Spring is on the way and while there is still plenty of snow on the mountains the temperatures are becoming milder. We have just returned from four magical days photographing the southern mountains with Mike from the USA. 
Mike had asked if we could put together an itinerary that would take us off the beaten track, without missing the must-see locations. We organised a trip that took us from Christchurch to Queenstown and here is what happened:

Day one CHRISTCHURCH - AORAKI/MT COOK NATIONAL PARK
Our adventure began with an early 6am departure and a two hour drive to our first location in the South Canterbury mountains. The weather was clear and the forecast looked good, so we were hopeful for a successful day with the camera. We arrived in time to scout some good compositions before the sun peeked over the mountain range and lit the valley in front of us. Most of the morning was spent photographing at different locations in this region and we captured some stunning backcountry images. After lunch we continued south towards Aoraki/Mt Cook, arriving late afternoon. There were snippets of cloud around the western mountains, and although Aoraki/Mt Cook's peak was partially obscured we shot some lovely images of warm evening light on New Zealand's highest mountain.

Day two AORAKI/MT COOK NATIONAL PARK - WANAKA
Another early start had us out the door at 6.15am looking for some sunrise colours. The forecast was for morning rain but this looked unlikely as there was only high scattered cloud around. We set up and waited, watching for the first rays of light to hit the clouds above. Slowly the colour came and before long the sky was ablaze with gold - a great reward for giving up some sleep! We then drove up into the Tasman Valley to shoot the Southern Alps in the early light. The high cloud burned off giving superb shooting conditions and we were reluctant to stop photographing and continue our travels south towards Wanaka. Along the way we took a detour further inland to shoot at a location few tourists ever see. And just when we thought the day couldn't get any better, we managed to get to the Lindis Pass in time to photograph the last rays of light warming this high-country scene.

Day three WANAKA - QUEENSTOWN
No prizes for guessing we were on the road at 6.15am again! There was barely a breath of wind as we headed for a sheltered spot which offered glorious views across Lake Wanaka to the mountain ranges behind. The day dawned with pastel hues framing the mountain reflections - another perfect start. With our first shoot completed we then drove up a remote glacial valley, stopping as we went to photograph. In the afternoon we headed up into the mountains for some breath-taking views over the valley we had been travelling along earlier in the day. We arrived in Queenstown in the evening well and truly ready for a rest after our busy day.

Day four QUEENSTOWN
Not wanting to be too predictable we left our motel at 6.20am (we felt we had earned a sleep-in!) and drove along Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy hoping for another great sunrise. The colours were more muted than the two previous mornings but there was very little wind so we were fortunate to photograph some serene mountain reflections in the early light. After breakfast we continued on towards the mountains and spent the rest of the morning photographing the grandeur of remote Central Otago. Once back in Queenstown we took a couple of hours break before meeting again for our last evening shoot. The rugged mountains which overlook Lake Wakatipu make great subjects in the afternoon and today was no exception. The sinking sun brought the landscape alive and we captured the changing hues, greatly pleased that our last shoot was a success.

It was a fantastic trip away - plenty of snow on the mountains, clear days and very few tourists. In fact, at nearly all of our locations we were the only ones there. So, if you would like to enjoy photographing away from the crowds and be taken to locations only known by the locals please feel free to send us an enquiry - we look forward to hearing from you!