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West Coast Wonders Photography Tour
7 DAY SMALL GROUP NEW ZEALAND PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
4 - 10 July 2027
Arthurs Pass · Punakaiki · Hokitika Gorge · Glacier Country · Lake Matheson · South Westland
Journey through one of New Zealand's most diverse photographic regions on a seven-day winter adventure, from snow-capped mountains and glaciers to mirror-like lakes, lush rainforest, turquoise rivers and wild coastal seascapes.
Max 4 people
GROUP SIZE
7 days, 6 nights
DURATION
NZD $4,099 ($1,000 Deposit)
INVESTMENT
WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE
From alpine peaks to wild West Coast shores
The West Coast packs an extraordinary variety of landscapes into one photographic journey. Over seven days, we'll travel from the mountains of Arthur's Pass through the rugged northern coastline and into Glacier Country, photographing everything from snow-capped peaks and reflective lakes to turquoise rivers, native rainforest, waterfalls and dramatic seascapes.
Winter brings beautiful soft light and the possibility of snow on the Southern Alps, while our small group of just four photographers means plenty of individual tuition along the way. We'll work with the conditions we're given - chasing reflections and dramatic light, experimenting with long exposures, finding strong compositions and, when conditions allow, heading out after dark for astrophotography.
SHOOT
Composition, settings, filters, long exposures, bracketing and focus stacking in real-world conditions.
EXPLORE
Arthur's Pass, Punakaiki, Motukiekie, Hokitika Gorge, Lake Matheson, Okarito, Lake Mapourika, Bruce Bay and more.
EDIT
Learn how to select and develop your strongest images with individual guidance using Lightroom Classic and Photoshop.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Here’s what you need to know to decide if this workshop is right for you.
Photography Level
Suitable for photographers with basic camera knowledge through to advanced photographers. We cater the learning to your level.
Accommodation & Meals
Six nights' single-room accommodation and breakfasts are included. Lunches and dinners are at your own expense.
Fitness & Access
You'll need to be comfortable walking on uneven tracks and beaches carrying your camera gear, and photographing in cold and potentially wet winter conditions.
Essential Gear
Bring camera + wide/tele lenses, a sturdy tripod, wet and winter weather gear, plus a laptop for editing with Lightroom Classic (& ideally Photoshop) installed.
What to Expect
Expect early starts and a changing schedule. We'll work around the weather, tides and best light rather than following a fixed daily itinerary.
Payment
NZ$4,099. A deposit of $1,000 NZD is required to secure your place, with the balance due 90 days before the workshop.
📍 Meeting Point: Christchurch Airport, 10am Sat 4 July. Return to Christchurch Airport, 2pm Sat 10 July.
Your Host
Meghan Maloney
Award-winning New Zealand landscape photographer | Sony Digital Imaging Ambassador | Photography Educator
I'm a full-time New Zealand landscape photographer and educator with a particular love for our wild and dramatic landscapes. As a Sony Digital Imaging Ambassador and Kase Filters Global Ambassador, I’ve spent years teaching photographers how to get more from their cameras - both in the field and in post-processing.
My workshops are deliberately kept small so I can work individually with each photographer. Rather than simply taking you to great locations, I’ll help you understand why a composition works, how to respond when the light or weather changes, and how to use techniques such as filters, long exposures, bracketing and focus stacking when they will genuinely improve an image.
APPROVED OPERATOR
Authorised to guide on public conservation land with DOC concession, passenger endorsement & Transport Service licence.
SONY DIGITAL IMAGING AMBASSADOR
Proud to be a Sony New Zealand ambassador.
KASE FILTERS GLOBAL AMBASSADOR
Global ambassador for Kase Filters and New Zealand distributor.
What past workshop guests say
“The trip was packed with photography opportunities: dawns and sunsets, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and astro. Meghan was generous with guidance both in the field and with processing, and did a sterling job with the logistics.”
CHRISTIAN, ROTORUA
“Meghan fills in the gaps and is a very good hands-on teacher. I came home much more confident in being able to translate the landscape I see into the image I want. The post-processing help was invaluable..”
LOIS, TAURANGA
“The workshop exceeded my expectations - and they were pretty high to begin with! It was so well organised and Meghan's generosity in sharing her knowledge and experience was unlimited.”
SU, HAMILTON
FULL WORKSHOP DETAILS
Everything you need to know about the itinerary, what’s included, what to bring and booking your place.
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DAYS 1–2 Arthur's Pass & Northern West Coast
Meet at Christchurch Airport at 10am before travelling across Arthur's Pass to the West Coast. Over our first two days we'll explore and photograph locations around Punakaiki, Motukiekie and Hokitika Gorge.
DAYS 3–5 Glacier Country
We'll travel south to Glacier Country, photographing the Southern Alps from locations including Lake Matheson, Peters Pool and Okarito Lagoon.
On one morning we'll head out onto Lake Mapourika, with opportunities to photograph the surrounding mountains and wildlife from the water.
We’ll also explore further south, with potential locations including Bruce Bay, Ship Creek and other South Westland landscapes.
DAYS 6–7 Greymouth & Arthur's Pass
We'll head north again, with opportunities to photograph new locations including Lake Kaniere and Lake Brunner.
We'll then travel back across Arthur's Pass, arriving at Christchurch at approximately 1pm on Day 7.
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✓ Professional photography tuition
✓ 6 nights' single-room accommodation
✓ Breakfast each morning
✓ Workshop transport
✓ Lake Mapourika excursion
✓ Lightroom & Photoshop post-processing sessions -
× Flights to and from Christchurch
× Lunches and dinners
× Personal expenses
× Travel insurance -
Camera Gear
✓ Camera
✓ Lenses covering approximately 16–300mm
✓ Sturdy tripod
✓ Spare batteries and charger
✓ Plenty of memory cards
✓ Remote shutter release
✓ Neutral density (ND) filtersFor Editing
✓ Laptop
✓ Lightroom Classic installed
✓ Photoshop installed
✓ Memory card reader/adapterClothing & Weather Gear
✓ Warm winter layers
✓ Puffer jacket
✓ Warm hat and gloves
✓ Waterproof hiking boots, gumboots also useful, not essential
✓ Rain jacket/poncho
✓ Head torch
✓ Waterproof camera cover
✓ Umbrella -
Workshop fee: NZ$4,099
Deposit: NZ$1,000 to secure your place when booking
Balance: Due 90 days before workshop commences -
Click on the link to view Terms and Conditions.
Still have questions?
Find answers to common questions about photography levels, equipment, fitness, accommodation, weather and what to expect on my workshops and tours.
Join the Waitlist!
This workshop is currently sold out. Join the waitlist below and I’ll contact you if a place becomes available.
“Helping photographers capture the extraordinary” - Meghan
Copyright Meghan Maloney Photography 2026