Photography Tour Queenstown to Glenorchy: Learn Landscape Skills

Learn landscape photography from an award-winning photographer in one of the world's greatest drives.

A half-day photography class from Queenstown to Glenorchy combines instruction in landscape photography with real locations. You travel with an award-winning photographer who teaches you how to use your own camera to capture mountain, lake and forest scenes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the guide handles the drive so you can focus on the landscape.

Step-by-step itinerary

Photography tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy

• Depart Queenstown
• Drive along Lake Wakatipu
• Arrive in Glenorchy
• Photograph snow-capped mountains and lakes
• Explore ancient beech forests
• Learn landscape photography techniques
• Return to Queenstown

The experience

Five hours takes you from Queenstown through one of the world's greatest drives along Wakatipu Lake to Glenorchy, where snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, rivers and ancient beech forests frame every shot. The photographer chooses special locations with views that have drawn filmmakers to the area (Lord of the Rings and Narnia were both shot here), and teaches you how to compose and expose for each one using the camera you brought. You learn techniques that carry forward to every landscape you photograph after this day.

The guide handles all the driving, so you can study the landscape as you move through it rather than watching the road. Snacks are provided during the tour. A tripod is available if you need one, and the photographer works with all fitness levels and welcomes children from age 5. You'll need a camera with a fully charged battery. The instruction adapts to whatever equipment you have.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Queenstown.
• experienced award-winning photographer as your guide.
• instruction in landscape photography techniques.
• snacks.
• tripod available on request.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 06:00 and 14:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (16 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessible

Operated by Glen Howey Photography Tours

Is this one for you?Small groups work best for personalized instruction, and this tour keeps numbers low so the photographer can tailor guidance to your camera and your questions. Book this if you want to learn skills that stick, not just see the scenery. The instruction is what sets it apart from a standard scenic drive.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

38 verified traveler reviews

5 ★38

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of landscape will I be photographing around Glenorchy?

Glenorchy sits at the edge of Mount Aspiring and Fiordland national parks, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes and rivers, and ancient beech forests. The area has served as a filming location for major productions, so the scenery is dramatic and varied, from towering ranges to native forest to water reflections.

Do I need professional camera experience to join this tour?

No. The tour is designed to teach you landscape photography skills using your own equipment, whatever level you're starting from. The award-winning photographer provides insightful guidance on maximizing your camera's use and the fine art of composing landscape images.

What's included in the five hours?

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Queenstown, the full drive to Glenorchy and back along Wakatipu Lake, instruction at multiple locations, snacks during the tour, and use of a tripod on request. The photographer guides you through the entire day and handles the driving.