April 6th - 19th, 2018
Autumn in April on the South Island of New Zealand is a photographer’s dream location! Follow the color—landscape photography at its best! Daily excursions to the colorful villages outside Queenstown including Arrowtown, Cardrona, Twizel, and Lake Wanaka. A scenic drive to Milford Sound with an overnight cruise and return by charter flight. Morning 4×4 adventures to an old mining town and heli tours over the braided rivers and Mount Cook with glacier landing. Star gaze in one of the darkest places in the world. An evening and morning shoot of the mystical Moeraki Boulders. Fly by charter to Marlborough wine country. Indulge in the ever-changing hues of the vineyards as you sip on renowned wines. Savor the culinary cuisine. Beyond the beautiful landscapes, photograph local dusky dolphins at sunrise on our own chartered vessel. Non-photographing spouses welcome!
Meet Daniel and Tanya Cox
2018 New Zealand Ultimate Autumn Foliage Photography Tour I Travel Plans
After 2016 April’s scouting tour of New Zealand, Natural Exposures has created an exclusive itinerary for guests which combines photography and vacation. There is nothing like the South Island during autumn!
Unlike many other tour companies, we include all the extras—internal charter flights to cut down on travel time, private excursions, and heli aerials of Mt. Cook. Most groups drive five hours to Milford Sound, go for a day cruise and then drive five hours back—not us! We’ll do the scenic drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound, enjoy an overnight cruise in the most beautiful fjord in the world and return by private charter flight. Our guests will enjoy rooms with picturesque views, gourmet cuisine, and finish off with outstanding, award-winning New Zealand wines. Many excursions are optional for non- photographing spouses. We’re very excited to offer this trip in 2018!
For additional itinerary details, please email Jill at our office: info@naturalexposures.com
Don’t forget—we’re offering an optional Tahiti pre-tour for those who want to ease the long flight to New Zealand. It’s a perfect stopover—relax in the ultimate setting. Stay on the private island of La Taha’a in its famous “on-the-water bungalows” featuring glass floors to watch the fish below. Snorkel the crystal clear waters with colorful fish, enjoy a lagoon safari, photograph fire dancers on the beach, and visit a pearl factory.
Tour Extensions Available
2018 Dreamin’ of Tahiti Tour
April 1st - 7th, 2018
Guest Limits
13 Guests Maximum
Trip Cost
EXPLORER RATE 7911 per person, based on double occupancy
NON-EXPLORER RATE: ADD $1000
Single Supplement: 1200
Pricing in US dollars
Deposit
$2000 Per person due at time of booking
Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, or check acceptedDeposits are non-refundable. If cancellations are necessary, we require this request in writing. We will do our best to resell your space. Only if we can resell your space, we will refund (minus deposit and discounts given to sell your space). No partial refunds are possible for unused services.
Installments
May 1, 2017: $3000 First installment
October 1, 2017: Final paymentCheck only for first and final installments. Please make check payable to Natural Exposures and mail to:
Natural Exposures
810 N. Wallace, Suite E
Bozeman, MT 59715Included
- Meals (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) where indicated, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages with meals
- Wine tastings
- Accommodations where indicated including one night on Milford Sound Mariner
- Private transportation vehicle and charters
- Activities on the itinerary including included heli or boat tour, 4×4 tour, private charter dolphin tour, star gazing, gondola
- Internal charter flight Milford – Queenstown
- Internal charter flight Omarau – Kaikoura
- Internal flight from Blenheim to Auckland for return flight home
- Bottled water and snacks on bus
Not Included
- International flights/airport taxes
- Travel/emergency evacuation insurance
- Miscellaneous personal expenses
- Excursions/activities not on itinerary
- Immigration, passport, visa/duty fees
Flights to Book
April 6, 2018
Fly from USApril 8, 2018 (+2 days)
Arrive Queenstown (ZQN)April 19, 2018
Depart Auckland (AKL) on evening flight—arrive same day in USTravel Insurance
Travel/emergency medical evacuation insurance is not required for this photo tour, but we always recommend purchasing it for any trip. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is affordable and can be purchased for each trip or an entire year and can even be bundled with your regular travel insurance! We recommend one or more of the following, depending on your needs:
Global Rescue
(use code natexp)Allianz Global Assistance
(use travel agency ID F203564)Terms & Conditions
Natural Exposures cannot control nor is responsible for abnormal weather, natural disasters, or any other disaster that might affect the trip. Travel insurance should be purchased to cover any missed flights or medical problems that may affect/delay your travel. National Parks have the right to change our itinerary.
By booking a trip with Natural Exposures, you agree to the following CANCELLATION AND LIABILITY POLICY
Accommodations for 2018 New Zealand Ultimate Autumn Foliage Photography Tour I
April 8 -11, 4 nights
Crowne Plaza Queenstown
Crowne Plaza Queenstown Hotel is an award-winning hotel that overlooks the breathtaking Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range. They are conveniently located just minutes from the Queenstown town centre and across the road from Crowne Plaza Queenstown is the popular Steamer Wharf—home to great dining, bars, and entertainment.Complimentary Wi-Fi, threesixty onsite restaurant, and cocktail bar.
April 12, 1 night
Milford Sound Mariner[youtube]https://youtu.be/j-ZoIRkUyaU[/youtube]
April 13 and 14, 2 nights
The Hermitage Aoraki Mt. Cook
The Hermitage is located within Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. All rooms have ensuites, tea and coffee making facilities, satellite TV, IDD telephones and fridges. Wireless Internet is available in all rooms.April 15, 1 night
The Mill House
Built from locally quarried huge stone blocks by German settler Ernst Diehl in 1879, the Mill House is a former historic flour mill. It is the ideal spot to stay while you enjoy the many local attractions.April 16, 1 night
The White Morph
A luxury, quality self-contained hotel, The White Morph Heritage Boutique Collection offers some of the best accommodations in Kaikoura. Set on the Esplanade in iconic Kaikoura, The White Morph enjoys commanding views of the ocean right to the distant horizon and mountains and gives you access to all of the region’s many experiences. All rooms are fully equipped for your every need.Free unlimited WiFi, guest laundry room, outside washing line, guest computers in lobby with printer, and
April 17 and 18, 2 nights
Marlborough Vintners Hotel
In the heart of Marlborough lies Marlborough Vintners Hotel which offers the highest standard in luxury accommodation in a peaceful and picturesque vineyard setting. This 5-star hotel has a well-earned reputation for style and sophistication delivered with warm hospitality.The Vintners Room Restaurant has a reputation throughout the region for its New Zealand inspired cuisine with a European twist focusing on fresh paddock to plate philosophy utilizing the freshest ingredients from our own garden. And, of course, no visit to Marlborough would be complete without sampling the fine wine. Select from their personal wine list, featuring some of the best vintages from local well-known cellars and boutique wineries in and around Blenheim. Their knowledgeable staff are always on hand to offer advice.
Helpful Information for 2018 New Zealand Ultimate Autumn Foliage Photography Tour I
VISAS
A visa is not required for US citizens for stays of up to three months.
For the latest updates on New Zealand entry requirements, please visit the US Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
FLIGHTS
We are happy to offer flight suggestions closer to the trip time. Remember to fly into Queenstown and home by way of Auckland. The time zones/days vary—you can lose 2 days or gain 1 full day depending on which direction you’re flying; pay attention to your arrival date.
If you’re doing the Tahiti pre-tour, we will suggest booking certain flights from PPT to ZQN. This flight will likely be an AM flight on Air Tahiti Nui to Auckland connecting on Air New Zealand to Queenstown.
VACCINATIONS
There are no required vaccinations to enter New Zealand; however, it is best to be up to date with your routine vaccinations and to visit with your doctor before the trip to discuss your personal needs.
LANGUAGE
New Zealand English is the dominant language, spoken by most New Zealanders. Official languages are Māori and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL). Māori is used only in New Zealand and nowhere else in the world, and New Zealand became the first county to declare sign language as an official language in 2006.
CURRENCY
New Zealand’s unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$/NZD).
TIME ZONE
NZST (New Zealand Standard Time)
UTC/GMT +12 hoursMay vary +/- one hour with daylight savings time.
CUISINE and WINE
New Zealand is a food and wine lover’s paradise! Cuisine is largely driven by local ingredients and seasonal variations; dishes are primarily influenced by Māori/Polynesian, European, and Asian cooking methods.
Lamb, venison, and a variety of seafood are common in New Zealand dishes. Fresh seasonal produce—such as kiwifruit and kumara (more than a sweet potato!)—is abundant in New Zealand. Award-winning blue cheese and soft creamy cheeses are also produced in New Zealand.
Foods you may want to consider while on the island are New Zealand pavlova (a popular meringue-based dessert covered in whipped cream and fresh fruit) and Kiwi meat pie (soft pastry filled with minced meat—variations come with cheese, gravy, bacon, and egg). Your New Zealand experience is not complete without the traditional takeaway meal of fish and chips! And if you do get the chance, try Māori hāngī (meat and vegetables in flax/leaves cooked in a fire pit dug deep into the ground) which is usually prepared only for special occasions.
Don’t forget—New Zealand is home to 376 wineries and features world-class sauvignon blanc (some say the best in the world!) and chardonnay wines. Can’t forget the pinot noir! Be sure to try at least one—a perfect complement to any meal!
Have a question?
Have a question about this tour? We're happy to answer any queries you may have.
Testimonials from Natural Exposures' Explorers
"If you ever want to travel to another country and you want to go first class, travel with Natural Exposures. They are number one in showing their guests the best time ever in the classiest way. I would recommend Natural Exposures Tours to everyone. If you want to go in style, go with NE!"
Michelle Duggan, Massachusetts
"Tanya and Dan’s logistic skills provide a seamless photo tour where one can truly enjoy the experience. With unlimited photographic opportunities Dan’s instruction has taken my photography to a higher level."
Linda Henry, Oregon
"I just wanted to again thank you for a wonderful week of photography and relaxation away from the office. It was a really a good group."
Sue Wolfe, Texas
"What a trip
What a group
What a fabulous everything
To our next encounters with nature"Maud and Leon Soriano, Florida
"Tanya/Dan are a dynamic duo! There are not enough adjectives in the dictionary to cover the entire breath of their combined strengths. Fair, attention to detail, supportive of everyone’s needs, ability to get things done, did I mention down right good people, and on and on. We hope there will be a trip in the future that we could take advantage of."
Corbett Alley, Arizona
