Catch the eclipse and hunt for blue mushrooms in New Zealand
New Zealand
July 16 - July 23, 2028
This guided photography trip takes you to the land that inspired the Lord of the Rings Trilogy to see a total solar eclipse. It's as close as you can get to being on another planet.
We'll also hunt for the country's iconic and elusive blue mushroom, werewere-kōkako. They only grow here in certain places at certain times of year, but are beloved enough to earn a spot on their currency.
I've reserved a house in the Otago region. It sits in the path of totality. No fighting traffic before or after this incredible event.
During our 7.5 days of activities, we'll also explore landscapes that evoke Middle Earth. Incredible mountains, lush temperate rainforests, and some of the darkest skies on the planet.
Let me do the organizing, you just need to get to Auckland! Plus, I want to help you get some unforgettable shots and upgrade your photography skills.
It's a phenomena that only happens once every few years. Some people go their entire lives without seeing one.
$8,000 per person + cost of flight ($800-$1500 from most major US cities)
Stay in the path of totality at a house in the Otago region
Our private residence is home base for the eclipse. It provides an excellent vantage point for 3 minutes of totality.
It's nestled in the rolling hills and backdrop of the Southern Alps of the South Island. It's also close by to Queenstown, one of the adventure capitals of the world.
Hunt for blue pinkgill mushrooms
Another part of the trip will be spent searching for the elusive blue mushroom in New Zealand. These tiny fungi only grow during the winter, and can be notoriously hard to find. We'll make our best attempt at discovering these magical surprises and taking close up photography of them.
Private meals on eclipse day
The day of the eclipse will be spent at our AirBnB enjoying an unforgettable lunch and dinner with local cuisine and fare from a private chef.
Visit Lord of the Rings Filming locations
Another part of the trip will be spent searching for the elusive blue mushroom in New Zealand. These tiny fungi only grow during the winter, and can be notoriously hard to find. We'll make our best attempt at discovering these magical surprises and taking close up photography of them.
Take a day trip on Doubtful Sound
The day of the eclipse will be spent at our AirBnB enjoying an unforgettable lunch and dinner with local cuisine and fare from a private chef.
What's included:
- Lodging (double occupancy)
- Transportation during the trip from Auckland
- Round trip flight transfer from Auckland to Christchurch
- Catered lunch and dinner on eclipse day by a private chef
- Light snacks and water
- Light breakfast every day
- Lunch and dinner at restaurants every day except eclipse day (July 22)
- Guided activities and drives
- Eclipse viewing glasses
- Entrance fees and permits
- Photography coaching
- 1 pre-trip virtual group session
- 1 post-trip virtual group photo editing tutorial on your photos
- Gratuities for our private chef, and any activity guides
What's not included:
- Transportation to Auckland, New Zealand
- Hotels and hotel transfers before and after the trip
- Personal expenses like souvenirs, toiletries, etc.
- Alcoholic drinks
- Camera and gear (You can rent from me for extra)
- Optional gratuities for guides or restaurants
- Travel insurance
What is a total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, casting a shadow on the surface.
In a total eclipse, the entire disc of the sun is covered, revealing the corona and solar prominences. It also gets dark enough to see stars and confuse wildlife.
What will we do?
My top priority is to help you see the solar eclipse and find blue mushrooms. I also want to show you the unique and ubelievable landscape of New Zealand.
On this trip we'll visit the Waikato, Otago, Cantebury, and Southland Region of New Zealand. We'll explore glow worm caves and Lord of the Rings filming locations. I'll help folks with their photos - settings, composition, scouting, planning for editing, and more.
Day 1 - July 16
Pickup from your hotel in Auckland (Morning)
Blue mushroom hunting
Lunch and Dinner
Day 2 - July 17
Glow worm cave photography workshop
Lunch and Dinner
Tour Hobbiton movie set
Day 3 - July 18
Ziplining adventures near Rotorua, or hot spring realxation if you're not adventurous!
Lunch and dinner
Fight to Christchurch
Day 4 - July 19
Drive to Wanaka, with stops to explore Castle Hill, the filming location for Rohan, Mt. Aoraki, and the iconic Wanaka tree.
Lunch and dinner
Day 5 - July 20
Drive to Manapouri, with stops to explore Queenstown, several Lord of the Rings filming locations, and Lake Te Anau
Day 6 - July 21
Day boat trip in Doubtful Sound, one of the most remote locations in the world. See seals, dolphins, and sail on the Tasman Sea
Lunch and dinner
Drive to AirBnB
Day 7 - July 22 2 (Eclipse Day)
Eclipse photography and viewing in the afternoon
Private, catered lunch at AirBnB
Free time and editing eclipse photos
Private, catered dinner at AirBnB
Day 8 - July 23
Explore Glenorchy, souvenir shopping in Queenstown, fly back to Auckland with drop off at your hotel.
$8,000 per person + cost of flight ($800-$1500 from most major US cities)
What else do you need to know?
The eclipse isn't guaranteed
Clouds might get in the way. Our AirBnB has a clear view to the west, and the weather in the Otago region is typically clear. But sometimes, the weather doesn't cooperate. Luckily, New Zealand is a gorgeous country.
Blue Mushrooms aren't guaranteed
They might have a dry winter. Temperatures could not cooperate. This week is past their prime period, but there are still plenty of reports of blue pinkgills during July. The difficulty of the hunt is what makes finding them so special.
How big will the group be?
The minimum size for the group is 5, the maximum size is 8.
How will we get around?
I’m renting a van (depending on how many people come). It's big enough to hold all our stuff and ourselves.
How strenuous is the trip?
It depends on what the group has an appetite for! New Zealand is known for its outdoor activities, but as this trip happens during their winter, we likely won't be doing any strenuous hiking.
The hikes are usually moderate. I will have a couple options we can choose from. We won't be walking every day.
On non-eclipse days, plan on 8-12 hours of sightseeing / activities. Typically driving length is 3-5 hours with stops along the way.
What will the weather be like?
New Zealand's winter is in July. Temperatures can get below freezing, and there will likely be snow.
Do I have to have a nice camera or be a good photographer?
All skill levels and cameras are welcome, whether that's a smart phone, DSLR, or mirrorless camera.
I highly encourage taking a few moments to see it with your eyes. It can be easy to get wrapped up in getting the shot. But pausing to take the eclipse in with the naked eye is something you'll remember forever.
However, to get a shot of the eclipse similar to what you've seen on social media, you'll need a DSLR / mirrorless camera, a telephoto lens, and a solar filter is highly recommended.
Can I get a room to myself?
If you'd like a single room, let me know. They are first come, first serve, and will add $2,000 to the cost of your trip.
Will you book my flight?
I'm sorry, for international travel I can not offer flight bookings. I highly recommend arriving in New Zealand the morning of July 15 to allow for delays but also recover from jet lag. I highly recommend leaving July 24 from Auckland, as I can't guarantee we will be back to that airport in time for an evening flight on the 23rd.
I will give you a time that you need to be ready by late morning on the 16th for pickup, and you are responsible for getting there by that time. If you are late and the group needs to head out, I won't be able to refund your trip.
What happens if you need to cancel?
A deposit is of $2,000 required to reserve your place on the trip.
1/2 of the remaining payment ($3,000) will be due Feb 1, 2027.
I will be asking for final 1/2 payment ($3,000) on Feb 1, 2028.
If you decide to cancel before Feb 1, 2028, I will refund your deposit if I am able to fill your spot. If your place goes unfilled, your trip will not be refunded.
If you cancel after Jan 1, 2027, the trip is non-refundable.
Meet your guide
I've visited New Zealand three times and successfully led groups to see solar eclipses.
My philosophy:
- It's all about the experience and getting out from behind the lens
- You can take a powerful photo with anything, even a phone
- Keep it simple! Learn one thing at a time
- My goal is to get you more comfortable with your camera and unique shooting situations
I like to keep things as low-stress as possible. It's often very easy for photographers to stress about getting "the shot" and miss out on enjoying the moment.
🇨🇭First Aid / CPR / AED Certified by Red Cross
🌲 Leave No Trace Certified
