Private Full-Day Photography Tour: Queenstown, Skippers Canyon, Glenorchy & Wanaka
Spend a full day chasing New Zealand light with a local photographer-guide—photograph alpine lakes, Skippers Canyon, Arrowtown and the Wanaka Tree while learning camera craft along the way. This tailored, private tour blends instruction with scenic drives and short, scenic walks.
The Experience
Before You Go
Charge and backup
Bring fully charged batteries and at least one spare memory card—cold weather shortens battery life and you’ll shoot a lot.
Tripod use
A lightweight tripod will let you shoot long exposures at dawn and dusk for smoother water and sharper detail.
Dress in layers
Weather onshore of the Southern Alps can change quickly—pack windproof layers and a warm mid-layer.
Road caution at Skippers
Skippers Canyon road is narrow and unsealed—follow your guide’s instructions and avoid attempting it in a rental without permission.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Short lakeshore scramble near Glenorchy for reflections away from main viewpoints
- •Quiet street scenes and restored miners’ cottages in Arrowtown for intimate architectural shots
Wildlife
- •New Zealand fantail (pīwakawaka)
- •Black-backed gulls and occasional kea in higher valleys
Conservation Note
Respect private land and livestock; stick to marked access points and your guide will advise on sensitive sites to reduce erosion and disturbance.
The Otago gold rush of the 1860s reshaped settlements like Arrowtown and brought the early European visitors who first mapped trails through these valleys.
Photographer's Notes
- • Lake Wakatipu shoreline near Queenstown jetty
- • Skippers Canyon lookout for layered schist cliffs
- • Roys Bay near the Wanaka Tree for reflections and foreground interest
What to Bring
DSLR or mirrorless cameraEssential
Allows manual control needed for landscape and long-exposure photography.
Lightweight tripodEssential
Stabilizes shots for dawn/dusk exposures and low-light scenes.
Wide-angle and telephoto lensesEssential
Wide for landscapes and tele for compressed mountain/shoreline details.
Waterproof jacket & warm layersEssential
Protects against sudden wind and rain common in the lakes district.
Common Questions
How many people per tour?
This is a private tour suitable for solo visitors or small groups (2–4 people).
Is vehicle pickup included?
Yes—pickup from most Queenstown hotels is offered; confirm your pickup point during booking.
Do I need prior photography experience?
No—your guide tailors instruction to your level, from absolute beginner to advanced techniques.
Can we visit the Wanaka Tree and Skippers Canyon in one day?
Yes—this full-day itinerary schedules both, though you can choose one or two longer-distance stops based on preference.
What happens in bad weather?
Tours may be canceled for bad weather with a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours prior; the operator will advise on safety-related changes.
Are walks strenuous?
No—stops involve short, mostly flat walks to viewpoints; the tour is rated suitable for all fitness levels.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
7–8 hours
Location
Queenstown, Otago
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Light fitness required—mostly vehicle-based with short walks and standing while shooting.
Ready to Explore Queenstown?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
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