Queenstown Skyline
Arrive at Queenstown Airport before 3pm. We ride the gondola together for sunset and blue hour over one of New Zealand's most dramatic mountain towns — your first shoot of the trip.
Secure Your Seat Today
*Reserve your spot today with a $2,500 deposit. Fully refundable until October 31st, 2026, when the remaining balance is due. Please see details below.
Fully refundable until October 31st, 2026!
Photograph some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth during this immersive 7-day New Zealand Photography Workshop. Towering mountains, turquoise lakes, ancient glaciers, dark skies filled with stars, and the world-famous fjords of Milford Sound all await you.
Learn alongside award-winning photographers as we explore New Zealand's South Island and photograph the locations that have inspired travelers and landscape photographers for generations.
You'll return home with an incredible portfolio, stronger technical skills, and unforgettable memories from one of the most photogenic destinations on the planet.
For those who want even more adventure, optional extension trips to Sydney, Australia and the tropical islands of Fiji are available following the workshop.
Comparable photography adventures often cost well over $15,000. By securing your spot early, you'll save thousands while joining an unforgettable small-group experience.
What’s Included:
Imagine standing beside the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki as the first light of day illuminates Mount Cook. Picture yourself photographing the Milky Way above Lake Tekapo, soaring over glaciers on a sunrise flight through the Southern Alps, or cruising through the towering cliffs and waterfalls of Milford Sound.
This isn't just another photography workshop. It's a carefully crafted adventure through some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. Over seven unforgettable days, we'll photograph the very best of New Zealand's South Island, including Queenstown, The Remarkables, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Fiordland, Glenorchy, and the world-famous Milford Sound.
Along the way, you'll receive hands-on instruction in landscape photography, composition, storytelling, editing, and portfolio development. Whether you're an experienced photographer or simply passionate about creating beautiful images, you'll leave with stronger skills, greater confidence, and photographs that few people ever have the opportunity to capture.
If New Zealand has always been on your photography bucket list, this is your chance to experience it the right way.
One of the highlights of this workshop is our unforgettable Milford Sound Photography Cruise through the heart of Fiordland National Park.
Imagine standing on the deck with your camera as towering cliffs rise thousands of feet above the water, waterfalls plunge from the mountainsides, and clouds drift through one of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. Around every corner is another incredible composition waiting to be captured.
We'll photograph the world-famous Mitre Peak, dramatic fjord scenery, lush rainforest-covered mountains, hidden waterfalls, and the ever-changing light that makes Milford Sound a dream destination for landscape photographers.
Whether you're capturing epic wide-angle vistas or intimate details within the fjord, this experience offers countless opportunities to create portfolio-worthy images while exploring a place often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World."
For many photographers, Milford Sound alone is worth the trip.
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.
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 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 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 is an award-winning film director and photographer, an experienced marketer with over 4 decades of experience to share.
New Zealand Photography Workshop
Hover or tap each day to explore the journey.
Arrive at Queenstown Airport before 3pm. We ride the gondola together for sunset and blue hour over one of New Zealand's most dramatic mountain towns — your first shoot of the trip.
Sunrise over The Remarkables, then south to Lake Pukaki for sunset. After dark, we head to Lake Tekapo — one of the best astrophotography locations on the planet.
A sunrise photo flight over Mt Cook, the glaciers, and the Southern Alps. Perspectives you simply can't get on the ground. We return to Tekapo for a second night under the stars.
Sunrise at the lake with Aoraki in the background — one of the most iconic compositions in New Zealand. We spend the day exploring the Mt Cook alpine region up close.
Sunrise at the famous Wānaka Tree, then through the Haast Pass to the Blue Pools — glacial water that genuinely looks that color. Possible stop at Thunder Creek Falls.
Sunrise in Te Anau, then a full day inside Fiordland National Park. The light here is unpredictable and frequently extraordinary — we make the most of every stop.
A dedicated photography cruise through Milford Sound — waterfalls, mirror-calm fiords, sheer cliff faces. The workshop closes with a final shoot at Glenorchy Wharf.
The workshop ends — but you don't have to. Choose one extension, or take both.
We photograph Sydney Harbour from the water, shoot the Opera House at sunrise, take a helicopter flight over the bay, and hit Bondi Beach before the crowds arrive.
Beach sunrise, island hopping by private boat, and a cruise through the remote Yasawa Islands. Turquoise water, white sand, and a completely different kind of light.
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, 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.
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.
Queenstown Skyline & The Remarkables - Begin your adventure in Queenstown with sunset and blue hour views over one of New Zealand’s most dramatic mountain towns. Then photograph sunrise as first light hits The Remarkables, creating bold alpine compositions filled with color, shape, and scale.
Lake Pukaki & Mount Cook - Capture the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki with Mount Cook rising in the distance. This is one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscape scenes, with snowcapped peaks, glowing sunrise light, and endless opportunities for portfolio-worthy images.
Lake Tekapo Astrophotography - Spend two nights under some of the darkest skies on Earth, photographing stars, mountain silhouettes, reflections, and the Milky Way around Lake Tekapo. This leg of the trip is a big deal.
Sunrise Flight Over Mount Cook & Glaciers - Take to the skies for an unforgettable sunrise photo flight over Mount Cook, glaciers, and the Southern Alps. This is your chance to capture aerial perspectives most photographers only dream about.
Wanaka Tree & Blue Pools - Photograph the famous Wanaka Tree at sunrise, then continue into alpine forests, crystal-clear rivers and blue water for a completely different side of New Zealand’s landscape beauty.
Fiordland & Milford Sound - Explore the wild beauty of Fiordland before boarding a photography cruise into Milford Sound. Capture towering cliffs, waterfalls, rainforest-covered mountains, Mitre Peak, and moody fjord scenes that feel almost unreal.
Glenorchy Wharf Finale - End the New Zealand workshop with a beautiful shoot at Glenorchy Wharf, surrounded by lake reflections, mountain backdrops, and the quiet drama that makes this region so unforgettable.
Weather & Light Variety - Misty mornings, crisp alpine sunrises, dramatic clouds, blue hour cityscapes, dark skies, waterfalls, lakes, glaciers, and fjords. You’ll build an image set that is as diverse as it is breathtaking.
Perfect Timing & Light - April is a beautiful shoulder-season window in New Zealand, giving us cooler temperatures, rich atmosphere, and stunning light without the peak summer crowds.
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 fog banks, shifting clouds, changing light, unexpected weather, and a few surprises that no script could write.
Some locations or shoot times may shift depending on light, weather, flight conditions, water conditions, or local logistics. But rest assured, we’re always adapting to help you get the strongest images possible. That’s the magic of a real photography adventure: epic memories, breathtaking photos, and the unexpected moments in between. 📷🌿⛰️
🇦🇺 Sydney, Australia - Urban Elegance Meets Coastal Light
• Sunset private boat cruise through Sydney Harbor
• Sunrise compositions of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge
• Aerial views of Sydney Harbor by helicopter
• Sunrise at Bondi Beach
• Sunset photography around the Sydney Opera House
🇫🇯 Fiji - Ocean Blues, Island Hopping & Tropical Beauty
• Sunrise on the beach with soft tropical light
• Cruise to the nearby Yasawa Islands
• Private boat island hopping
• White sand, palm trees, turquoise water, and South Pacific seascapes
• Relaxed travel photography in one of the most beautiful island destinations on Earth
These optional extensions are designed to give you more time, more beauty, and more portfolio-worthy images in two of the most iconic and photogenic destinations in the South Pacific.
Join us for an unforgettable photography adventure through New Zealand's spectacular South Island.
From soaring mountain peaks and turquoise alpine lakes to glaciers, waterfalls, dark skies, and world-famous fjords, this immersive workshop is designed to help you create extraordinary images while exploring some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth.
Every location has been carefully selected for its visual impact, lighting potential, and portfolio-building opportunities, allowing you to return home with a collection of images that truly reflects the beauty of New Zealand.
For those seeking even more adventure, optional extension trips to Sydney, Australia and Fiji are available following the workshop.
Refund Policy: Deposits are fully refundable until October 31st, 2026.
Spots are limited and this workshop is expected to fill quickly. Reserve your place today and join us for an unforgettable photography adventure across one of the most spectacular countries on Earth.
✔️ Guided Photography Adventure – Experience 7 unforgettable days photographing New Zealand's most spectacular landscapes, including Queenstown, The Remarkables, Lake Pukaki, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Fiordland, Glenorchy, and Milford Sound.
✔️ Sunrise Flight Over Mount Cook & Glaciers – Capture breathtaking aerial views of New Zealand's highest peak, ancient glaciers, and the Southern Alps during an unforgettable photography flight.
✔️ Lake Tekapo Astrophotography – Spend two nights beneath some of the darkest skies on Earth, photographing the Milky Way, reflections, mountain silhouettes, and stunning night landscapes.
✔️ Milford Sound Photography Cruise – Photograph Mitre Peak, towering waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and rainforest-covered fjords from one of the most iconic photography locations in the world.
✔️ Expert Photography Coaching – Receive hands-on instruction and real-time feedback from experienced photographers specializing in landscape, travel, and storytelling imagery.
✔️ Sunrise, Sunset & Blue Hour Sessions – From sunrise at Lake Pukaki and the Wanaka Tree to sunset over Queenstown and astrophotography at Lake Tekapo, you'll be shooting during the most beautiful light of the day.
✔️ Comfortable Group Transportation – Travel together between locations in a comfortable group vehicle with plenty of room for photography gear.
✔️ Private Group Chat Access (Before the Trip) – Meet fellow attendees, ask questions, receive packing recommendations, discuss gear, and prepare for the adventure before arriving in New Zealand.
✔️ Exclusive Post-Workshop Zoom Review – Join us after the workshop for a special online image review session where you'll receive feedback and guidance on your favorite photographs from the trip.
✔️ Breakfasts & Dinners Included – Daily breakfasts and group dinners are included throughout the workshop. (Lunches, snacks, and personal purchases are not included.)
🚫 NOT Included in the Standard Package:
✔️ 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 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:
✔️ 2 Extra Days in Paradise – From sunrise on the beach to aerial reef shots, Fiji is the perfect finale to your photo journey.
✔️ Private Island Hopping Trip – Private island-hopping with calm turquoise water and sandbar shoots.
✔️ Hotel & Ground Transport INCLUDED – lodging, airport transfers, and transport for all planned shoots.
🚫 NOT Included in the Extension:
✔️ Your Camera – Any DSLR or mirrorless camera is perfect for this workshop. Full-frame cameras offer extra dynamic range, but outstanding images can absolutely be created with crop sensor cameras as well.
✔️ A Sturdy Tripod – This is one piece of gear you don't want to leave behind. We'll be photographing waterfalls, alpine lakes, mountain landscapes, sunrise, sunset, blue hour, and even the stars. A solid tripod will make a huge difference.
✔️ Wireless Remote or Cable Release (Optional but Recommended) – Excellent for long exposures and night photography while eliminating camera shake.
✔️ Telephoto Lens – Recommended range 70-200mm or 100-400mm. Perfect for compressing mountain ranges, isolating distant peaks, photographing wildlife when opportunities arise, and capturing intimate landscape details.
✔️ Standard Zoom (24-70mm or 24-105mm Recommended) – This will likely be your most-used lens throughout the workshop, handling everything from landscapes and waterfalls to towns, forests, and travel photography.
✔️ Ultra-Wide Lens (14-24mm or Similar) – Highly recommended for dramatic foregrounds, expansive mountain scenes, lake reflections, waterfalls, and astrophotography.
✔️ ND Filters (Optional but Highly Recommended) – Perfect for creating silky waterfalls, smoothing lake surfaces, and extending shutter speeds during daylight.
✔️ Circular Polarizer – One of the most valuable filters you'll own in New Zealand. It reduces reflections, deepens blue skies, enhances autumn colors, and helps reveal the incredible clarity of New Zealand's lakes and rivers.
✔️ Extra Batteries – Bring at least 3 spare batteries. Cooler mornings, long shooting days, and night photography will drain batteries faster than normal.
✔️ Extra Memory Cards – You'll likely shoot thousands of images during the week. Bring more storage than you think you'll need.
✔️ Lens Cloths & Blower – Waterfalls, mist, rain showers, and changing weather are all part of photographing New Zealand. Keeping your lenses clean is essential.
✔️ Laptop with Lightroom or Photoshop – We'll spend time reviewing, editing, and improving your images throughout the workshop.
✔️ Laptop Charger & External Hard Drive – Back up your images every day. These are photographs you'll never want to lose.
✔️ Reusable Water Bottle – We'll often spend long days out in the field.
✔️ Sunglasses, Sunscreen & Lip Balm – New Zealand's UV levels are surprisingly intense, even during autumn.
✔️ Power Adapter – New Zealand uses Type I electrical outlets (230V). International travelers should bring an appropriate adapter.
✔️ Notebook & Pen (Optional) – Great for writing down camera settings, composition ideas, editing notes, or business strategies discussed during the workshop.
✔️ Dress in Layers – April is autumn in New Zealand. Expect cool mornings, comfortable afternoons, and chilly evenings. Temperatures can change quickly, especially in the mountains.
✔️ Waterproof Rain Jacket – One of the most important things to pack. Weather changes rapidly, and many of our best photographs may happen immediately before or after rain.
✔️ Warm Mid-Layer – A fleece or lightweight insulated jacket works perfectly for early mornings and evening photography.
✔️ Comfortable Waterproof Hiking Boots – We will photograph around waterfalls, lakes, rocky shorelines, forest trails, and uneven terrain. Waterproof hiking boots are strongly recommended.
Important: Before traveling, thoroughly clean your hiking boots, tripod feet, backpacks, and any outdoor gear. Remove all dirt, mud, grass, seeds, and plant material. New Zealand has some of the world's strictest biosecurity laws, and dirty outdoor equipment may be inspected upon arrival.
✔️ Wool or Hiking Socks – Several comfortable pairs will make long shooting days much more enjoyable.
✔️ Light Gloves & Warm Beanie – Sunrise, sunset, and night photography can become surprisingly chilly in alpine areas.
✔️ Small Daypack – Ideal for carrying your camera gear, extra clothing, water, snacks, and rain protection while we're out shooting.
New Zealand works incredibly hard to protect its unique environment. As a result, it has some of the strictest customs and biosecurity regulations in the world. Please take a few minutes to prepare before your trip.
✔️ Clean All Outdoor Equipment Before You Fly – Hiking boots, trail shoes, tripods, backpacks, trekking poles, camping equipment, fishing gear, and anything that has been used outdoors should be completely clean before arriving. Remove all mud, dirt, sand, seeds, leaves, insects, and plant material.
✔️ Check Your Camera Bag – Tripod feet, backpack pockets, rain covers, and camera bags often collect dirt or seeds without you noticing. Please inspect them before packing.
✔️ Declare Any Food – Snacks, protein bars, fruit, nuts, candy, coffee, tea, sandwiches, jerky, and virtually any food items should be declared upon arrival. Many items are permitted after inspection, but failing to declare them can result in significant fines.
✔️ Declare Natural Items – Wood products, shells, feathers, seeds, plants, flowers, animal products, and other natural materials should also be declared.
✔️ Photography Equipment Is No Problem – Cameras, lenses, drones, laptops, batteries, chargers, memory cards, and photography accessories are all perfectly normal to bring. The primary concern is keeping outdoor equipment clean.
✔️ When in Doubt, Declare It – Declaring an item doesn't mean you've done anything wrong. Customs officers simply inspect it and determine whether it's allowed. It's always better to declare something than risk forgetting.
✔️ Review the Official Guidelines Before You Travel – Customs requirements can change. Please review the latest information before your flight:
https://www.customs.govt.nz/
If you're joining us for one or both of our optional extensions, you may want to pack a few additional items.
🇫🇯 Fiji Extension
✔️ Swimsuit – You'll definitely want one.
✔️ Flip-Flops or Sandals – Perfect for the beach, and pool.
✔️ Lightweight Summer Clothing – Fiji is warm and tropical, even while New Zealand is enjoying autumn.
✔️ Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Highly recommended to help protect Fiji's beautiful coral reefs.
✔️ Hat & Sunglasses – The tropical sun can be very strong.
🇦🇺 Sydney Extension
✔️ Comfortable Walking Shoes – We'll likely spend plenty of time exploring the city on foot.
✔️ Light Jacket – Autumn evenings along Sydney Harbour can become cool.
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 support@craigalexanderacademy.com.
Arriving in New Zealand
Please book your flights so that your final destination is Queenstown Airport (ZQN). Most international travelers will first arrive in New Zealand through Auckland (AKL) before connecting to a short domestic flight into Queenstown.
We recommend booking a single itinerary all the way to Queenstown (ZQN) whenever possible, rather than purchasing separate tickets.
(Exact arrival dates and recommended arrival times will be announced as we get closer to the workshop.)
Flying Home
If you're joining only the New Zealand workshop, you'll fly home from Queenstown Airport (ZQN).
(Exact departure dates will be announced as we get closer to the workshop.)
If you're continuing on to one or both of our optional extensions, we'll coordinate the flights for you and simply invoice you for the final cost.
If your trip concludes in Fiji, you'll book your international flight home from Nadi International Airport (NAN).
Hotels are going to be booked by our team for you! They are included in the price of this workshops
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