New Zealand - Australia
Photo Adventure
7-Day Photography Adventure
April 20th-27th, 2026
SECURE YOUR SEAT TODAY
*Just put down a $2,500 deposit, Fully refundable until October 31st, 2025! when the balance is due. Please see details below.
FIRST LAUNCH SPECIAL
Book fast, these prices WILL be going up soon!
EARLY BIRD BONUS:
AN EXCLUSIVE & GUIDED
MILFORD SOUND SCENIC CRUISE
THROUGH NEW ZEALAND’S LEGENDARY FIORDLAND
Fully refundable until October 31st, 2025!
Photograph jaw-dropping landscapes and dream destinations across
New Zealand– with optional add-on adventures to Australia and Fiji (see details below) – on this immersive 7-day photography workshop!
Get expert coaching from world-class photographers as you master
the art of storytelling through landscape, travel, and adventure photography.
From sunrise in Queenstown to golden hour at Hobbiton, from glacier hikes in Mount Cook to a sunset cruise through Milford Sound—
this is your chance to shoot in some of the most iconic and cinematic locations on Earth.
Create a portfolio packed with once-in-a-lifetime images, refine your creative eye, and learn techniques that can transform your work
—whether you shoot for fun, for clients, or for your career.
Trips like this typically run over $15,000—but by securing your spot early, you’re saving thousands and locking in an unforgettable experience at a massive value.
What’s Included:
- 7 days of hands-on photography training across New Zealand!
- An EPIC scenic cruise through Milford Sound—waterfalls, fjords, and iconic Mitre Peak views!
- Guided location shoots at world-famous spots: Queenstown, Wanaka Tree, Mount Cook, Hobbiton, and more!
- In-the-field mentoring with real-time feedback to elevate your composition and lighting!
- Daily editing sessions to refine your style and build a travel-worthy portfolio!
We'll help you capture photos just like these...
Embark on a Breathtaking Photography Adventure Across New Zealand!
Capture once-in-a-lifetime images that you'll cherish—and possibly profit from—for years to come.
7 Days • Endless Beauty
April 20th - 27th, 2026
Hello, Dream Chasers!
Picture yourself standing lakeside in Queenstown as golden light spills over the Remarkables… or shooting from a ferry deck as mist rolls across Milford Sound’s towering cliffs. This spring, we’re inviting you on a 7-day immersive photography workshop across some of the most visually rich destinations in the Southern Hemisphere.
From the whimsical charm of Hobbiton’s golden hour banquet to the epic landscapes of Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo—every day is curated to help you refine your craft, build an unforgettable portfolio, and experience the magic of travel through your lens. Join us for the ultimate creative escape.
And the adventure doesn't stop there.
One of the absolute highlights of our journey is a Private Scenic Cruise through the world-famous Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park! Imagine gliding between towering granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls, your camera in hand, as early morning mist weaves through the fjord. This is your chance to capture once-in-a-lifetime images of Mitre Peak rising from the water, rainbows in the spray of Stirling Falls, and possibly even dolphins surfing beside the boat. With its surreal beauty and dramatic lighting, Milford Sound is widely considered one of the most photogenic locations on Earth—and you’ll be there to experience it like never before.
And it’s more than just about taking beautiful photos—it’s about creating images that can SELL.
You’ll work closely with expert photographers and creative marketers who know exactly how to capture jaw-dropping shots *and* how to turn them into income. We’ll break down the proven types of images that buyers and collectors crave—and show you how to frame, shoot, and edit them for real-world impact. From in-the-field coaching to editing sessions, you’ll leave with photos you're proud of—and a roadmap to monetize them after the trip.
Special Guest:
Greg Koorhan
We’re thrilled to welcome back Greg Koorhan as your guest mentor for this international adventure. Greg is an award-winning photographer, filmmaker, and marketing expert who’s spent years helping creators turn their passion into profit. He’s known for his down-to-earth coaching style, industry insights, and mind-blowing location work.
Whether he’s shooting landscapes in Iceland, consulting with six-figure photographers, or leading sold-out retreats, Greg brings the perfect mix of vision and strategy. He’s been a cornerstone of The Thriving Artists workshops—and this time, he’s heading to the Southern Hemisphere with us.
Craig Alexander
Craig has sold over 10,000 pieces of art, totaling over 1.6 million. His students sell between $60,000 - $90,000 per month following his teachings!
Clifton Haley
Clifton Haley is the head of coaching at the Thriving Artist Academy, who has sold over 800 pieces online (with 40 pieces sold just last month!)
Greg Koorhan!
Greg is an award-winning film director and photographer, an experienced marketer with over 4 decades of experience to share.
Featuring Special Guest...
Cyrielle Malaval!
Cyrielle is a seasoned wildlife photographer who has lived in New Zealand for years and even conducted her own workshops there. she has captured incredible shots across 35+ countries. She also is a master of Lightroom, with millions sold in her custom Presets,
Day 1
Arrive in Auckland & Welcome Dinner
at the Edge of Middle-earth
Touch down in New Zealand and settle into your hotel in Auckland.
That evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner and kickoff orientation to prep your gear and your creative mindset.
Then it’s off to Stanley Point Lookout for a golden hour shoot across the harbor—capturing sailboats, skyline reflections, and the soft morning mist that drifts off the water at sunset.
Day 2
Into the Shire A Magical day in Hobbiton &
Evening Banquet
After breakfast, we’ll road trip through rolling green hills toward Hobbiton, where we’ll photograph the iconic hobbit holes, gardens, and winding paths in perfect golden light.
As the sun dips low, we’ll stay for the exclusive Hobbiton Evening Banquet—a candle-lit, rustic meal at The Green Dragon Inn with lanterns glowing along your walk back through the set.
It’s like stepping into a storybook… and your lens is the narrator.
Day 3
Queenstown
Beauty & Glenorchy’s
Scenic Magic
A short flight takes us into Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital.
From there, we’ll drive along Lake Wakatipu’s winding edge to Glenorchy, stopping at breathtaking viewpoints (yes, that includes some Lord of the Rings backdrops).
We’ll spend the afternoon exploring Glenorchy Lagoon and surrounding mountain trails, with a sunset shoot back in Queenstown to catch the light dancing off The Remarkables.
Day 4
Milford Sound Cruise, Fiordland Finale & Farewell Shoot?
Today’s the big one. We rise early and head deep into Fiordland National Park, winding through misty valleys and sheer rock faces en route to Milford Sound.
There, we’ll board a private scenic boat cruise—photographing cascading waterfalls, towering cliffs, and (if nature is feeling generous) dolphins or seals.
This is one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on the planet, and we’ve timed it for peak lighting.
After the cruise, we begin our scenic return toward Queenstown with a golden hour shoot along the lakeshore to wrap this epic leg of the journey. OR You can stick with the group on our way to Australia!
BONUS — Extend the Magic!
Optional Add-Ons: From Urban Skylines to Island Paradise 🌴
Then we fly into Sydney Australia on the 28th to spend next 2 days capturing the Coastal City & Seaside Light Extension. Dive Into Australia’s Iconic Land, Light, and Lifestyle
For photographers who want to explore urban landscapes and coastal drama, we’re offering a 2-day guided extension into Sydney and Australia’s scenic coastlines.
From sunrise at the world-famous Sydney Opera House to golden hour along Bondi Beach and sandstone cliffs, this add-on gives you a chance to explore the light, rhythm, and color of Australian life—with plenty of epic street, lifestyle, and landscape shots along the way.
The Tropical Dream Extension - Slow Down, Soak In the Light & Photograph Paradise in Fiji
For those craving the ultimate tropical escape, we’re offering a 2-day luxury extension to the crystal-blue waters and white sand beaches of Fiji.
This serene island destination is a dream backdrop for creative photography—palm trees swaying at golden hour, vibrant reef life, and sunsets that look painted in real time. It’s the perfect way to wind down, recharge, and capture peaceful, portfolio-ready imagery unlike anything else on the trip.
What You’ll Capture:
The Shire at Golden Hour - Stroll through Hobbiton as warm light floods the hills, creating storybook-worthy images of hobbit holes, lantern-lit paths, and rustic gardens.
Fiordland’s Waterfalls & Wildlife - Capture moody fjord scenes, mist curling off sheer cliffs, and maybe even fur seals or dolphins dancing beside your boat on the Milford Sound cruise.
Alpine Starscapes & Glacial Reflections - Photograph the Milky Way from Lake Tekapo and Aoraki, where snowcapped peaks and glassy water create surreal night compositions.
Wild New Zealand Landscapes - From the lone willow tree of Wanaka to the icy-blue Hooker Lake, you’ll chase light across mountain passes, swing bridges, and ancient beech forests.
Glaciers, Vineyards, Volcanoes - Where else can you shoot everything from tropical vineyards to alpine glaciers in one trip? New Zealand’s terrain shifts wildly, and beautifully. Each location offers something cinematic, seasonal, and totally unique.
Weather & Light Variety - Misty mornings, moody fjords, crisp alpine sunrises, and golden rolling hills, you’ll build an image set that’s as diverse as it is stunning.
Perfect Timing & Light - April is shoulder season: fewer crowds, better rates, and a golden-hour sweet spot. You’ll photograph in the best conditions of the year—without summer haze or winter extremes.
PLUS: You’ll be traveling with a team of pros who know exactly when to shoot what and where 🌄🌌
While we’ll do everything humanly possible to make sure your trip is smooth, comfortable, and packed with jaw-dropping photography moments, New Zealand’s landscapes love to keep things interesting. That means rainbows, fog banks, shifting clouds—and a few surprises that no script could write.
Some locations or shoot times may shift depending on light, weather, or local conditions—but rest assured, we’re always adapting to ensure you get the absolute best shots possible. That’s the magic of a real adventure: epic memories, breathtaking photos, and the unexpected moments in between. 📷🌿⛰️
What You'll Capture in the BONUS Trips
🇦🇺 Sydney, Australia - Urban Elegance Meets Coastal Light
• Golden hour cityscapes from a private yacht
• Sunrise silhouettes of the Opera House & Harbour Bridge
• Aerial views of Bondi Beach & Sydney skyline from a helicopter
• Street shots at The Rocks, harbor reflections, and fine dining table vignettes
🇫🇯 Fiji - Ocean Blues, Island Vibes, & Cultural Beauty
• Sunrise on white-sand beaches with palm tree silhouettes
• Aerial lagoon photography via drone or helicopter over heart-shaped reefs
• Sunset boat cruises, sandbars, and snorkeling in the South Pacific
• Portraits of local artisans & elders during a traditional Kava ceremony
• Wildlife close-ups: iguanas, fruit bats, tropical birds at Kula Eco Park
These optional extensions are designed to give you more time, more beauty, and more portfolio-worthy shots in two of the most iconic and photogenic destinations on Earth.
GENERAL INFORMATION
for Your New Zealand Photography Workshop
Join us for an unforgettable journey through New Zealand’s most photogenic landscapes.
From dramatic mountains and turquoise lakes to golden vineyards and glow-lit fjords, this immersive workshop is designed to elevate your photography and creative storytelling in some of the most breathtaking places on Earth.
- Curated golden hour shoots - Photograph Hobbiton at sunset, Milford Sound in the morning mist, and Lake Tekapo beneath the stars.
- Scenic drives and iconic locations - Capture the Remarkables, Mount Cook, the Wanaka Tree, and more as we explore the South Island’s cinematic beauty.
- Optional aerial & boat experiences - Elevate your portfolio with helicopter flights over alpine peaks or private cruises through Fiordland.
- Hands-on instruction & editing - Learn how to shoot, edit, and craft images that sell, with guidance on composition, storytelling, and color grading.
- Personalized coaching from expert photographers - Get real-time creative feedback in the field, and work through image reviews that sharpen both your art and your brand.
Every location has been handpicked for its visual impact, lighting potential, and storytelling opportunities - so you can walk away with a portfolio that feels world-class and deeply personal.
Refund policy: Deposits can be refunded before October 31st, 2025!
Spots are limited and this workshop fills quickly. Reserve your place today -we can’t wait to photograph New Zealand with you!
Frequently Asked Questions
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✔️ Guided Photography Expeditions – Experience 7 days of breathtaking photography across New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes, including Milford Sound, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Wanaka, and Hobbiton.
✔️ Expert Coaching – Receive hands-on guidance from seasoned photographers who specialize in landscape, travel, and storytelling imagery that sells.
✔️ Golden Hour & Blue Hour Sessions – Shoot sunrise over Lake Wanaka, sunset at Milford Sound, and twilight strolls through the Shire for dreamlike cinematic results.
✔️ Comfortable Group Transportation – Travel together in style and ease between shoot locations via mini-bus with plenty of room for gear.
✔️ Private Group Chat Access (Before the Trip) – Get to know your fellow photographers, ask questions, share gear setups, and prep with packing tips & shoot planning.
✔️ Exclusive Post-Workshop Zoom Review – Join us after the trip for a wrap-up session to review your best work, get feedback, and learn how to take your photos to market.
🚫 NOT Included in the Standard Package:
- Hotels & group dinners
- Optional Australia & Fiji extensions
- Breakfasts, lunches, and personal snacks
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🇦🇺 What's Included in the Australia Extension?
✔️ 2 Extra Days of World-Class Photography – Extend your trip with iconic urban & coastal landscapes in vibrant Sydney, Australia.
✔️ Sunset Boat Cruise in Sydney Harbour – Private charter with skyline views, golden hour light, and champagne onboard. An unforgettable shoot!
✔️ Sunrise Sessions at the Opera House & Harbour Bridge – Early morning walk & guided shoot through the city’s most iconic locations.
✔️ Sunset Helicopter Flight – Get aerial shots over Bondi Beach, Coogee, and the sparkling Sydney skyline.
✔️ Hotel & Ground Transport INCLUDED – Lodging in Sydney’s CBD plus all local transportation for scheduled activities.
✔️ Photo Reviews + Editing Sessions – Daily image reviews with guidance to refine your shots & style.
🚫 NOT Included in the Extension:
- Group dinners & meals
- Private room upgrades (available on request)
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🇫🇯 What's Included in the Fiji Extension?
✔️ 2 Extra Days in Paradise – From sunrise on the beach to aerial reef shots, Fiji is the perfect finale to your photo journey.
✔️ Optional Helicopter Flight or Drone Session – Capture coral reefs, heart-shaped islands, and crystal lagoons from above.
✔️ Sunset Boat Cruise & Snorkeling Trip – Private island-hopping with calm turquoise water and sandbar shoots.
✔️ Local Culture & Portraiture – Optional village visit and Kava ceremony, with respectful portrait opportunities of Fijian locals.
✔️ Wildlife at Kula Eco Park – Colorful birds, fruit bats, and tropical reptiles in a guided natural setting.
✔️ Hotel & Ground Transport INCLUDED – Resort lodging on Denarau Island, airport transfers, and transport for all planned shoots.
🚫 NOT Included in the Extension:
- Group dinners & meals
- Private room upgrades (available on request)
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🌏 Which Package Is Right for You?
📸 Standard 7-Day New Zealand Workshop
✔️ Milford Sound Scenic Cruise
✔️ Sunset Banquet at Hobbiton
✔️ Golden hour & night sky sessions at Lake Tekapo
✔️ Hooker Valley Hike + Mount Cook photography
✔️ Photo Coaching + Editing Sessions Daily
+🇦🇺 3-Day Australia Extension (Add-On)
✔️ Sunset Private Boat Cruise in Sydney Harbour
✔️ Sunrise Shoot at the Opera House & Harbour Bridge
✔️ Optional Helicopter Flight Over Bondi & City
✔️ Hotel & Transport INCLUDED
+🇫🇯 3-Day Fiji Extension (Add-On)
✔️ Beach Sunrises & Palm Tree Silhouettes
✔️ Optional Helicopter Flight or Drone Aerials
✔️ Sunset Cruise, Snorkeling & Cultural Portraits
✔️ Hotel & Transport INCLUDED
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📷 CAMERA GEAR
✔️ Your Camera – Any DSLR, mirrorless, or high-quality camera. Full-frame sensors are great for low light.
✔️ A Tripod – Essential for long-exposure landscapes and low-light conditions.
✔️ A Wireless Remote or Cable Release (Optional but Recommended) – Great for sharp long-exposure shots.
✔️ A Telephoto Lens – Minimum 100-400mm. Ideal for wildlife and distant landscapes.
✔️ A Standard Lens (24-70mm recommended) – Perfect for landscapes, portraits, and day-to-day shooting.
✔️ An Ultra-Wide Lens (14mm - Optional but great for landscapes!)
✔️ ND Filters (Highly Recommended – 10-stop or more) – Essential for long-exposure water and sky photography.
✔️ Polarizing Filter – Helps cut glare from water and enhances skies.
✔️ Extra Camera Batteries – Colder mornings can drain batteries faster—bring at least 2–3 spares.
✔️ Plenty of Extra Memory Cards – You’ll go through storage quickly with high-res RAW files.
✔️ Lens Cloths & Blower – Waterfalls and ocean mist can fog up your lenses. Stay clean and sharp!
💻 MISCELLANEOUS GEAR
✔️ Laptop with Lightroom or Photoshop (or both!) – For editing sessions and reviews.
✔️ Laptop Charger & External Hard Drive – Back up your shots daily. Trust us on this.
✔️ Reusable Water Bottle – Stay hydrated, especially on long hikes and road days.
✔️ Sunscreen, Sunglasses – That NZ sun can be sneaky, especially during golden hour shoots.
✔️ Notebook & Pen (Optional) – Jot down photo settings, journal moments, or sketch ideas.
✔️ Lens Cloth – Especially near waterfalls, the coast, and misty mountain spots.
🧥 CLOTHING & WEATHER GEAR
✔️ Layered Clothing – Expect autumn temps: 55°F to 66°F (13–19°C) during the day, dipping to 41–45°F (5–7°C) at night. Bring sweaters, light jackets, and long-sleeves.
✔️ Waterproof / Windproof Outer Layer – Essential for unexpected rain or chillier mountain locations. A rain jacket is a must.
✔️ Warm Accessories – Pack gloves, a beanie, scarf, and maybe a neck gaiter for cold sunrise shoots.
✔️ Comfortable Hiking Shoes – You’ll walk a lot. Think sturdy and waterproof.
✔️ Bug Spray – New Zealand sandflies are real. A small bottle of repellant will save you by the fjords.
✔️ Dry Bags or Rain Covers for Gear – Crucial around waterfalls, rivers, and coastal spray.
🛫 TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
✔️ Power Bank – For long drives and all-day shooting sessions.
✔️ International Adapter – NZ uses Type I plugs (same as Australia). Don’t get caught powerless!
✔️ Visa Requirements – Most travelers need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority). Apply online before arrival.
✔️ For Australia Extension: – Check your passport: most travelers will need an eVisitor visa or ETA.
✔️ Vaccines – No required vaccines, but standard travel immunizations (Hep A/B, tetanus) are recommended.
I accept all levels of experience in photography, but please make sure you have the gear needed; otherwise, it will be no fun for you. If you are missing a lens or an ND filter, don’t worry!
There will be no long or strenuous hiking or heavy physical exertion needed. People in their 20s-80s join us in these workshops. However, you must be able to walk up a few flights of stairs with your gear. If that is going to be a challenge, this might not be the best next workshop for you.
If you have a Non-Photographer +1, they may attend the entire adventure. But due to the high, hard costs associated with this adventure, any +1 on this trip will be the same cost as a regular photographer.
If you have more questions regarding the workshop please send an email to [email protected].
The best airport to fly into is Auckland International Airport (AKL).
We recommend arriving no later than the morning of April 20th so you have time to check into your hotel and attend the mandatory welcome dinner and orientation that evening. Our official Day 1 sunrise shoot begins early the next morning, so it's important to be well-rested and ready.
Feel free to arrive a day or two early to adjust to the time zone and explore Auckland!
Flying Home: If you're only joining the New Zealand workshop, you’ll depart from Queenstown Airport (ZQN) on or after April 28th.
If you’re continuing on to the Australia or Fiji extensions, we’ll handle inter-country flights within the schedule:
- Queenstown → Sydney (for Australia extension)
- Sydney → Nadi (for Fiji extension)
- Nadi → Your Final Destination (return flights after May 2)
Make sure to book your international return from Nadi International Airport (NAN) if you’re joining us in Fiji!
We will soon list the recommended hotels in all three countries.
