The 12 Best Photography Tours in Queenstown

1.AuthenticAs Star Gazing -Nightscape Portrait Photography Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 59 reviews Our pick

Join Simon or Emma for a private Queenstown nightscape photography session. You’ll travel to a dark-sky location, learn to photograph stars and constellations, hear Māori stories of the southern sky, and pose for portraits beneath the Milky Way. Pickup is offered for groups of up to four.

“The guide was wonderful and knowledgeable. Telling us about the Mauri history with the stars . Highly recommended and appreciated”

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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 trip from Queenstown to Glenorchy. You’ll photograph Lake Wakatipu, mountain scenery, beech forest, lakes, rivers, and film locations linked to The Lord of the Rings and Narnia, with hotel pickup, snacks, and camera help.

“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

Spend about five hours with photographer Glen Howey, traveling from Queenstown to quieter viewpoints and Skippers Canyon. You’ll practice scenic photography, get help using your camera, enjoy snacks, and can request a tripod. Hotel pickup and return are included.

“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

Start at 8 am with a private photographer guide such as Martin or Mark, then tailor your day around Queenstown’s finest views, gold-mining sites, film locations, and alpine roads. Learn aperture, shutter speed, ISO, composition, and lighting while riding in a comfortable 4WD.

“there's lots beauty landscape at Queenstown, and Mark is such great professional photo shoot guide and he taught lots of photography skill.it's worth to take one day trip like this.”

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5.Half Day Skippers Canyon Queenstown Private Photography Adventure

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

Join photographer and guide Martin for a five-hour private trip from Queenstown into Skippers Canyon. Ride the historic 22-kilometre Skippers Road, stop at striking viewpoints, learn camera settings and composition, and take home practical photography guides.

“I am an avid photo/videographer, so it felt intuitive to me to get a local guide to take me down the scourge of the rental cars- Skippers Canyon. Right from the very first moment I knew I had made a great choice. Martin is a professional who Read more”

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6.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 around Queenstown. Travel by WiFi-equipped 4WD, learn practical camera skills, and choose nearby stops plus one longer drive to Skippers Canyon or Glenorchy.

“Was an overall excellent experience with a talented professional. The locations selected and advice given to help get some amazing shots was invaluable. Would highly recommend.”

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7.Half Day Queenstown & Beyond Private Scenic Photography Tour

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

Spend five hours with local photographer Martin Kohn, choosing a morning or afternoon route from Queenstown, Frankton, or Arrowtown. He adapts the plan to your interests, weather, and skill level, with stops that may include Glenorchy, Skippers Canyon, Gibbston, or the Remarkables.

“Martin was amazing - he took me to the parts of Queenstown that not many people know. He was an expert when it comes to composition, leading lines and other forms of photography. He is a great guy to talk too and was very safe whRead more”

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

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

Aiste Photo Tours & Shoots takes one to four people through Queenstown, Arrowtown, Skippers Canyon, Glenorchy, and Wanaka in a private air-conditioned 4WD. You choose the focus, while local photographer Aiste helps with composition, timing, and camera settings.

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews

Join Simon or Emma for a private two-hour 4WD photo tour around Queenstown. Stop at Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, Coronet Peak, and Skippers Canyon for portraits, mountain views, local stories, snacks, and digital images for your group of up to five.

“Simon's knowledge of the area , history and culture was amazing and interesting and he knew great spots for photos we were able to visit plenty.”

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $322

Spend about eight hours with Aiste, a local female photographer, in a private 4WD around Queenstown. Choose one or two longer drives, learn manual camera settings at your level, enjoy lunch and snacks, and receive 5 to 10 professional photographs.

“The Queenstown photo tour was an unforgettable experience. From the serene sunrise light over the lake to exhilarating drive through Skippers Canyon, every moment was picture perfect. I captured so many incredible shots and made lastinRead more”

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $223

Spend 4 to 5 hours with a private photography guide exploring Queenstown, Arrowtown, Skippers Canyon, and Glenorchy. You get camera help, scenic stops, snacks, drinks, and a flexible start in a WiFi-equipped 4WD. 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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12.AuthenticAs Paradise – Professional Photography & Exclusive Guided 4WD Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews

Join Simon and Emma for a private, six-hour 4WD tour from Queenstown to Glenorchy, Paradise, and Chinaman’s Bluff. Expect a leather-seated Land Rover, relaxed guiding, posed and candid photography, native bush, lake views, horse photos, and stream crossings.

“This was by far the best experience in Queenstown! Hand on heart can say this experience is a must do in NZ if you are into star gazing and enjoy photography. AuthenticAs truly go above and beyond to curate something specially for you. WRead more”

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