15 Photography Sessions in New Zealand Worth Booking

1.AuthenticAs Star Gazing -Nightscape Portrait Photography Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 59 reviews Our pick

Join Simon or Emma for a private Queenstown nightscape session lasting about two hours. You’ll visit a dark-sky location near the Wakatipu Basin, learn to photograph stars and the moon, hear Māori stories of the southern sky, and receive a portrait beneath the stars.

“If you are in the Queenstown area and have even a mild interest in the sky at night, then this tour is for you. Our guide Simon met us at our hotel in town and took us to one of the peaks around Queenstown where we witnessed the most sRead more”

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2.Photography Tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy – 1/2 Day

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · from $235

Join photographer Glen Howey for a private five-hour drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy. You’ll photograph Lake Wakatipu, snow-capped peaks, beech forest, lakes, rivers, and film locations linked to *The Lord of the Rings* and Narnia. Hotel pickup, snacks, and camera help are included.

“We began early to take advantage of the first light breaking over the mirror like reflection of the lake at Glenorchy. The scenery was magical and i learned some great pointers about shooting long exposures.”

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3.Half-Day Queenstown Photography Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · from $235

Join award-winning photographer Glen Howey for a private five-hour photography tour from Queenstown to Skippers Canyon. You’ll practice camera skills at quiet viewpoints, learn how to work with changing light, enjoy snacks, and return after sunset photography.

“The weather was cloudy and sometimes shower, therefore some views were blocked by the fog and clouds. Glen Howey, who was a professional photographer living in Queenstown for over 5 years, somehow knew how to deal with thiRead more”

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4.Full Day Queenstown & Southern Lakes Private Photography Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 27 reviews · from $263

Spend about nine hours with a local photographer, often Martin, in a private 4WD around Queenstown and the Southern Lakes. Learn aperture, shutter speed, ISO, composition, and light while choosing between Glenorchy, Skippers Canyon, the Remarkables, Arrowtown, or Wanaka.

“Martin was an excellent professional guide. His knowledge of the area and history of the people is stellar. I would highly recommend his services for a wonderful small group experience. His knowledge of photography is second to none. I highly recommend this tour and would love to work with him again.”

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5.3-Hour Private Photography Tour in Waitomo Caves

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews

Spend three hours in the Maungarongapu Cave system with a private guide such as Ash or Heath. Wade through cave passages, work out camera settings, and photograph glow worms at your own pace. Gumboots, helmet, headlamp, warm clothing, snacks, and post-tour showers are included.

“Ash is a great guide, knowledgeable and the type of guy you’d grab a beer with. Photography tour is definitely worth the money!”

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6.Stargazing Tour with 2 Telescopes & Souvenir Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · 1h 30m · from $65Best value

Meet astronomer Luca near Akaroa for a 90-minute small-group tour beneath exceptionally dark skies. Use a 10-inch Dobsonian and ZWO Seestar S50 to view stars, planets, galaxies, and nebulae, then receive live deep-sky photos and a personal night-sky portrait.

“Very knowledgeable Passionate Wasn’t rushed and patiently answered questions Recommend”

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7.Half Day Skippers Canyon Queenstown Private Photography Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · from $173

Join professional photographer Martin for a five-hour private trip along Skippers Road, where you’ll photograph mountain views, the Shotover River, old gold-mining sites, and dramatic roadside landmarks. Hotel pickup, AWD transport, refreshments, and practical camera guidance are included.

“Small group tour was great. Martin was extremely flexible on the schedule as well as sites to see. Very knowledgeable and personable as well We didn’t rent a camera but Martin was very accommodating regarding taking photos at various Read more”

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8.Private Half Day Photography Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | Glenorchy

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · from $223

Join local photographer Aiste for a private 4.5-hour tour from Queenstown. Travel in an air-conditioned 4WD to photograph places such as Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, Kawarau Gorge, Skippers Canyon, or Glenorchy. You can choose one longer-distance route, with guidance for beginners through advanced photographers.

“Aiste knows the area and gave great suggestions for pictures. We went to a number of locations that were spot on for what I wanted. A delightful person with a great understanding of photography.”

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9.Half Day Queenstown & Beyond Private Scenic Photography Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · from $173

Join local photographer Martin Kohn for a private five-hour tour from Queenstown, Frankton, or Arrowtown. Choose morning or afternoon, then follow the best light toward Glenorchy, Skippers Canyon, Gibbston, the Remarkables, or another nearby area. Bring your own camera or rent a Nikon for NZ$25.

“Martin was absolutely wonderful! It was so refreshing to be on a photography focused tour where I had the time to get the perfect shot in each location. He was very knowledgable about all areas and types of photography and even helped Read more”

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10.Private Full Day Photo Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | Glenorchy | Wanaka |Otago

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $322

Spend 7 to 8 hours with local photographer Aiste on a private Queenstown photo tour for 1 to 4 people. Shape the route around Arrowtown, Skippers Canyon, Glenorchy, Wanaka, or other nearby spots, with photo guidance, a picnic lunch, 4WD transport, and 5 to 10 professional images included.

“This review is long overdue, but I wanted to thank Aiste for a fabulous day of photography and sightseeing! Participating in a photo tour like this was a new experience for me, and I found it to be truly worthwhile – Aiste was incredibly helpful iRead more”

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11.AuthenticAs Discover Queenstown – Professional Photography & Exclusive 4WD Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews

Join Simon and the AuthenticAs team for a private two-hour 4WD photo tour around Queenstown. You’ll visit Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, Coronet Peak, and Skippers Canyon, with local stories, snacks, bottled water, private transport, and digital photographs supplied afterward.

“After an unexpected free day opened up during our vacation, we wanted someone to guide us around the Queenstown area and show us the region’s hidden gems—places less accessible and often overlooked by larger tours. Simon was incRead more”

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12.Half Day Private Photography Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 5 hours · from $192

Spend five private hours with photographer Martin exploring Queenstown and the Wakatipu basin. Choose scenic, historic, people-focused, or creative subjects, then get practical help with composition and camera settings. Hotel pickup, transport, coffee, tea, and cookies are included.

“Extraordinary tour! Extraordinary guide! We saw an amazing amount of Queenstown back country that had breath taking vistas. Great photos !!! Do not miss this.”

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13.Private Full Day Photo Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | Glenorchy | Wanaka |Otago

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $322

Spend up to eight hours with local photographer Aiste on a private Queenstown photo tour. Choose one or two longer drives, such as Skippers Canyon, Glenorchy, or Wanaka, with camera tuition, lunch, snacks, WiFi, and 5 to 10 professional photos included.

“I cannot say enough good things about Aiste. She created a wonderful photo experience that was exactly what I had hoped for.”

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14.Private Half Day Photography Tour of Queenstown | Skippers | Glenorchy

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $223

You’ll explore Queenstown, Arrowtown, Skippers Canyon, and Glenorchy in a private air-conditioned 4WD with a photographer-guide. Expect hands-on camera help, snacks, drinks, WiFi, and a flexible 4 to 5-hour plan for one to four people. Astrophotography is available from February to November.

“I am a total Beginner, but after that Tour I got a first feeling for the three main set ups with my camera. I am definitely motivated now to continue this.”

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15.Private Photoshoot in Lake Tekapo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews

Meet Lara by the Church of the Good Shepherd for a private one-hour photoshoot around Lake Tekapo. She chooses scenic local spots for the light, guides natural poses, and delivers 30 edited high-resolution photos within three days. Groups of up to six pay $310.

“The photoshoot was fun and enjoyable. Lara took us to some of the best spot around Lake Tekapo and she was pleasant and accommodating. We are satisfied with the photoshoot process and moreover the result. Thank you. Hope we can come back.”

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