- From above
- Drone, Helicopter, Fixed-wing, Ground
Who is Scott?
Want to know more about me before joining the workshop? Watch this short video where I share a bit about my journey, my passion for photography, and what drives my creative process.
Meet in Queenstown, New Zealand
Over the past decade, I’ve spent countless hours exploring New Zealand’s South Island, both from the air and on the ground. It’s a place that never stops surprising me, and now I’m putting together a workshop to share some of these incredible locations with you.
Joining me is my good friend, colleague, and fellow professional landscape photographer Paul Hoelenwho will be leading this adventure with me. Paul is originally from New Zealand, and his deep local knowledge, paired with his fun yet professional approach, will make this an extra special workshop experience in 2026
One of the biggest highlights will be an aerial flight out of Fox GlacierGlenorchy and or Tekapooffering a unique perspective of the Southern Alps, a chance to see and capture this landscape in a way few ever do.
We’re also working closely with local operators, ensuring we follow New Zealand’s strict regulations for exploring these beautiful lands. This means peace of mind when navigating this mesmerizing environment, knowing everything is done safely, responsibly, and with the utmost respect for the landscape.
South Island Aerial and Landscape Photography Workshop: Itinerary Overview
This itinerary is a rough guide to where we’ll be heading and that’s by design. Paul and I run our workshops in a dynamic, flexible fashion so we can dodge bad weather when it’s time to fly (and sometimes chase it when we want moody light on the ground). We’ve secured takeoff locations throughout the South Island, giving us the freedom to adapt and get you in the air snapping like mad when the conditions line up.
This workshop includes 1.5 hours of flight time per personusing a mix of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft across across different locations, weather depending. These flights have been handpicked to offer the best possible access to the South Island’s incredible alpine terrain.
While the aerial component is a major focus and a huge drawcard of this workshop, it’s important to know that this trip is about so much more than just being in the air. Unlike our purely aerial workshops in Western Australia, the South Island offers a richness and variety on the ground that rivals what we’ll see from above. Towering peaks, moody forests, glacial rivers, and winding alpine passes, there’s photographic gold around every corner.
We’ll be spending plenty of time working from the ground as well as the air, and when airspace allows, we’ll make use of drones. While a drone isn’t essential for this trip, if you own one, we highly recommend bringing it. This isn’t a drone workshop, but Paul, myself, and our guide will find you places to fly when we can in our downtimeand some of the private properties we’re staying on will be absolutely ideal: quiet, remote, and wide open. So while drones aren’t central to this experience, there will definitely be opportunities to put yours to good use if you bring one along.
We’ve also lined up optional extra flight time in Fox Glacier, Glenorchy, and Tekapo for those who want to take it further, depending on budget and conditions.
Please note: Flights to and from Christchurch are not included.
Accommodation and Travel Style
We’ll be cruising around in a Mercedes Sprinter vanwith plenty of room for all our gear but still compact enough to get us into remote areas and up tight roads. Our driver and guide has over 15 years of experience navigating the South Island, and combined with Paul and I’s knowledge of the region, you’ll be in good hands to just sit back, enjoy the ride, and focus on shooting.
Accommodation is a mix of large Airbnbs and a few nights in regular motel or hotel rooms where needed. The bulk of the trip will be spent staying on some of the South Island’s most stunning private properties, where we’ll have spacious houses all to ourselves. Each participant gets their own private bedroomand the shared spaces allow for a relaxed, communal atmosphere that really adds to the experience.
Think big homes set on acres of landoften with sweeping views, private access, and peaceful surroundings. These aren’t your typical tour lodgings. This is your own slice of New Zealand for the time we’re there, and it makes a massive difference to the overall vibe of the workshop.
Meals and Group Vibe
While meals aren’t included in the price, we’ll be eating as a group most nights, either at local pubs, restaurants, or cooking at our shared houses depending on the location. Breakfasts will generally be grab and go style since we’ll be chasing early light, and lunches will be a mix of roadside stops, bakery runs, and the occasional proper café or pub meal.
It’s a road trip adventure at heart, and the flexibility keeps things exciting and photogenic. If you’re someone who enjoys good company, epic locations, and the freedom to follow the light wherever it leads, this trip is built for you.
Day by day
Day 1: Arrive in Queenstown, drive to Wanaka
Start your journey with a relaxed drive over the Crown Range to Wanaka. We’ll ease into the trip with some golden hour shooting at Lake Wanaka and of course, the famous Wanaka Tree. Optional aerials of the surrounding farmland and ridgelines if conditions allow.
Day 2: Haast Pass to Glacier Country
Head over the stunning Haast Pass into the rainforest clad West Coast. Stop along the way for roadside gems like Thunder Creek Falls, Fantail Falls, and the Blue Pools. Finish the day near Fox or Franz Josef Glacier, with potential for a sunset shoot if the clouds cooperate.
Day 3: Glacier aerials and Lake Matheson
If the skies are clear, we’ll take to the air for jaw dropping views over the Southern Alps and glaciers. Later in the day we’ll visit Lake Matheson, known for its iconic mirrored reflections of Aoraki and Mount Tasman. A flexible day depending on conditions.
Day 4: Up to Arthur’s Pass
We make our way up the rugged West Coast, then cut inland through Arthur’s Pass National Park. This area is loaded with dramatic terrain, alpine rivers, and misty forests. Depending on timing, we may shoot Punchbowl Falls that afternoon or early the next morning.
Day 5: Castle Hill and on to Lake Tekapo
Start the day with a sunrise shoot at Punchbowl Falls or Castle Hill’s surreal limestone boulders. Then head southeast to Lake Tekapo via the inland scenic route. The turquoise lake, lupin fields (seasonal), and the Church of the Good Shepherd await. If the sky is clear, this is a perfect astro opportunity.
Day 6: Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
We head deeper into the high country, arriving at the base of New Zealand’s highest peak. Expect massive alpine drama, turquoise glacial lakes, and multiple options for aerial flights over Tasman Glacier. On the ground, it’s all about epic scale and texture.
Day 7: Mount Cook sunrise, then return to Queenstown via Lindis Pass
We rise early for a final sunrise shoot at either Hooker Lake, Tasman Lake, or the surrounding ridgelines. Then begin the scenic return to Queenstown via Twizel, Omarama, and Lindis Pass. It’s one of the South Island’s great drives with rolling hills, tussock plains, and dramatic backdrops.
Day 8: Queenstown final shoot or rest day
A relaxed finish. You can explore Glenorchy, Moke Lake, or the shores of Lake Wakatipu depending on weather and energy levels. Or, simply enjoy the town and wrap up the adventure with a final sunset shoot or an edit session over coffee.
If you’d like to book your spot, just get in touch. An email will be sent to us and we’ll get in touch to provide more detailed information and organise your booking confirmation and deposit.
We currently have two early bookings on this epic adventure, so spots are already starting to go. If you’re keen to be part of it, now’s the time to lock it in.
View our full Terms and Conditions here
Before you come
What it's really like
- Weather: cold mornings and mild days, with changeable weather
- A real road trip, with plenty of time in the van between locations and spontaneous stops along the way
- Short walks, up to three or four kilometres return, on uneven ground
- Flights booked around the best light and weather, so plans can change, sometimes on the day
- A mix of hotels, motels and lodges
- Meals together most nights (each person pays for their own)
- A small group and plenty of one on one time
- Comfortable clothes for the outdoors. Nothing formal needed
- A camera body (two if you have them), with a 24-70mm and a 70-200mm
- A wide lens and a sturdy tripod for the ground shoots
- Your drone, spare batteries and propellers, if you fly
- Straps for every camera on the flights
- Warm windproof layers, beanie and gloves for the doors off flights
- Good walking shoes or light hiking boots
- A rain jacket
- A laptop with Lightroom
- Plenty of memory cards and a backup drive
- Anything loose that could blow away on a flight
- A fixed idea of the itinerary. The weather decides the order
Cancellations and travel insurance
More than 90 days before the workshop: full refund, less a change fee of AUD $500 (about USD $330).
Between 90 and 30 days before: I'll move you to a future workshop with a credit for what you've paid, less the change fee. Credits are valid for 12 months.
Within 30 days: payments can't be refunded, as it's very hard to fill a place at short notice. If something genuinely unexpected happens, I'll always do my best to work something out with you.
If I need to cancel: whether it's minimum numbers, weather, aircraft or anything else outside my control, I'll try to reschedule first. Otherwise you can choose a full refund or a credit to another workshop.
Travel insurance is essential. Please arrange cover for cancellation, medical and evacuation from remote areas, and ideally your camera gear too. World Nomads covers travellers from over 100 countries, and guests from the US can also compare plans on Squaremouth.
Good to know
Common questions
Can I sit out a walk?
Of course. If you'd rather skip one of the walks, you're welcome to relax in the van.
What's it like shooting with the doors off?
Loud, windy and unforgettable. You're harnessed in the whole time and everything is strapped to you. One tip: dress warmer than you think you'll need. Even in the tropics it gets cold up there with the door off.
Is there a weight limit for the aircraft?
The pilots need passenger weights to keep everything balanced and safe, so I'll ask you privately when we chat. It stays strictly between you, me and the pilot.
How does booking work?
Just fill in the enquiry form on the workshop page. I'll get back to you, normally within 24 hours, with the booking details, payment information and terms. Your place is confirmed once your deposit is paid.
Do I need aerial experience?
Not at all. As long as you know your way around your camera, I'll guide you through the rest. Shooting from the air feels a little unusual at first, but most people are comfortable by the end of the first flight.
What happens if the weather grounds a flight?
It's part of aerial photography. I build some flexibility into every itinerary and do everything I can to reschedule flights within the trip. The full details are in the terms and conditions.
How confident do I need to be with my drone?
You'll want to be comfortable taking off and landing from uneven ground and flying in a light breeze. If you're still building confidence, a few practice sessions before the trip make a real difference.
When should I arrive?
I recommend arriving the day before we start. Flights can run late, and it means you'll be fresh on day one. I'll send through the meeting point and time before the trip.
How much luggage can I bring?
Usually one medium sized bag for clothes and a second, smaller bag for your camera gear. Soft bags or a well designed hard case are both fine. We play a bit of suitcase Jenga each day, which is all part of the fun.
Will I have my own room?
Yes. Everyone has their own room on all group and private workshops, unless you'd like to share. The accommodation for each trip is listed on its page.
Are meals included?
Meals aren't included in the price, so everyone pays for their own. On group workshops we usually eat together, which is one of the best parts of the trip, but if you'd like a quiet night to yourself that's completely fine.
Will I have phone coverage?
Most of the places we visit have phone coverage, with the occasional blank spot, usually while we're travelling between locations. From 2027 my expedition vehicles have Starlink on board as well, so staying in touch is easy.
Can my partner come along?
Often, yes. It depends on the trip and the seats in the aircraft, so just mention it when you get in touch and we'll work something out.
What if I'd rather do something private?
If the dates don't suit, or you'd like a trip built entirely around you, I also run private tours for one to three people. Have a look at my availability calendar and get in touch.