New Zealand Photo Tour Itinerary - January 13th to 31st, 2027

Day One: Wednesday January 13, 2027  Folk meeting in the London region we will meet at London Airport for our early afteroon coach departure to Pearson Airport. GTA and connecting guests will me at Pearson Airport. Our Air Canada flight to Aukland, New Zealand departs at 7:00 p.m. arriving in Aukland on the 15th at 11:00 p.m. in the morning.

Day Two and Three: Thursday January 14 and Friday January 15, 2027  Kia Ora ... a Warm welcome to Aukland, New Zealand!  Upon arrival we will be met by our local guide and transferred by private coach to our hotel the Sudima Auckland City Hotel for check-in. After our long journey we will have some time to settle in, get organized and relax. Around 6:30 p.m. we will meet in the lobby and visit the vibrant Viaduct Harbour where a special welcome dinner awaits at the renowned Gifaffe Restaurant. For the next two nights we will be staying at the Sudima Auckland City Hotel. (D)

Day Four: Saturday January 16, 2027 - City Tour and visit to the Aukland Sky Tower - Breakfast will be served at our hotel. Then we will board our private coach, and enjoy a city highlights tour. We will take in scenc views from Bastion Point, cruise along the lively waterfront drive, soak up the beachside vibe at Mission Bay with its bustling cafés, and wander through charming Parnell Village with its boutique shops and historic architecture. Then glide up in the high-speed elevator to the top of Auckland’s iconic SkyTower for photo opportunities and sweeping views of the city. The sparkling Hauraki Gulf and the beautiful Waitematā Harbour also can be viewed from the tour. We will circle back to the lively Viaduct Harbour for lunch at the Harbourside Ocean Bar and Grill, set right on Auckland's waterfront. We will enjoy lunch on the al weather deck overlooking the harbour. Early afternoon we will return to our hotel for some fee time to relax, explore the area around our hotel and a evening for a walk, quiet dinner, sunset photos and prepare for our morning departure to the Bay of Islands. Overnick at the Sudima Auckand City Hotel. (B) (L)

Day Five: Sunday January 17, 2027 - Depart Auckland / Bay of Islands - Breakfast at our hotel restaurant, check-out and travel north over the Harbour Bridge, through seaside villages and luch countryside, past Whangārei, arriving at the beautiful Bay of Islands. We will stop at the Cafe Coffee Pot for a coffee break. We will carry-on to Whangārei arrivng around 12:30 p.m. for a lunch stop at the charming Town Basin Marina Village. Our guide will lead us to a series hand-picked cafés and restaurants renowned for showcasing fresh local produce and regional flavours. Take time to enjoy the waterfront setting, photograph the yachts as they drift by, and savour a leisurely meal before continuing your journey. After lunch we will continue our journey stopping at Reed Memorial Park in Whangārei for the chance to phtoigraph and enjoy nature in the park. There is a scenic Whangārei Falls Loop – an easy, picturesque walk that leads you to one of New Zealand’s most beautiful waterfalls and offering up photos and views from several lookouts. We will then continue north through stunning landscapes arrving in Paihia to check into our hotel. This evening, we will enjoy a relaxed dinner at Nikau Restaurant, located within our hotel grounds featuring fresh local flavours, the perfect way to end our day. Next two nights Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands. (B) (D)

Day Six: Monday January 18, 2027 - Bay of Islands – Breakfast at our hotel restaurant. Then depart our hotel for Paihia Wharf. This morning, we board our boat for an photographic journey through the emerald islands and along the rugged Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett. Here we will photograph the historic lighthouse that watches over Piercy Island/Motukōkako — the famous “Hole in the Rock.” Our four-hour adventure includes an island stopover, dolphin spotting, and a close-up visit of this legendary landmark. We will dock meet our coach and drive 8 km from Russell to Omata Estate. The estate is a boutique vineyard perched on sunny, north-facing slopes overlooking the Bay of Islands. We will enjoy a tasting flight of their handcrafted wines followed by gourmet platters or wood-fired pizzas at the Omata Kitchen. After lunch we will head to the ferry for our onward journey. A quick ten to fifteen minute ferry ride from Okiato to Opua. Arriving in Opua, we continue our journey to Kerikeri, a town steeped in history. It was here, nearly two centuries ago, that missionary Samuel Marsden planted New Zealand’s first grapevines and laid the foundations of the country’s earliest Anglican mission stations — stories still reflected in the heritage buildings you’ll see today. A short photo walk. We will visit the Marsden Estate great garden photography with great views of the grapevine-shaded terraces overlooking the lake. gardens and vineyard. A sweet finale, visit Makana Confections to watch artisan chocolatiers at work we will have opportunity to sample their creations. Around 5:30 p.m. return to our hotel for a dinner of our choice. Overnight Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands. (B) (L)

Day Seven: Tuesday January 19, 2027 - Bay of Islands / Aukland - Breakfast at our hotel then check-out and visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. We will spend the next hour and a half exploring, experincing and photographing then treaty grounds. Often called the ‘Birthplace of the New Zealand Nation’, Waitangi weaves together the strands and stories of many people, events and places to reveal the rich cultural history of Aotearoa New Zealand. Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a place for all New Zealanders and the place where much of New Zealand’s history was shaped through the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Mid morning we will return to our motor coach and depart for Auckland. Enroute we will make several photo stops and have lunch enroute. We will arrive in Auckland around 3:00 pm. and proceed to our hotel for check-in. We will have some time to explore, then meet for dinner. Tonight we will be staying at the Rydges Auckland Hotel. (B) (L)

Day Eight: Wednesday January 20, 2027 - Auckland / Glow-worm Cave / Rotorua - Breakfast at our hotel, check-out and depart for Waitomo to the Footwhistle Glow-worm Caves. We will have a private guided tour of the glow-worm caves. Our tour we will wonder through the native forest and waterfalls, and descend into the caves to see glow-worms up close. We will discover ancient Moa bones, and experience the  sytenm cave stream. We will finish with a complimentary Kawakawa tea amidst the serene forest surroundings. Time for photography before we head back to our coach. After our caves visit we will depart forn Rotorua and Te Puia enroute we will stop for lunch. We will have a guided tour of Te Puia, combining a premier Māori cultural experience with the wonders of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. See boiling mud pools, silica terraces, hot springs and the mighty Pohutu Geyser, which can erupt up to 30 metres high. We will also have a chance to visit the New Zealand Māori Arts Institute, where young Māori learn traditional carving and weaving, and visit the Rotowhio Marae sacred meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. Late afternoon we will check into our hotel and have time to freshen up and relax before dinner. This evening we will head out for our Te Pa Tu for a Maori Culteral Experinence and Hangi Dinner. Explore the pre-European village, watch the hangi being prepared, enjoy storytelling, see and photograph a powerful cultural performance, and a traditional hangi meal, around 9:00 p.m. Overnight Sudima Lake Rotorua Hotel (B) (D) 

Day Nine: Thursday January 21, 2027 -  Rotoura / Napier - Breakfast - check-out and depart for our Redwoods Treetop Walk. This morning we will experience the Redwoods Treetop Walk, time to experience a unique view of nature —this 700m eco-walk features 28 suspension bridges, 27 platforms, our photo walk will take 40 to 50 minutes. Suspended 9 – 20m high, the walk offers a unique birds-eye view of the forest. After our tree forest experence we will depart for Rotorua, travelling along the Thermal Explorer. We will visit Huka Falls then depart for Lake Taupo. We will have lunch at Edgewater Restaurant, a beautiful lakefront setting with breathtaking views. After lunch we continue to Napier known as ‘The Art Deco Capital’, where the most comprehensive collection of art deco buildings in the world can be found. Board the Hawke’s Bay Express, a delightful and truly unique sightseeing train that travels on road. We will hear an informative commentary on the city’s fascinating history and photograph the sites as we travel. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore the city. After the train experience we will have some free time to continue to explore the unique streets. Late in the afternoon we will arrive at our hotel, check-in and time to relax prior to headibng out to  thge Lone Star, Napier – a popular local favourite resturant known for its hearty portions and classic "New Zealand-inspired dishes.” Overnight Scenic Hotel Te Pania (B) (L) (D)

Day Ten: Friday January 22, 2027 - Napier / Wellington - Breakfast in the hotel restaurant, check-out and travel south this morning into Wellington for a tour of the nation's capital which will highlight the history and culture of the country. We will make a couple of stops along the route. We will arrive in the capital mid day. Nestled between bush-covered hills and a stunning harbour, Wellington is a vibrant capital known for its arts, culture, heritage architecture, shopping, and dining. Home to the New Zealand Parliament and Te Papa Museum, the city’s scenery can range from sparkling calm waters to dramatic southern storms. This evening, we will take a short stroll to dinner at Ombra. Part of Wellington’s Mosaic Venues, Ombra offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a shared passion for exceptional food and drinks—perfect for a memorable dining experience. Overnignt Ramada bh Wyndhanm Taranaki Street. (B) (D)

Day Eleven: Saturday January 23, 2027 - Wellington / Flight to Christchurch - Breakfas;t, check-out and transfer to Wellington Airport for our flight to Christchurch. Flighjt NZ5343. We will meet and driver and depart for our first experience in Christchurch. Begin our visit in Christchurch with a visit to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Located in the heart of the city, the gardens were established in 1863 with the planting of an English oak to commemorate the marriage of Prince Albert and Princess Alexandra of Denmark. We will have lunch at Curators House, a picturesque 101-year-old heritage building nestled in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Spanish cuisine either in the beautiful garden setting or fireside in one of the charming dining rooms. Then we will wrap up our day with a Christchurch city tour, from the River Avon and Canterbury Museum to the Cardboard Cathedral and Art Deco New Regent Street. If time allows, a visit to The Tannery — a beautifully restored Victorian complex filled with boutique shopsb and unique architecture. Check into our hotel and freshen up before our dinner experience. We will meet in the lobby a take short walk to Cathedral Junction. This evening we will dine aboard the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant — a beautifully restored 1927 tram — and enjoy fine cuisine while touring the city’s vibrant mix of heritage and modern sights.  Two nights Rydges Latimer Christchurch Hotel.   (B) (L) (D)

Day Twelve: Sunday January 24, 2027 - Akaroa Black Cat Cruise - Alpaca Farm Tour - French Estate - Breakfast, and travel 90 minutes from Christchurch to the charming historic French township of Akaroa. When we arrive we will make your way to the blue building on the Main Wharf to check in with Akaroa Black Cat Cruise. oard the modern Black Cat catamaran and cruise through the stunning Akaroa Harbour. Over two hours, enjoy the skipper’s commentary as you spot rare Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, penguins, and a variety of seabirds. Our catamaran will return to the Main Wharf and cwe will take our motor coach to the French Farm Estate, for lunch. Set among serene pathways and beautiful gardens, the estate offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and delicious meals at its Garden Bar — the perfect spot to relax and take in the charm. Have your camera handy for the gardens. This afternoon, experience the Shamarra Alpacas Farm Tour — a unique chance to get up close with these gentle animals in a stunning Banks Peninsula setting. Over 170 alpacas onsite and see how their fleece is transformed into beautiful New Zealand-made clothing, blankets, and accessories. Late afternoon return to Christchurch, to our hotel. This evening at our leisure for dinner. Our second night at the Rydges Latimer Christchurch Hotel. (B) (L) 

Day Thirteen: Monday January 25, 2027 - Christchurch / Franz Josef – Breakfast in the hotel restaurant, check-out of our hotel and transfer by coach to the train station. Check in at the Christchurch Railway Station. Ride the Legendary TranzAlpine - We will travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass on one of the world’s great train rides. Glide across the Canterbury Plains, trace the ice-fed Waimakariri River, and climb through the Southern Alps past untouched beech forests. Step into the open-air carriage for unbeatable, picture-perfect views of New Zealand’s spectacular scenery — a trip you will never forget. On arrival at Arthur’s Pass Station, we step off the train and board our waiting coach to continue our adventure. Leave the high mountain valleys behind as we descend from snow-capped peaks into the lush rainforests of Westland. We'll travel south along the wild and scenic West Coast to the historic town of Hokitika. In Hokitika we will visit a renowned greenstone workshop where skilled artisans craft the treasured jade-like stone, prized by Māori for centuries, into beautiful jewellery. Enjoy free time in Hokitika to explore and have lunch. This aftern we will travel south through forests and farmland, with the Southern Alps to the east and the Tasman Sea to the west, arriving at the glacier village of Franz Josef. Around 4:00 p.m, we will arrive in Franz Josef Village – here have the opportunity for a Twin Glacier Scenic flight for a fee not included in tour cost by Helicopter Line. Tonight we will have dinner at our hotel at the Canopy Restaurant at Te Waonui Restaurant. Overnight Te Waonui Forest Retreat Hotel. (B) (D)

Day Fourteen: Tuesday January 26, 2027  - Lake Matheson / Wanaka - Thunder Falls - Breakfast in the hotel restaurant, check-out from our hotel and travel to Lake Matheson. We will have time to explore and photograph Lake Matheson. Later this morning depart Lake Matheson for Wanaka, stopping en route at Haast. We will be having luch in Haast. Departing Haast we will continue towards Wanaka, with stops to view Thunder Falls, Fantail Falls and the Blue Pools. Late afternoon we will arrive at our hotel check-in and time to freshen up prior dinner. Overnight Edgewater - Lakeview Hotel. (B) (D)

Day Fifteen: Wednesday January 27, 2027 - Wanaka / Te Anau / Milford Sound - Breakfast at the hotel, check-out and drive through the fruit-growing region around Cromwell to the lakeside resort of Queenstown. Continue via Frankton along Lake Wakatipu’s eastern shore (Devil’s Staircase) to Kingston, with The Remarkables on your left. Travel onward through Southland’s countryside of sheep, cattle and deer farms. Arrive in Te Anau in time for lunch. Depart Te Anau and travel along the spectacular Milford Road, one of the world’s most beautiful drives, with multiple stops for short walks and photo opportunities en route. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise. Cruise the full length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea, with opportunities to spot seals, penguins and dolphins. Enjoy guided commentary from the Nature Guide and choose to kayak or join a tender craft for closer exploration. Anchor overnight in Harrison Cove and enjoy a three-course buffet dinner on board, followed by an evening presentation. Licensed bar available for beverages. Overnight Milford Mariner. (B) (D)

Day Sixteen: Thursday January 28, 2027 - Milford Sound / Te Anau / Queenstown - This morning, enjoy a cooked or continental buffet breakfast on board. Afterwards, continue cruising the fiord before returning to Milford Terminal. Disembark and travel by coach back to Te Anau, continuing onwards to Queenstown. Lunch in Te Anau then continue our journey to Queenstown. Later this afternoon arrive in Queenstown, a stunning resort town on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by majestic mountains. Known as New Zealand’s adventure capital, Queenstown also offers fine wine, cuisine and has a gold-mining history. Two nights Ramada Queenstown Central Hotel (B)

Day Seventeen: Friday January 29, 2027 -  Breakfast at our hotel then depart for Glenorchy, a picturesque lakeside village at the head of Lake Wakatipu, famed for its stunning scenery, walking trails and as a filming location for major movies. Dart River Adventures in Glenorchy. Depart on a one-hour jetboat ride up the braided channels of the Dart River through Mt Aspiring National Park, surrounded by towering peaks, glaciers and ancient forests. Learn about the area’s flora, fauna, history and geology from your guide, and enjoy a short walk in native beech forest before jetboating back down the river.  Return to Queenstown and continue to Arrowtown. Lunch at Mora Restaurant, offering a chance to slow down and enjoy honest, comforting food and Mora’s Central Otago wines. After lunch, enjoy free time to explore Arrowtown, a charming 1862 gold-mining town rich in history, culture and natural beauty. This afternoon, ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak, 450 m above Queenstown, for spectacular panoramic views of the town, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables. Return by gondola at your leisure and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure in Queenstown. This evening, we will hold our farewell dinner at SODA, a stylish Queenstown restaurant known for its contemporary New Zealand cuisine, fresh local produce and vibrant atmosphere. Our second night Ramada Queenstown Central Hotel. (B) (L) (D)

Day Eighteen: Saturday January 30, 2027 - Breakfast at our hotel check-out, Farewell to Queenstown. We will be transferred from the hotel to Queenstown International Airport for our flight back to Auckland. Check in for flight NZ614 to Auckland. When we arrive in Auckland we will be meet by our driver and travel to our hotel. We will check into our hotel and prepare for our return journey to Canada. Overnight Sudima Auckland City. (B)    

Day Eighteen: Sunday January 31, 2027 - Breakfast at our hotel, check-out and travel to the airport for our return Air Canada flight to Canada. Our flight departs Auckland at 2:00 p.m. arriving into Toronto at 3:37 p.m. After collecting our luggage we will say farewell to our GTA and connecting guests and those travelling from the London region board our coach arriving back in Lodon at approximately 6:30 p.m. End of Program.

New Zealand offers up spectacular photo opportunities, from beautiful landscapes to interesting wildlife. The temperatures in January is New Zealand ranges from the north island to the south island, temperatures lows of 14 C to 18 C to highs of 20C to 28C. Quite a few locataions on this tour are coastal and mountains when choosing your clothing for this tour, think of items you can take to dress in layers as temperatures will vary. Evenings hours and Mildford Sound will be cooler at night.

Pre-tour Information Night:  As with all our photo tours, we will hold a photo information zoom night approximately three weeks prior to departure. We will present the final itinerary, travel suggestions, what gear to pack, and hand out all related travel documents. The pre-tour presentation is designed to give our photographers all the information needed for our trek. This also allows a chance for you to meet your fellow travellers, and host. As the tour date approaches we will send out an email invitation to the registered guests. 

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New Zealand Registration  Contact Us  Terms & Conditions  Privacy Policy

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 The cost of New Zealand Photo Tour is $15,895.00 per person CAD based on double occupancy including air via Air Canada, plus air taxes of $751.97 CAD plus $10.40 HST. Single supplement is available for an additional $2,700 CAD.

A non-refundable deposit of $650.00 is due at the time of booking. Balance due 60 days before departure November 12th, 2026. We recommend the purchase of travel and health insurance as this tour takes us out of the province.

More ways to pay ... Equal monthly payments from deposit day to 60 days prior to departure charged to your credit card or finance though our Uplift Finance Program and pay over 6 month, 12 month  or 18 month payments. You may choose your payment option during registration. 

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Your tour includes:

• Includes:

  • Round trip coach departing from our London Meetup Locatons / Pick Ups Enroute
  • Round Trip Airfare via Air Canada
  • All internal flights
  • Accommodations all 4 and 5 star properities
  • Overnigh sailing and accomodations Milford Sound
  • TranzApline Train Excursion
  • Motor Coach during tour
  • Accommodations as specified in our itinerary
  • Breakfast each morning
  • Lunches and dinners listed on itinerary some great dining on this tour
  • All airport transfers by private coach
  • Admissions, park entry fees and permits were required
  • Museum Entrance Fees
  • Glo Worm Caves
  • All excursions including 2 boat cruises
  • All Aukland tours
  • Tour hosted and escorted by photograher James Cowie
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• Excludes: 

• Alcoholic beverages, laundry and tips

• New Zealand tourist eTA visa which we will assist

           Please note times and schedule may vary due to weather, traffic and final confirmation of excursions.

* Policy dose not allow us to do residental pickup.

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