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Free Bali Photo Map

New Zealand: Photography Journey

12-26 April 2027

Lakes, Mountains, Culture & Autumn Colours of New Zealand’s South Island

“Spectacular landscape photography , vibrant autumn colours, rich culture, great food and wine, and the joy of travelling through one of the most beautiful countries in the world.”

Join New Zealand-born photographer David Metcalf on an unforgettable journey through the spectacular landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island during one of the most beautiful seasons of the year.

Make a booking enquiry
Lake on the road to Milford (1)
Queenstown,early morning (1)
Road to Milford Sound (1)
DSC_4424
DSC_4482

Having grown up in New Zealand and travelled extensively throughout the South Island over many years, David brings a deep personal connection to the country and its landscapes. This particular route has been explored by David on three separate occasions, allowing him to carefully select the locations, viewpoints and experiences that showcase the very best of the South Island during autumn.

While photography is at the heart of this journey, this is about much more than simply taking pictures. It is an opportunity to experience the very essence of New Zealand — its breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, fascinating Māori heritage, outstanding food and world-class wines.

As we travel through mountain valleys, remote coastlines, glacier country and fiords, there will be time to enjoy great food in country towns, sample local wines, share stories over dinner and immerse ourselves in the relaxed lifestyle that makes New Zealand such a special destination. Some of the most memorable moments often occur away from the camera — a conversation with a local, a glass of Central Otago Pinot Noir overlooking a lake, fresh seafood on the coast, or simply watching the evening light transform a mountain landscape.

Photography Highlights:
 
• Sunrise reflections at Lake Matheson with views towards Aoraki / Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.
• Mist-covered lakes and river valleys in Wanaka, Glenorchy and the Mackenzie Country.
• Autumn colours at Arrowtown, Wanaka and Glenorchy.
• Dramatic weather and waterfalls in Milford Sound.
• Mirror Lakes and Fiordland mountain landscapes.
• West Coast beaches, rainforests and glacier scenery.
• Paradise and the Dart River Valley, one of New Zealand’s most photogenic regions.
• Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park at sunrise and sunset.
• Night photography and astrophotography opportunities in the Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve.
• Long-exposure photography of waterfalls, rivers and coastal scenes.
• Personal guidance on landscape photography, composition and working with changing light.
• The Journey begins and finishes in Christchurch 

April is a magical time in the South Island. Golden poplars and crimson trees line the rivers and lakes, the first snow dusts the mountain peaks and the softer autumn light creates ideal conditions for photography. From the rugged West Coast and the glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef, to the iconic beauty of Wanaka, Queenstown, Glenorchy, Milford Sound and Aoraki / Mount Cook, every day presents new opportunities for exploration and creativity.

Travelling with a small group allows us the flexibility to follow the best light, adapt to weather conditions and enjoy a relaxed pace without feeling rushed. There will be plenty of opportunities for photography guidance, but equally important will be the friendships formed, the shared experiences and the enjoyment of discovering New Zealand together.

Whether you are an experienced photographer, a passionate traveller or simply someone who appreciates beautiful places and meaningful experiences, this journey offers the chance to experience New Zealand through the eyes of a local and return home with wonderful memories, new friendships and an exceptional collection of photographs.

This is New Zealand at its finest — spectacular landscapes, vibrant autumn colours, rich culture, great food and wine, and the joy of travelling through one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

For photographers, the South Island offers an extraordinary variety of subjects and conditions. We will photograph mirror-like lakes reflecting snow-capped peaks, mist rising from river valleys at dawn, ancient rainforests, dramatic waterfalls, rugged coastlines, glaciers and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Southern Hemisphere. Autumn colours provide a stunning backdrop throughout much of the journey, particularly around Wanaka, Arrowtown and Glenorchy.

We will also seek out opportunities for atmospheric morning photography, moody weather conditions in Milford Sound, and where conditions permit, night photography beneath New Zealand’s remarkably dark skies. The Mount Cook and Mackenzie Country region is internationally renowned for stargazing, offering the possibility of photographing the Milky Way above alpine landscapes. Throughout the journey, the emphasis will be on being in the right place at the right time, taking advantage of changing light, weather and seasonal conditions to create memorable and unique images.

PRICING

$6,400 USD | Based on single room

$5,700 USD | Based on shared rooms

We require a $1,500 USD deposit to secure your place.

For pricing and additional details, please contact David directly on WhatsApp at +628111331255 or via email at davidmetcalf312@gmail.com.

Make a booking enquiry

Includes:

  • 14 Nights accomodation 
  • Domestic transport
  • All meals
  • Park fees
  • Milford Sound Cruise

 

Excludes:

  • International Flights
  • Alcohol

Customer Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"3 wonderful days to discover the local culture during the festive period before the day of silence. David allows you to discover Balinese culture away from the tourist circuits thus offering unrivalled photographic opportunities. His great knowledge of Indonesian traditions and his expertise as a professional photographer made this stay a total success. Do not hesitate to ask."
Eric B.29 April 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Dave Metcalf's photography tour of Bhutan, with Kolkata thrown in beforehand, in Feb-March 2026 was great. Good company, lots of variety of things to photograph and good hotels and food. I've been on quite a few workshops with Dave and they always are a success. If you need any technical assistance he is there to help you. This time we visited a Buddhist festival at Pukhara and got some great images. The local guide and driver were also very helpful. Thoroughly recommended."
Robert M.13 March 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"In Bali, David was our personal guide photographer and that is where we got to know him well. He is well organized, arrives on time and plans out the whole day. In fact I and my friend were very demanding and David would try to comply to our needs on a short notice. I highly recommend David as a fixer or a great photography teacher either way if you use his services, you will not be disappointed."
K. Hataw26 January 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I have joined David Metcalf on 4 tours, to Borneo, Sulawesi, Sumatra and the Mentawai islands. I can honestly say that these trips are life-changing experiences, opening my mind and heart to the diversity and beauty of humanity and the natural world. David expertly curates dynamic and fascinating programmes, offering rare opportunities to immerse in unique cultures and witness incredible ceremonies and everyday life."
Melanie L.19 January 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"... I really recommand David Metcalf if you like to discover wonderful locations or discover the stunning Indonesian culture and its peoples. For sure I will come back in this incredible country and no matter how I will organize my next trip, I will definitely contact David."
Eric B.8 May 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"...He's a good guy and will tailor your day according to your skills. I am an avid amateur and experienced in landscape photography. I also love shooting people. We spent hours in a really cool market that no one but locals would know. What a day."
Sandi 16 September 2023
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"All I can say if you want to experience a beautiful sunrise over volcanoes, go to a very local market tourists rarely visit, have lunch in the home in a local village, and stop at many spots along the back roads, all the while taking incredible images, then this is the tour for you."
Ian C.28 July 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"For any other photographers on the fence about which photo guide to go with, please consider David and/or his team (Nyoman). I know there are other photo guides out there (that are quite famous on Instagram) but they do not provide you the ability to adjust and dictate the flow of your itinerary..."
Chi5 June 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Outstanding day, we had challenging conditions with the weather but my guide Nyoman was excellent and adjusted the tour's itinerary to suit the weather conditions. While early rain impacted some of the sites, we had great light as the sun broke through the rain... "
David J.11 May 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"David is a very nice guy who is very knowledgeable about photography, local customers, and good photography spots. On my trip I got photograph and experience the way of life here in Bali. The driver Made was also wonderful and they both made me most welcome and I felt very safe as a solo woman traveler."
Clay5 February 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"...Not only was David's itinerary a remarkable 10-day tour that kept us off the beaten path, but also it introduced us to exceptional people along the way. Thanks to David's particular relationships and philanthropic efforts in multiple Balinese communities, we were greeted with open arms -- and kitchens and homes!
Lisa A.15 November 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"My wife and I partnered with David to bring a small group of photographers to Bali from the United States for a 9 day cultural photographic experience. This was our second trip to the beautiful Island of Bali and it far exceeded our expectations."
Jeff S.8 November 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"My wife and I were part of a custom photography & cultural tour led by David. Some of us were experienced photographers, others not. David's connections with the locals and his understanding of Indonesian & Balinese culture were more than we ever could have expected, and this cannot be understated."
Carlton S.17 October 2022
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