INT57_CHASING THE SOUTHERN LIGHTS

Route: NEW ZEALAND: Christchurch → Lake Tekapo → Mount Cook → Wanaka → Haast Pass → Fox Glacier → Punakaiki → Arthur’s Pass → Milford Sound → Queenstown

Departure date: 01/06 – 10/06
Duration: 10 Days 9 Nights
Group size: 12 pax
Tour type: VIP
Price/pax: 9800 USD/Person
Hotline: 0912851112 / 0987277394 (Mr. Dũng)

1./ GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Chasing the Southern Lights takes you across the most breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island—where snow-capped peaks meet turquoise lakes and the night sky glows with the Milky Way.

Throughout this journey, you won’t just chase the light—you’ll experience the pristine beauty of nature in its purest form. From the majestic summit of Mount Cook to the dramatic fjords of Milford Sound, this adventure is crafted for those who long to capture the moment where light meets snow, where silence melts into starlight.

Join the FirstClass Photography Tour and immortalize the most spectacular frames of your life.
Register now for The Journey of Passionate Photography.

2./ HIGHLIGHTS

• Lake Tekapo – A turquoise jewel within the world-famous Dark Sky Reserve, and one of the best stargazing and Milky Way photography locations on Earth.

• Milford Sound – New Zealand’s natural wonder, where sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and drifting mist come together under golden light — the ultimate symbol of the South Island’s raw majesty.

• Guided and mentored by a professional photographer – Receive expert on-site guidance and shooting techniques.

• Itinerary designed by photography professionals – Every stop researched in depth for light, timing, and composition.

• Creative concept development – Designed to help each participant tell deeper visual stories through their own perspective.

3./ ITINERARY

Note:
C = Concept
The itinerary may be adjusted according to real conditions.

DAY 01｜01/06: QUEENSTOWN (Dinner)
Arrive in Queenstown and transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Group briefing and equipment check.
Dinner and rest in preparation for the first photo session.

DAY 02｜02/06: LAKE TEKAPO (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Scenic flight over Aoraki / Mount Cook for aerial views.
Transfer to Lake Tekapo.
C1: Sunset shoot at Lake Tekapo – known for its glacier-fed turquoise water and stunning alpine backdrop.
Evening: C2: Milky Way / Astro shoot at Tekapo – located within New Zealand’s Dark Sky Reserve, with minimal light pollution.

DAY 03｜03/06: TASMAN LAKE (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Morning transfer to Tasman Lake.
C3: Sunrise shoot – capturing reflections of the snowy peaks and dawn sky.
Helicopter flight over Tasman Glacier for aerial ice views.
Afternoon visit to Kea Point for shots toward Aoraki.
C4: Sunset shoot at Kea Point.
Night: Optional astro shoot around Tasman Lake.

DAY 04｜04/06: TWIZEL (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Early start to catch sunrise over Aoraki.
Continue to Twizel, then on to Ben Ōhau.
C5: Sunset shoot at Ben Ōhau Range – where soft mountain shadows blend into vivid twilight colors.
Dinner, free shooting, or rest.

DAY 05｜05/06: MOUNT COOK – WANAKA (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Free morning for creative shooting around Tekapo or nearby areas.
C6: If clear skies, evening astro shoot around Tekapo region.

DAY 06｜06/06: WANAKA (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Drive toward Wanaka, stopping at Clay Cliffs and Lindis Pass for unique geological textures and landscapes.
C7: Sunset at the iconic “Wanaka Tree.”
Evening astro session at Lake Wanaka (weather permitting).

DAY 07｜07/06: WANAKA – MILFORD SOUND (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Early sunrise at the Wanaka Tree.
Journey into Fiordland, with stops for forest hikes and Lake Gunn.
C8: Sunset shoot at Milford Sound – a glacier-carved fjord surrounded by towering cliffs and ancient rainforest.
Night: Astro photography at Te Anau or nearby areas.

DAY 08｜08/06: MILFORD SOUND – QUEENSTOWN (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Morning stop at Monkey Creek for sunrise reflections.
Cruise tour at Milford Sound – photograph waterfalls, cliffs, and tranquil waters.
C9: Capture fjord views and waterfalls from the boat.
Evening return to Queenstown.

DAY 09｜09/06: QUEENSTOWN (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Morning departure to Glenorchy.
C10: Sunrise shoot at the famous Glenorchy tree.
Afternoon at Moke Lake.
C11: Sunset shoot at Moke Lake – golden light reflecting off the calm water.
Night: Astro session around the lake or en route back.

DAY 10｜10/06: DEPARTURE DAY (Breakfast)
Morning group photo review and sharing session.
Check-out and transfer to Queenstown Airport for departure.

4/. SERVICES

Included:

• High-quality private transportation throughout the tour
• Standard hotels and homestays
• Meals as per itinerary
• Professional and dedicated tour guide throughout the trip
• Entrance fees to listed attractions
• Scenic flight over Aoraki / Mount Cook
• Milford Sound cruise ticket
• Full travel insurance (coverage up to 30,000,000 VND/case)
• Unlimited bottled water on the bus

Not included:

• International flights to/from Queenstown
• New Zealand visa fee
• Personal expenses, beverages during meals
• Single-room supplement (**)
• Optional visits or setups outside the program

5./ REGISTRATION & PAYMENT

How to register:
Confirm your registration by commenting with your Full Name – Phone Number on FirstClass Travel’s Facebook page
or contact Trần Tiến Dũng via phone 0912851112 / 0987277394 (Zalo/Viber).

Payment method:
Cash or bank transfer to Mr. Dũng

Bank information:
Account name: Trần Tiến Dũng
Account number: 0912851112
Bank: VPBank (Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank)

Please include in the transfer note: Phototour payment – Full name – Phone number

(*) Departure time may be adjusted depending on weather or group size.
(**) Single-room requests must be made at least 5 days before departure.

6./ RECOMMENDED GEAR & EQUIPMENT

• Tripod
• Drone
• Remote shutter release (and extra batteries if applicable)
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Wide-angle and telephoto lenses
• Memory cards (minimum one backup)
• Camera batteries and charger (at least one spare battery)
• Power adapter and multi-plug extension