20-Day Self Drive Photography Adventure in New Zealand’s South Island

You'll never see a more perfect mountain reflection than those at Lake Matheson. It is Meghan's all-time favourite South Island view!

Half an hour inland from Hokitika lies Hokitika gorge, with water such a vivid turquoise colour you won't believe it's real. Meghan couldn't believe her eyes and even now when she looks back on her photos, she still can't!

Paddle effortlessly across Lake Mapourika's mirror-like water, taking in the spectacular views of the Southern Alps and glaciers. Once on the far side, your guide will take you to a small bush clad beach where you will get the chance to explore some of Westland's oldest untouched rainforest! Our magical Rainforest Trail is designed to take you on a walk through another time. Jurassic Rainforest, abundant bird life and home to the rarest kiwi's on the planet - simply unforgettable.

This 2-3 hour walk can be done in an afternoon, and after climbing relatively quickly through lush NZ native beech forest you'll reach a beautiful waterfall running downriver near the ruins of Sam Summers Hut. The walk also provides lovely views over Lake Wakatipu on the return journey.

Thunder Creek Falls is a beautiful specimen of a waterfall set right next to the road, and it's not the only one you'll spot along this road. Keep an eye out for Roaring Billy Falls, Fantail Falls and the Gates of Haast all within a short drive of each other through the Pass and all worth stopping to capture. Thunder Creek Falls is Meghan's pick of the bunch because of the way the Haast river flows right by providing a lovely foreground to the shot.

Set in New Zealand's beautiful beach forest, the half-hour walk to Blue Pools ends in a setting with water so blue you won't believe your eyes. It's a true New Zealand gem but it's growing in popularity so visit early and beat the crowds!

Set on a hill high above Lake Wanaka, this vineyard provides a stunning setting to enjoy a glass of NZ Reisling or Pinot Noir, particularly in autumn when the autumn colours are at their best. The cellar door is open every day for tasting and sales.

According to Meghan, this is by far one of the best day walks in New Zealand. Even the drive out to the start of the walk through the Matukituki Valley takes you through jaw-dropping scenery. The walk is about 2 hours each way allowing for plenty of photo stops along the way to capture the beautiful forest, river before you finally encounter the impressive glacial amphitheatre complete with rushing waterfalls.

Meghan fully recommends skipping all the crowds that head to the over-popular Roys Peak and go for a hike up Mt Iron instead. Not only is it a much quicker and easier walk, but you won't have to join the queues for a photo at the top either which is always a bonus!

This half-day lake cruise takes you a really unique spot, Mou Waho Island, known as 'the island in the lake on an island in a lake'. With epic views to write home about and awesome native New Zealand wildlife (weka, wetas and more), this will be a day out to remember!

The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy along Lake Wakatipu is considered one of the most beautiful in the world and for good reason. Weaving in and out of several beautiful bays along the way, you'll take much longer than the recommended drive time so just enjoy this drive at a leisurely pace. Stop in at Bob's Cove, Wilsons Bay, Meiklejohn's Bay and Bennetts Bluff along the way.

The best way to slow down and savour the views of an area is always to get out into the outdoors and jumping on an e-bike for the day gives you the best of both worlds - time in the outdoors but exploring at a faster rate than you can on foot. There are so many options for trails to explore in the area that you'll probably find it hard to choose just one!

This little gem of a cove on the way to Glenorchy has some of the most amazing water you'll ever see and if you climb up to the viewpoint you'll have 360 degree views over Lake Wakatipu and back to the Cove - an amazing spot to stand and experience one of Queenstown's famous 'sky on fire' sunrises like I did.

Experience the thrill of a jetboat ride combined with a leisurely Funyak experience up the Dart River deep into Mt Aspiring National Park. The scenery takes you amongst incredible Middle-earth locations that you can't get to just by driving yourself around.

Learn how to capture the beautiful images you've seen in this trip guide by spending 2 days with Meghan on a personalised photography masterclass. We'll cover techniques such as using filters for long exposure photography, trying out astrophotography (if the time of the year and weather permits), and capturing beautiful images around golden hour and sunrise/sunset in awesome locations around Queenstown. Meghan will take you to locations not on the tourist map and you'll create beautiful images you never even knew you were capable of! To attend this masterclass you'll need: 1. a DSLR/mirrorless camera with 2 lenses, one that can go as wide as 10-18mm and a zoom up to 200-300mm 2. A tripod 3. Ideally a laptop with Lightroom to try out editing techniques (though not essential) The masterclass needs to be booked at least 3 months in advance and is subject to Meghan's availability. Alternative location: Mt Cook

When in Queensland, you take a leap of faith with AJ Hackett Bungy, the first commercial bungy operator in the world. Choose out of a bungy jump (Kawarau Bridge, Ledge or Nevis) or a Swing (Ledge or Nevis) to get your heart racing!

When in Queensland, you take a leap of faith with AJ Hackett Bungy, the first commercial bungy operator in the world. Choose out of a bungy jump (Kawarau Bridge, Ledge or Nevis) or a Swing (Ledge or Nevis) to get your heart racing!

Jump on board the Skyline Queentown's eight-seater Gondola cabins and experience spectacular views of Lake Rotorua, the city and steaming geothermal vistas. Once up top, join the fun on the Luge tracks. Hop into a Luge cart (part go-cart, part toboggan) and hit the intermediate and advanced tracks.

This is the only place you can officially stay with your campervan at Milford Sound. And what a setting it is, set amongst tropical rainforest and only minutes drive from the Sound itself. The facilities here are probably the best of any campsite in New Zealand, with ultra modern facilities including private bathrooms for all campers and no limit on hot water for showers!

This awesome short walk to Key Summit is at the start of New Zealand's famous Routeburn Track. It's approximately an hour climb (with a 400 metre elevation gain) taking you through dense Middle-earth forest before you come out above the forest canopy to view the many peaks of Fiordland with a panoramic 360 degree view from the top. On a still day, the reflections from the small tarn (mountain lake) at the top are quite magical. You could stay here all day just soaking in the views!

This is a place where you can experience the beauty of Fiordland's amazing rivers, waterfalls and lakes all in one great hike. You cross the Hollyford river and walk 20 minutes to the waterfall viewing point to see the power of the cascading water, and if you have enough time and are up for more of a challenge, you can take a hike to Lake Marian (3 hour return) to see the amphitheatre of a crystal alpine lake overshadowed by towering mountains. It is an advanced tramping track to go all the way to Lake Marian so if you want to complete the full hike make sure you are fully prepared.

Meghan's favourite way to experience the impressive scale of the fiord is to take to the water on a scenic cruise. This cruise will take you out for 2 hours all the way to the edge of the Tasman sea and back again where you can get up close and personal with Stirling Falls complete with a drenching if you dare. If you're in luck, you'll get glimpses of New Zealand native seals, birds or even dolphins along the way. I highly recommend going on the first cruise in the morning for the calmest conditions and the chance to see miraculous shafts of light bouncing off the peaks high above!

The Catlins is known for its waterfalls and you're certainly spoilt for choice with so many to choose from! Matai Falls is a short walk through native forest and can be done on the same day as visiting Purakaunui Falls.

Purukaunui Falls is one of the loveliest waterfalls to photograph in New Zealand, with a photogenic three tier flow in a mossy forest setting. If you visit when it's raining like I did, the flow will be even more impressive to capture! It's only a short 15 minute walk from the road to the viewing point.

The sunrise at Nugget Point lighthouse is one of Meghan's favourite sunrise experiences ever especially as it was in such an epic coastal location - the entire sky caught fire! Visit at the right time of year and you'll also have the opportunity to capture the Milky Way rising above the lighthouse and if you're even luckier a chance to see the Southern Lights as well (Aurora Australis).

Baldwin Street is a bit of a novelty and an institution if you're passing through Dunedin on your way north. Take a walk from the bottom to the top and marvel at the extreme incline - you'll be puffing at the top!

St Clair Beach is an iconic spot in Dunedin. There's waves to surf, a heated saltwater pool if the thought of the sea is a little too bracing and the famous poles on the beach to photograph. But you'll need to be quick to get a shot of the poles as they are gradually disintegrating and succumbing to the sea so get your shot here while you still can!

Meghan was totally wowed by the unique landscapes of Tunnel Beach with cliffs rising dramatically above the sea and a secret tunnel you can take down to the beach. There are so many cool and different compositions to create at Tunnel Beach, especially on a moody, dramatic day. You'll easily find yourself losing an hour or two here!

Sunrise or sunset at the 5.5 Million years old Moeraki Boulders. One of the most unique features of the Otago coastline. Local Māori legends explain the boulders as the remains of eel baskets, calabashes, and kumara washed ashore from the wreck of Arai-te-uru (sailing canoe).

The Clay Cliffs at Omarama are such an incredible and imposing sight, natural rock pinnacles that tower up into the sky above. You can wander at your leisure and if you happen to be there during lupin flowering season (Nov - Jan) you'll have the added bonus of seeing the Ahuriri river in a riot of colourful flower too.

Undoubtedly NZ's best day walk, this 5km hike has it all - towering mountain peaks, glacial rivers, valley views and the impressive Hooker Glacier lake with an uninhibited view of Mt Cook the reward for your efforts. The hike takes about 1.5 hours each way (not allowing for all the photo stops you'll want to make along the way). Experience the sunset here on a calm day and be wowed by the alpenglow as the last light of the day leaves the tip of Mount Cook.

Experiencing a sunrise at Tasman Lake amongst the icebergs and watching the first light of the day kiss the top of Aoraki is both humbling and extraordinary - being here for sunrise can be absolutely freezing, below zero and with ice on the ground. You'll never feel more alive! It's only a short 20 minute walk from the carpark to the river outlet where you can get the best angle for a shot taking in both the lake and the tallest peak in NZ.

Fly in a ski plane and a helicopter on the same day for an unforgettable experience of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Enjoy a scenic adventure that includes a glacier snow landing on the Tasman Glacier. From takeoff to landing, you will enjoy spectacular views! Fly up the Tasman Valley over the breathtaking blue glacier lake. See the Hochstetter Icefall and the cloud-piercing Aoraki/Mount Cook before landing on the upper snowfields of the Tasman Glacier. Take time to enjoy this unique alpine environment before swapping aircraft and returning to Mount Cook Airport.

Silver River™ Stargazing is Tekapo’s leading small group 360° stargazing tour. Are you ready to have your mind blown? Don’t say we didn’t warn you! Come and discover the wonders of the night sky on their 1.5-hour experience; including 60 mins under the stars with one of their epic guides. They use telescopes and special astro-lasers for easy naked-eye viewing.

Soak in the stunning lake or mountain views from one of 3 hot pools or chill out in the Aqua Play Area with cooler pools. Temperatures range from 28° C to 38.5° C. It's the perfect way to unwind at the end of this trip.

This is the little sister lake to Lake Tekapo but in Meghan's opinion it is equally beautiful and so much more tranquil than fighting the crowds around Lake Tekapo - it's worth the short 15 minute drive from the main Tekapo town just to experience the solitude and views along the way.

Sadly it's time to drop off your campervan. If you have time before your flight, or staying an extra night Christchurch is an incredible city to explore. It has a thriving food and drinks scene, and plenty of quirky art installations to visit.