a small neighboring island & certainly witnessed it. In fact, footprints have been found solidified in ash, and oral history details several generations living here before the eruption.
- Auckland Sky Tower (optional): Standing over 1,000 feet high, this structure is the second-tallest freestanding building in the world! There are several viewing decks, a bar, restaurant, and wraparound views giving unbelievable views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
Waitomo
- Waitomo Underground Caves: After making our way south through King Country, we arrive in
the small town of Waitomo famous for its mysterious limestone caves filled with glowworms. We'll explore & photograph this fascinating underground world on a guided walking tour through the ethereal atmosphere, and marvel at the curtain-like limestone formations, crystal tapestries, and shimmering glow worms.
- Tongariro National Park: After a good night's sleep by the enormous crater lake, Lake Taupo, we'll spend the day in NZ's oldest and most famous national park. More recently made famous from its role in the Lord of the Ring's trilogy, the park is based around the three volcanic cones of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu, and combines excellent hiking with spectacular scenery. An easy-moderate hike will be offered with lots of stops throughout the park for amazing photo opportunities!
- Huka Falls: Experience awesome views of Huka Falls (New Zealand's highest volume waterfall) on a hike to photograph the great rushing beast. A real New Zealand experience with crystal clear water, birdlife, and native bush lined riverbanks.
Rotorua
"Catch a whiff of Rotorua’s sulfur-rich air and you’ve already had an introduction to NZ’s most dynamic geothermal area. The Māori 
revered this place, naming it one of the most spectacular springs Wai-O-Tapu (Sacred Waters). Today 34% of the population is Māori, with cultural performances and traditional hāngi (steam-cooked banquets) as big an attraction as the landscape itself." - Lonely Planet
- Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Park: Here we'll feel the "pulse of the earth", famous for boiling mud pools, exploding geysers, and vibrant colored sulfur pools (yes this place is stinky but so worth it for the photography alone!).
- Te Puia Geyser Park and Cultural Show: More colorful travertine terraces to photograph here but the highlight will be the Maori cultural experience with an authentic Hangi, or earth oven, feast with dancing and music that's still a rich part of the Maori tradition today. In the evening, enter the park to hear stories from a local Maori with massive geysers exploding in the background.
- Walk with Redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest: Home to over 170 species of trees from around the world, including towering redwoods, enjoy a relaxed walk through this peaceful area.
Hobbiton
- Hobbiton Guided Tour: Step into the enchanting world of Middle-earth with a guided visit to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, nestled among the rolling green hills of the Waikato countryside. Wander past charming Hobbit Holes, manicured gardens, and the famous Party Tree as your guide shares behind-the-scenes stories from the filming of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Complete your experience with a visit to the Green Dragon Inn, where you can enjoy a complimentary, specially brewed beverage in one of New Zealand's most beloved and picturesque attractions.
Price: $2,595.00
Single Supplement: $425.00
*Minimum of 10 travelers needed to run the extension
Cancellation Policy & Refunds
There is a $300 administrative fee for all cancellations. Cancellations made 120 days (November 16th, 2026) or more prior to trip start date are fully refundable except for the $300 fee. Cancellations made less than 120 days (November 17th, 2026) prior to trip start date will receive no refund of full amount due. No refunds on unused portions of the tour. After airline tickets are issued, airline cancellations are per the airline’s policy and are usually non-refundable and changeable with a fee plus new ticket price. Hotels subject to change based on availability
Roommate Pairing Policy: Please be advised that PhotoFly endeavors, but does not guarantee, to secure a suitable roommate for travelers electing to share accommodations. In the event a match cannot be arranged no less than forty-five (45) days prior to the scheduled departure date, the traveler shall be required to convert to a single occupancy room and shall be responsible for the associated single supplement fee. Should a roommate become available after said date, PhotoFly will facilitate the pairing and issue a refund for the previously paid single supplement.
Optional Activity Cancellation Policy: Travelers wishing to cancel any optional activity(s) have until the day before Day 1 on the official itinerary to receive a refund. Please note that this is subject to approval by the provider and PhotoFly will act in good faith to recoup the money. From Day 1 on, cancellations for personal reasons (changed mind, potential bad weather, etc.) are not entitled to any refunds and PhotoFly will directly ask the provider for money back.
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North Island Adventure
