Leica Photo Adventure: New Zealand | March 16-25, 2026
$11,995 ($2,995 Deposit)
Workshop at a Glance
Physical Activity
Photographic Intensity
Classroom Instruction
Climate/Weather Severity Food and Accommodations
Cultural Immersion
Good for Non-photographers-
Join Leica Store Miami and acclaimed landscape photographer William Patino for a 10 day immersive photography workshop through the breathtaking South Island of New Zealand. Beginning in the alpine town of Queenstown, our journey will take us from rugged coastlines and ancient rainforests to glacial lakes, towering peaks, and the dramatic wilderness of Fiordland. Each day will offer carefully chosen locations at sunrise and sunset, complemented by time in the field learning composition, technique, and creative vision, as well as post-processing sessions to refine your craft.
We’ll explore the wild beaches and waterfalls of Haast, witness the majesty of Aoraki/Mount Cook rising over Lake Pukaki, and photograph the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the sculpted formations of the Clay Cliffs. In Fiordland, we’ll immerse ourselves in some of the world’s most pristine wilderness, capturing misty forests, cascading waterfalls, and the otherworldly beauty of Milford Sound, both from land and by boat. Throughout the workshop, William will provide personalized guidance, helping you to not only capture the iconic views but also find your own artistic perspective within these awe-inspiring environments. Peter Dooling from Leica Store Miami will be on hand to assist Will and to help you get the most out of your Leica.By the end of this adventure, you’ll return home with a portfolio of powerful images and the experience of photographing some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth.
Your photographic guides
William Patino is an award-winning landscape photographer and educator based out of Te Anau in the South Island of New Zealand. Will's work has been collected around the world and he has had the pleasure of teaching thousands of students through his workshops and online courses. Will is most passionate about pursuing dramatic moments in the grand landscape, with his work placing an emphasis on atmosphere, light and expressing emotion. Will's passion and calling is for the rugged mountain and forest scenes of Fiordland NZ, where he is regularly exploring the wilderness and resides with his wife and two young children.
Peter Dooling has been with Leica Store Miami since 2012 and heads up the Leica Photo Workshops Program, planning and leading workshops around the globe. He was born in Philadelphia and received degrees in Geography and Philosophy from Pennsylvania State University. He fell in love with photography as he traveled the world while working for United Airlines and it has been his passion ever since. When he’s not helping people improve their photography in exotic destinations, he’s spending time with his wife, two daughters, and two dogs in Carrboro, North Carolina.
What to expect
This workshop is dedicated to landscape photography, with a strong emphasis on capturing the golden light of sunrises and sunsets. That means early starts and some late evenings in the field, with downtime during the day for rest, classroom time, image review, etc. While the focus is on photography rather than luxury, the rewards are unforgettable images and the chance to immerse yourself fully in New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes.
Highlights
* The tree-lined hills of Arrowtown
* The tallest mountains in the country, Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding
* Southern Alps, are particularly good with light & atmosphere for telephoto imagery.
* Rolling golden hills and mountains of central Otago
* Reflection pools and ponds surrounded with trees and beech forests
* Windswept waters of Lake Ohau, framed by the Southern Alps (often has waves for some fun seascape style imagery)
* The ice filled glacial waters of the Tasman Lake (framed by snow-capped peaks)
* Mount Sefton with its amazing ice fall and rugged textures (using telephoto for tight details and milky glacial rivers for wide angle perspectives)
* The towering Thunder Creek Falls near Haast
* Lake Manapouri (a picturesque lake with multiple vantage points to incorporate plant life, trees and mountains)
* Lake Te Anau framed by beautiful mountains - the gateway to Fiordland
* Waterfalls, waterfalls, waterfalls in Haast and Fiordland
* A remote and rugged beach with multiple sea stacks at Haast
* The legendary Milford Sound from the land and sea
* Winding rivers of various greens and turquoise in Fiordland
* Dense, mossy beech forest with ancient trees and vibrant ferns in Fiordland
* Snow grass and tussock fields with imposing mountains in morning light (Fiordland) -
Dates:
Monday, March 16 - Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Cost:
$11,995 - Double occupancy lodging (Single room available for $1000)
Size:
Limited to 7 attendees
Included in the cost of the trip:
- Double occupancy lodging (Single room available for $1000)
- All meals and non-alcoholic beverages
- Ground transportation in a Mercedes Sprinter (2 seats per guest)
- Mt. Cook Museum visit
- Milford Sound cruise
- Any park entrance fees
- Gratuities for William
- In-the-field photography instruction by William Patino & Peter Dooling
- Adobe Lightroom post processing instruction by William Patino
- Critique/review sessions (optional)
Not included in the cost of the trip:
- International flights
- Airport transfers
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Alcohol and snacks
- Items of a personal nature
- Visas (if required for your country of citizenship)
Signing Up
To sign up for this photo adventure, checkout here on our website, call 305-921-4433 or email us (workshops@leicastoremiami.com). We are happy to answer any questions you may have. A $2995 deposit, along with the single room supplement fee should you choose it, is required to hold your spot. The balance will be due on December 16, 2025.
We look forward to seeing you in New Zealand!
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Itinerary
Please note, this is a rough outline of how these trips will be run. We will be making changes as needed to adjust to the best light and weather conditions.
Day 1:
Our journey begins in the picturesque lakeside town of Queenstown. After a meet-and-greet, we’ll make our way toward the West Coast. Along the drive, the landscape transforms dramatically as we pass through rolling hills, lush rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and finally, the rugged coastline.
Overnight in Haast
Day 2:
We’ll spend the day in Haast, starting with a sunrise shoot on the coast, followed by breakfast. During the day, we’ll explore a nearby waterfall, venture into the forest, and finish with a sunset session on the beach.
Overnight in Haast
Day 3:
Today we head back inland toward the high country, a region of glacial lakes, winding rivers, and New Zealand’s tallest mountains. We’ll close the day with sunset at Lake Pukaki, where we’ll photograph Mount Cook in all its glory.
Overnight Twizel
Day 4:
Our morning begins with sunrise on the tranquil shores of Lake Ohau, followed by a post-processing session. After lunch, we’ll travel to Mount Cook Village to browse the historic Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. As evening approaches, we’ll capture sunset at Tasman Lake, framed by Mount Cook and the surrounding peaks.
Overnight Twizel
Day 5:
We’ll greet the sunrise with stunning views of the Southern Alps from a unique vantage point on Lake Pukaki. After breakfast, we’ll photograph the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and, in the afternoon, visit the dramatic and otherworldly Clay Cliffs.
Overnight TwizelDay 6:
Today we journey south, returning to Queenstown. Along the way, we’ll stop at several local vantage points to capture Lake Wakatipu set against its dramatic mountain backdrop.
Overnight Queenstown
Day 7:
After a local sunrise shoot, we’ll head south into the untouched beauty of Fiordland. Upon arrival in Te Anau—the gateway to the region—we’ll explore lush rainforest scenes before photographing sunset on the serene shores of Lake Manapouri.
Overnight Te Anau
Day 8:
We’ll spend the day deep in Fiordland’s steep, forested valleys. From sunrise to sunset, we’ll capture pristine forests, waterfalls, and soaring mountains. The day concludes with sunset and dinner at breathtaking Milford Sound.
Overnight Te Anau
Day 9:
This morning we’ll photograph sunrise over the mountain-framed waters of Lake Te Anau. After breakfast, we return to Milford Sound for a two-hour cruise along the fiord, where we’ll capture dramatic seascapes, waterfalls, and towering cliffs.
Overnight Te Anau
Day 10:
On our final morning, we’ll enjoy one last sunrise shoot in the Eglinton Valley, followed by post-processing and a closing discussion. In the afternoon, we return to Queenstown, where the workshop concludes.
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Payment
A $2995 deposit, along with the single supplement room fee if you choose it, is due at the time of registration. The balance will be due on December 16, 2025.
Withdrawal and Refund Policy
Enrollment is limited to 7 participants, and once you sign up, we are counting on your attendance. If you need to withdraw from this workshop, please notify us in writing (email is acceptable) as soon as possible. This is our refund policy:
If you cancel and we find someone to fill your seat, we will refund you the full amount you have paid towards the tuition, minus a $250 service charge. If you cancel and we cannot find someone to fill your seat, then you will be refunded according to the following schedule:
At least 90 days before the start of the workshop: Full refund minus $250 service fee.
Between 89 and 60 days before the start of the workshop: 75% refund
Between 59 and 45 days before the start of the workshop: 50% refund
Less than 45 days from the start of the workshop: No refundCourse Cancellation and Other Terms
Leica Store Miami reserves the right to cancel a reservation if full payment has not been received by 90 days prior to the start of the workshop.
In the event that this workshop must be canceled due to inadequate enrollment, all fees and deposits will be refunded in full or may be transferred to another workshop within 24 months.
In the unlikely event of illness, accident or injury to one of the instructors, Leica Store Miami reserves the right to replace that instructor with a comparable instructor.
In the event of a natural disaster or severe weather event, Leica Store Miami reserves the right to postpone or cancel the workshop.Travel Insurance (required)
It is a requirement of booking that guests provide evidence of comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellation and curtailment, medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation), personal accident, injury and death in addition to loss of/damage to luggage and possessions, personal possessions and flight cancellations/delays. Companies like Travelex and Allianz Global Assistance are reputable but you can choose any vendor you like. Leica Store Miami is not responsible for reimbursement of non-refundable airline tickets in the event of a workshop cancellation, nor are we responsible for trip cancellations due to medical emergencies, personal emergencies or other unforeseen events.
Camera Gear Insurance (STRONGLY recommended)
We advise all of our workshop attendees to insure their camera gear against damage, theft, loss, etc. If your gear is not already insured, check with your home owner's insurance to see if they offer coverage. There are several photo specific insurance policies out there as well.
Communicable Illness Protocols
Our main goal on all of our tours is to keep everyone safe. To that end, we ask that everyone do their best to avoid exposure to communicable diseases like Covid-19, influenza, RSV, etc before and during our trip. If someone in our group becomes ill on the trip and we deem it to be harmful to the group, we reserve the right to remove them from group activities where social distancing is not possible.
Single Room Policy
If you sign-up for double occupancy room sharing and there are no other attendees to pair you with, you will be responsible for paying the single room supplement.Transfers
If for any reason you wish to transfer your deposit or workshop fee, please notify us by email. You must register and complete a new workshop within 24 months of the withdrawal. We reserve the right to accept or deny any transfer.There are no exceptions to our Cancellation and Transfer Policy.
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