NEW ZEALAND WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Where Winter Becomes Art

An intimate photography and culinary journey through New Zealand’s breathtaking winter landscapes.

19–29 July 2027

Limited to just six photographers

EXPERIENCE WINTER IN NEW ZEALAND’S SOUTH ISLAND

19–29 July 2027
Hosted by John Armytage and Craig Williams

Snow-capped mountains. Frozen landscapes. Crystal-clear lakes. Extraordinary winter light.

Join us for an unforgettable small-group photography journey through New Zealand’s spectacular South Island. From Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook to Lindis Pass, Queenstown and beyond, each destination has been selected for its beauty, atmosphere and photographic potential.

Created for photographers who value personalised tuition, comfortable travel and minimal trekking, the workshop offers plenty of time to slow down, explore each location and create considered images.

With only six participants, you’ll enjoy direct access to John and Craig throughout the journey. Hands-on guidance in the field and dedicated editing sessions will help you strengthen your technique, refine your creative vision and return home with images you’re proud of.

Along the way, thoughtfully selected accommodation and memorable culinary experiences provide the perfect balance of photography, learning, comfort and adventure.

Exclusive participant discounts on, NiSi Filters & Leofoto & Summit Creative - Please let us know what you are interested in.

WINTER REVEALS A DIFFERENT NEW ZEALAND

Fewer crowds. Longer light. Extraordinary landscapes.

In winter, New Zealand’s South Island becomes quieter, wilder and even more photogenic. Snow settles across the Southern Alps, frost transforms familiar landscapes and alpine lakes mirror mountains beneath beautifully clear skies.

The sun remains lower throughout the day, creating softer light, longer shadows and extended opportunities to photograph beyond the usual golden hours. Passing weather brings atmosphere and drama—often transforming a scene within moments.

THIS IS WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY AT ITS MOST INSPIRING:

• Snow-covered peaks rising above turquoise alpine lakes

• Frosted landscapes filled with delicate detail and texture

• Spectacular sunrise and sunset colour

• Glass-like reflections in clear mountain waters

• Dramatic skies and constantly changing light

• Iconic locations experienced at their quietest

Every day offers something different—and every change in the weather brings the possibility of an unforgettable photograph.

A JOURNEY THROUGH NEW ZEALAND’S WINTER ICONS

From the creative energy of Christchurch to the snow-covered grandeur of Queenstown, our route brings together celebrated landmarks, hidden perspectives and some of the South Island’s most extraordinary winter scenery.

Each location has been selected for its distinctive character, photographic potential and beauty in winter light.

CHRISTCHURCH

Our journey begins with a varied introduction to the South Island, combining tranquil gardens, striking coastal architecture and contemporary urban scenes.

Photography highlights:

• Christchurch Botanic Gardens
• New Brighton Pier
• Urban and architectural photography

LAKE TEKAPO & MACKENZIE COUNTRY

Turquoise water, vast skies and snow-dusted mountains make Mackenzie Country one of New Zealand’s most recognisable landscapes. In winter, its quiet beauty becomes even more compelling.

Photography highlights:

• The Church of the Good Shepherd
• Lake Tekapo’s shoreline and mountain reflections
• The elevated landscapes around Mount John
• Frosted scenery throughout the Mackenzie Basin

LAKE PUKAKI & AORAKI/MOUNT COOK

Photograph one of the South Island’s most breathtaking alpine regions, where Lake Pukaki’s remarkable blue water leads towards the snow-covered summit of Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Photography highlights:

• Lake Pukaki’s turquoise shoreline
• Peter’s Lookout
• The iconic Mount Cook Road
• Snow-covered mountain vistas
• Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

BEN OHAU & TWIZEL

Open spaces, minimalist compositions and dramatic alpine backdrops make this region a landscape photographer’s dream.

Photography highlights:

• Snow-covered peaks
• Quiet, minimalist winter landscapes
• Sweeping views and natural leading lines
• Frost, texture and subtle winter colour

LINDIS PASS

One of the South Island’s most scenic alpine roads, Lindis Pass winds through sculpted hills and expansive tussock country.

Photography highlights:

• Rolling golden tussocks touched by frost
• Layered mountain backdrops
• Abstract winter textures and patterns
• Sweeping road and landscape compositions

THE CLAY CLIFFS

Step into a landscape unlike anywhere else on our journey. Towering pinnacles, deep ravines and richly textured formations create dramatic opportunities for intimate details and grand compositions.

QUEENSTOWN & GLENORCHY

Our journey concludes among the lakes, mountains and cinematic landscapes of the Queenstown region.

Photography highlights:

• Lake Wakatipu
• Glenorchy and its surrounding landscapes
• Elevated alpine viewpoints
• Snow-covered scenery around Queenstown
• Dramatic reflections, changing weather and winter light

Our itinerary will remain flexible, allowing us to respond to weather, road conditions and the available light. This gives us the best opportunity to experience—and photograph—each destination at its most memorable.

RETURN HOME A STRONGER PHOTOGRAPHER

Learn to create images with greater confidence, intention and creative impact.

This workshop goes beyond taking you to beautiful locations. John and Craig will help you understand why an image works, recognise the potential within a scene and make thoughtful decisions from capture through to final edit.

YOU’LL DEVELOP YOUR ABILITY TO:

• Build stronger landscape compositions

• Read winter light, weather and changing conditions

• Plan shoots and anticipate photographic opportunities

• Choose camera settings with confidence

• Create expressive long-exposure images

• Use filters effectively and with purpose

• Simplify complex scenes and identify meaningful subjects

• Develop a more distinctive photographic style

• Refine your images through thoughtful editing

With only six participants, there will be plenty of opportunities for individual guidance, image reviews, editing discussions and one-to-one mentoring throughout the journey.

You’ll leave with more than a collection of beautiful photographs—you’ll return home with new skills, renewed inspiration and a clearer creative direction.

YOUR WINTER JOURNEY AT A GLANCE

DATES
19–29 July 2027

DURATION
11 days / 10 nights

GROUP SIZE
A maximum of six photographers

ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy—designed around accessible locations with minimal walking

JOURNEY
Christchurch → Lake Tekapo → Twizel → Queenstown

YOUR WORKSHOP INVESTMENT

FOCUS PLUS MEMBER RATE
$9,500 AUD per person
Save $200 with your Focus Plus membership.

STANDARD RATE
$9,700 AUD per person

OPTIONAL PRIVATE ROOM
Single-room supplement: $1,950 AUD
Limited availability—early reservation is recommended.

SECURE YOUR PLACE
A deposit of $1,000 AUD will reserve your place.

With only six places available, you’ll enjoy a relaxed small-group experience and personalised guidance throughout the journey.

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What’s Included

✔ 10 Nights Quality Accommodation - 4 Star Accomodation including the Amazing Oaks in Queenstown (5 Nights) Penthouse Style.

✔ Twin Share Accommodation

✔ Private Transport Throughout The Workshop

✔ Professional Photography Tuition

✔ In-Field Guidance & Support

✔ Personalised One-on-One Assistance

✔ Optional Image Review Sessions

✔ Flexible Itinerary Based On Weather Conditions

Oaks Queenstown - Balcony View

What’s Not Included

✘ International or Domestic Flights

✘ Meals

✘ Travel Insurance

✘ Personal Expenses

Small Groups. Personal Attention.

Unlike large photography tours, we limit this workshop to only six participants.

This allows us to provide:

• More individual tuition

• Better access to locations

• Greater flexibility

• A relaxed and enjoyable experience

• Plenty of time to ask questions and improve your photography

Our goal is simple — to help you return home with your strongest portfolio of New Zealand winter landscape images.

Accommodation

We stay in carefully selected quality accommodation throughout the tour, including:

• Christchurch

• Lake Tekapo / Twizel

• Queenstown

All accommodation is chosen for comfort, convenience and easy access to our photography locations.

With only 6 places available, this workshop is expected to fill quickly.

If you’ve always wanted to experience the beauty of New Zealand’s South Island in winter while improving your landscape photography, we’d love to have you join us.

Contact

John Armytage Photography

📧 john@johnarmytagephotography.com.au

🌐 www.johnarmytagephotography.com.au

Small Groups • Minimal Trekking • Premium Locations

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Important Information

Please Note

At John Armytage Photography, our priority is to provide you with the best possible photography experience while ensuring the safety, comfort and enjoyment of every participant.

From time to time, weather, tides, road conditions or other circumstances beyond our control may require adjustments to the itinerary, photography locations, accommodation, dining venues or schedule. Any changes will always be made in the best interests of the group and to maximise your photographic opportunities.

Cancellations & Refunds

If you need to cancel your booking, please notify us in writing via email as soon as possible.

Payments are refundable up to 60 days prior to the workshop commencement date.

Unfortunately, refunds cannot be provided within 60 days of departure unless your place can be filled by another participant.

We strongly recommend that all participants take out comprehensive travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances.

Participant Responsibilities

Participants are responsible for arranging:

Travel to and from the workshop (unless otherwise stated)
Personal travel insurance
Medical insurance (where applicable)
Any personal expenses not included in the workshop package

Participants are also responsible for ensuring they have a reasonable level of fitness suitable for the workshop and for taking appropriate care of their personal belongings and photographic equipment.

John Armytage Photography accepts no responsibility for loss, theft, damage, personal injury or additional travel expenses incurred during the workshop.

Workshop Cancellation

In the unlikely event that John Armytage Photography is required to cancel a workshop, all monies paid directly to us will be refunded in full.

While we will always endeavour to provide as much notice as possible, we cannot accept responsibility for any third-party costs incurred by participants, including flights, accommodation, travel arrangements or other associated bookings. For this reason, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Copyright

All photographs, text and content displayed on this website remain the copyright of John Armytage Photography and may not be reproduced, copied or used without prior written permission.