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Hakatere Conservation Park
Ashburton Lakes

Photography Tour

 3 Night/2 Day Tour

Overview

Tucked away in Mid Canterbury, the Hakatere Conservation Park / Ashburton Lakes are the epitome of a hidden gem. If you’re seeking an authentic backcountry experience - one that feels untouched by time - this is the place to be. The sheer beauty of the lakes, set against a backdrop of rugged mountains, is breathtaking. With no tourist shops, hotels, or crowds in sight, the serenity is unmatched.

It's wild, raw, and utterly captivating.

Many tourists race past the Ashburton Lakes and Mid Canterbury, chasing the well-known highlights of Christchurch and Lake Tekapo, meaning we will often have these stunning lakes all to ourselves.

Of all the Ashburton Lakes, Lake Heron is undoubtedly the star and where we'll be based. Majestic and tranquil, it rests beneath towering mountains that become even more magical under a crisp night sky. Best of all, it is easily accessible and rarely crowded, making it a perfect photography retreat for those seeking solitude in nature.

Lake Clearwater, one of the larger lakes in the area, is a nostalgic getaway that feels like a glimpse into the past. The old-school holiday homes, or "baches", are a reminder of simpler times. 

The tour commences on Friday 22nd and concludes Monday 25th of August, and is open to any level of photographer.

 

Our base will be Arrowsmith Lodge, situated along a gravel road on the shores of Lake Heron. The beds are all comfortable king single bunks spread across 3 rooms with 2 bathrooms for our use.
We also will have a full kitchen stocked with all the essentials to self cater. There is also the option of dining out at Mt Potts Lodge or heading into the village of Mt Somers. There is a convenient store and fuel stop located in Mt Somers also.

We'll be focusing on shooting sunsets and astro, but sunrises will also be a possibility if we don't manage to find clear skies the night before. The exact schedule will be determined according to the whole group’s photographic objectives, but the weather will be the main deciding factor, therefore I keep a flexible itinerary to accommodate this.

 

Places we will explore include the Maori Lakes, Lake Clearwater, Lake Camp, Lake Heron and Kettle Holes, Lake Emma, Lake Roundabout, Hakatere Potts Road looking toward the Southern Alps and Mt Sunday (Edoras) 
 

If the weather is less than ideal, there is the option for some post processing should you wish to bring your laptop and do some editing.

 

​       What you can learn

  • How to plan compositions and timing to find the best compositions using apps such as Photopills

  • Wide-field Astrophotography

  • Settings and methods specific to your gear and skill level

  • Long exposure techniques at sunset using filters if you have them

  • How to shoot the Milky Way, including panoramas if you already have the basics of night photography mastered 

  • Post processing if the weather is no good, using Photoshop, Lightroom and PTGui (which you will need to purchase and have installed on your laptop if you wish to use this panorama stitching software the pro's use)  


 

What to bring

  • Mirrorless or DSLR camera

  • Ideal lenses: 
    -A wide zoom lens for landscapes such as, but not limited to, a 16-35mm 
    -A telephoto lens for landscapes such as, but not limited to, a 70-200mm or 100-400mm
    -A fast and
    wide prime lens for astro; f/1.4 through to f/2.8 or 16mm through to 24mm for the best results, although up to f/4 is fine if your camera has high ISO capabilities. 

  • A star tracker if you have one

  • Spare camera batteries and SD cards

  • Sturdy tripod (essential)

  • Filters if you have them

  • Intervalometer if not built in to your camera body or shutter release cable

  • Lens heater (not essential but very helpful if you have a bulbous lens that is prone to fogging up at night)

  • Waterproof camera cover

  • Laptop or desktop with Lightroom Classic and/or Photoshop installed should you wish to edit - minimum 16gb of RAM

  • Thermal base layers

  • Warm jacket*

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Windbreaker

  • Gloves

  • Sturdy and warm footwear

  • Hat, hood or beanie

  • Head torch with a red light or low light setting

  • 2-3 lens cloths

  • Water bottle

  • Snacks


    The Hakatere can have 4 seasons in one day. Please come prepared for all weather.

Physical Difficulties

A minimum level of physical activity is necessary to enjoy this tour. All locations we shoot will be within a short walk . These are sometimes uphill, over uneven ground, and you will be responsible for carrying your own equipment. There may be a couple of longer walks (30-45 min one way). If your fitness or mobility is an issue please let me know in your application form.

Whats Included

  • 3 nights and 2 days of photography 

  • Accommodation at Arrowsmith Lodge in your own room

  • 1 post processing tuition session if the weather is less than favourable

  • Travel during the workshop in a comfortable 4WD Landcruiser

  • Full kitchen with all the essentials to cook and prepare our own meals 

  • Continental breakfast supplies to help yourself to

  • DOC concession fees

  • Comprehensive Safety Management Plan

  • Pick up/drop off at Christchurch airport 

  • Digital workflow sheet spilling all my secrets on how I plan, shoot and edit an image from start to finish.

Whats not Included

  • Personal, equipment and travel insurance

  • Lunch, dinner and snacks

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