Takapoto Wine Tastings at the Cabana

The winter light in the South Island offers superb conditions and we will be photographing an incredible variety of landscapes including Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps, Moeraki Boulders, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson and the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. We will also photograph at hidden backcountry locations which few others know of. One of the highlights of our journey is the private helicopter flight into the untouched wilds of the Fiordland National Park, where we capture compelling images of the glacier-carved landscape.

Combine a luxury transfer from Rotorua to Auckland with a visit to 2 world-famous attractions. After pick-up in Rotorua, we drive across the Mamaku Plateau to the Hobbiton Movie Set, made world-famous as the original setting of Sir Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. On the 2.5 hour Group tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, get astonishing insights into how these movies were made and which parts of the movies were filmed here. We then continue on to Waitomo Caves, in the Waikato region, taking in the special region as we drive through the beautiful countryside of New Zealand’s North Island. At Waitomo, experience the underground wonderland that is Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a Group tour.

Experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Enjoy a fully guided walking tour showcasing the intricate details, pointing out the most famous locations. Journey past the colourful Hobbit Hole doors including the iconic Bag End, before arriving at Bagshot Row for a glimpse of the interior of a humble Hobbit’s home. End your day with an exclusively brewed beverage at the Green Dragon Inn to conclude your Middle-earth adventure.

Taking a private photography tour allows you to choose an itinerary which best suits your schedule, photographic interests and physical capabilities. Imagine the uniqueness of exploring the South Island by helicopter, photographing in locations only a privileged few ever see. Maybe even trek along remote New Zealand tracks, many of which are unknown by visitors, taking you from secret valleys to mountain wildernesses. Whether you are looking for a trip just for yourself, or have a group to organise an expedition for, we would love to help you get the most out of your photography in New Zealand. To learn more please click on the link.

Begin your experience with a fully guided 2.5 hour walking tour through Hobbiton Movie Set. Wander past Hobbit Holes, peek inside Bagshot Row, and raise a glass at The Green Dragon Inn. Enjoy a hearty banquet lunch at The Millhouse before going behind the scenes at the Art Department workshop, where your guide reveals the secrets behind Hobbiton's creation and upkeep. The adventure concludes on a secluded outlook with a hobbit-style platter of cheese, chutneys, and fruit enjoyed from a hidden vista tucked away from the bustle of the Shire. This is a 4.5 fully guided experience.

Step through the pest-proof gate into another world, where an ancient forest tower majestically above well-maintained walking tracks and the air is filled with birdsong. Explore the Sanctuary at your own pace or with an experienced guide who will help you spot the wildlife, including kākā, takahē, tuatara, kiwi, tīeke and more. Relax in the clearing or take an optional walk up the 16-metre observation tower, offering a unique perspective from within the forest canopy. Sanctuary Mountain is located in the heart of the Waikato, and as a not-for-profit, every visit helps make our conservation efforts possible. So come and share the mauri and mana of Maungatautari. You will come away enriched and enlightened by this spectacular environment.