Animal Encounter Paraparaumu

Experience the very best of New Zealand’s South Island on a journey through some of its most unforgettable photography locations—from the towering peaks, dramatic fiords, and wild coastlines of the Lower South to the golden beaches and limestone coves of the Top of the South. This diverse region offers an extraordinary range of landscapes, perfect for capturing everything from rugged alpine vistas and cascading waterfalls to sunlit shores and sculpted limestone formations.
In the Lower South Island, immerse yourself in iconic landscapes including Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, the untouched wilderness of Milford Sound, and the windswept beaches and coastal rainforest of the Catlins. Highlights include an overnight Milford Sound cruise, where waterfalls plunge into the sea from rainforest-clad peaks, and opportunities to photograph coastal wildlife such as sea lions on remote beaches.
Journeying north through Central Otago and Twizel, you’ll encounter golden tussock landscapes, glacial lakes, alpine vistas, and some of the clearest night skies in the world. In Kaikōura, dramatic cliffs rise from the Pacific Ocean, offering chances to capture both breathtaking coastal scenery and abundant marine life.
Continuing to the Top of the South, you’ll explore limestone formations, lush native forests, shifting sand dunes, and places where mountains meet the sea. This adventure delivers a unique chance to photograph the highlights across New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes.