Leaning Into the Weather: An Anniversary Adventure in Queenstown
Whakatipu-Wai-Māori (Lake Wakatipu), surrounded by its beautiful mauka (mountains), is known all across the world for its incredible beauty. For many visitors searching for things to do in Queenstown, it’s this lake and its dramatic landscapes that call them here. Much of that beauty comes from the wild weather that graces us with its presence often. We do our very best to juggle our tours around the wildest of weathers, and sometimes, we really lean into it.
Joy and Nigel were visiting the Southern Lakes to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary, and they brought with them the perfect adventurous spirit that we love to see in our manuhiri (guests). As we watched the weather roll through — when there really was way too much rain for an enjoyable experience, even for the adventurous — the skies suddenly opened and we were all go.
One of the major advantages of our AuthenticAs Queenstown Adventure is its flexibility. It’s a private three-hour experience, and we make the decision on which places to visit not just when we pick you up, but even while we’re on the road. If you’re looking for a private tour in Queenstown that adapts to the day, the weather, and your energy, this is it.
We had Moke Lake in mind, which is one of those places you never really know until you arrive — and looking across Queenstown Bay it seemed we might just get lucky. And lucky we were.
“We are beyond grateful for the stunning photos! Queenstown has always been one of our favourite places in the country and after visiting a few times, we knew it was the perfect backdrop to mark our upcoming 10th wedding anniversary.
Simon was absolutely amazing- from the initial inquiry and even before the shoot, he kept in touch and thoughtfully adjusted the plan around the weather. He not only captured the moment beautifully, but also made us feel comfortable, natural and truly ourselves in front of the camera.His warmth, creativity and ability to put us at ease truly shine through in every frame.We loved how he included our friends in the shoot and captured those moments just as meaningful as our couple shots. He even shared bits of Queenstown’s history along the way which made the experience even special.
Every image tells a story of joy, love and the beauty of the moment- more than we could have ever asked for. Thank you for capturing not just the scenery but also the heart and emotion behind it all. Highly recommend AuthenticAs to anyone wanting timeless, breathtaking photos in Queenstown.
-Joy and Nigel”
It wasn’t dry, but with the rain came low cloud, shimmering trees, and glistening mountain slopes. With our classic Land Rover Defender close by, there was never any worry. If the rain returned, we could dive inside, wait it out, or move to another location. That flexibility is part of what makes this adventure so relaxed — you’re not stuck to a rigid plan.
We managed the most perfect weather window on the shore of Punamāhaka, a stunning hidden mountain gem. Every direction you look, there are incredible backdrops — absolutely perfect for a couples photography experience in Queenstown. And it’s never just a photoshoot with us. The journey between each stop gives us the chance to share stories about this place we’ve called home for over 20 years, while you relax and prepare for your next photographs.
On our way back toward Whakatipu-Wai-Māori we stopped in at a couple of roadside lookouts, making the most of different views and landscapes. Each stop added variety to Joy and Nigel’s story, capturing a set of photographs that feel like a complete journey.
As we reached the larger of our lakes, we saw how quickly microclimates can change. Beautiful, but this time only a short stop was needed to capture its essence — before making our way higher.
Again, timing was on our side. One of the major advantages of Queenstown is the ease of access to mountain slopes. Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (The Southern Alps) are jaw-dropping in all weather conditions, and on this occasion we were gifted the very best of them all. Fresh snow graced the peaks, but not so low that it made access difficult. The rain gave them a dramatic shimmer, and best of all, golden rays from Tamanuiterā (the Sun) broke through the clouds.
Leaning into the weather, choosing adventure, and celebrating in style resulted in an unforgettable day out — and a collection of photographs Joy and Nigel will hold close for years to come.
If you’re planning your trip and wondering about unique things to do in Queenstown, the AuthenticAs Queenstown Adventure is our answer. A three-hour private journey through the Whakatipu Basin, we pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation, provide transport in our Land Rover Defender, and create a collection of professional photographs along the way. It’s the best way to explore Queenstown and Arrowtown’s hotspots while making memories of your own.