South Westland Wilderness Photography Workshop
This workshop explores one of the most beautiful and remote regions of New Zealand’s South Island.
South Westland is a landscape shaped by powerful rivers, dense native rainforest, and long wild beaches that stretch beneath the towering Southern Alps.
Our journey takes us deep into this remarkable environment where the constantly changing weather, rich textures and dramatic light provide endless photographic opportunities.
It’s ‘nature’ will get under your skin. Our aim is to help you make photographs that remind you of this.
A special highlight of the workshop is our visit to the White Heron (kōtuku) sanctuary, where we have the rare privilege of observing and photographing New Zealand’s only breeding colony of these elegant birds in the nesting season.
South Westland Wilderness Photography Workshop
October 15-20 2026
Single Room NZD $4911.00, Twin Share NZD $4341.00 pp
Download the friendly Itinerary
Contact us to make your reservation.
Updated 7/1/2026
Rivers, Rainforest & the White Heron Sanctuary
A Landscape of Water, Forest and Coast
South Westland offers a remarkable diversity of subjects for photographers. Over the course of the workshop we explore:
Rugged West Coast beaches with Sculptured driftwood
Powerful rivers flowing from the Southern Alps
Ancient rainforest filled with texture and atmosphere
Waterfalls and hidden forest streams
An old jetty and fishing village
Intimate abstract details and macro photography within the landscape
This region is ideal for photographers who enjoy working creatively with light, weather and movement.
Learning in the Landscape
As we travel through the area, Jackie and Mike work alongside participants in the field, helping you respond to the environment and refine your personal approach to image-making.
You will have opportunities to explore:
Ways of composing within a complex natural environment
Working with movement, longer exposures and creative camera movements ICM
Simplifying scenes to strengthen visual impact
Interpretations of the landscape in Black and white
Seeing both the grand landscape and the smaller details within it
Developing a personal response to the landscape
Layering images together in Multiple Exposures for added impact and story telling
Group discussions and image reviews during the workshop help reinforce the learning and deepen your understanding of your own photographic process.
A Unique Wildlife Experience
Our guided visit to the kōtuku (White Heron) breeding colony is a rare privilege and one of the photographic highlights of the trip. Watching these graceful birds gather nesting material and move through the forest canopy provides both intimate wildlife moments and opportunities for expressive photography.
A Small Group Experience
We keep our workshops small to a maximun of six clients to ensure that everyone receives personal guidance and time to explore the landscape at their own pace.
South Westland remains one of New Zealand’s most untouched regions. For photographers, it offers an inspiring mix of wilderness, atmosphere and natural beauty.
Included:
Five days and nights expert photography tuition from Mike Langford and Jackie Ranken
Pickup and drop off in Queenstown (at the start and end of the workshop).
Two nights private accommodation at the World Heritage Hotel-Haast
Two nights private accommodation at Wynyard Gardens, Queenstown
One night Franz Joseph
White Heron Tour Whataroa
Transport throughout the weekend
PDF photography group book made from images from the trip
Trial use of our various Canon lenses and bodies (on application)
WhaT's not included:
Insurance
Flights
Breakfasts, lunches and dinners
Alcohol
Kotuku-White Heron
A selection of edited images will become part of the 2023 South Westland Island Book
Copyright of the images remains with the photographers at all times.
See the 2021 South Westland Book at this link.
THe Image Critique Sessions:
The downloading, critique and tutorial sessions are the foundation of the learning process.
We discuss composition and design with reference to your idea behind making the image.
The small group feedback sessions are fun and friendly. Finding out what others see your images and being able to articulate what you see in there’s helps us all to learn.
Our aim is for you to leave the tour /workshop satiated: knowing more about photography but what’s more important, knowing more about yourself and what photography means to you.
Link to our Refund Policy and our Health and Safety Management Plan