Astro, Lifestyle Simon Williams Astro, Lifestyle Simon Williams

Whiro o Pipiri – Te Tau Hou

This morning, before dawn, I stood on the slopes of Pā Hā Raki in the biting wind. Awaiting the rise of Whiro, alongside Pipiri, marking Takurua and Te Tau Hou – the start of the new lunar year.

What began as study has become a near-daily practice. A way of observing and connecting with the environment through Te Rā, Te Marama, Kā Whetū & Te Taiao - winds, clouds, temperature, birds, animals, plants and people

I’m still learning, it will never end. What I’ve discovered is a way of connecting that surpass anything I ever imagined.

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Fall Under Autumn’s Spell

Discover the magic of Queenstown and Arrowtown this autumn with AuthenticAs private guided tours and professional family photography. Experience the golden landscapes, rainbows, and warm southern hospitality while creating unforgettable memories.

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Lifestyle, Portraits, AuthenticAs Queenstown Simon Williams Lifestyle, Portraits, AuthenticAs Queenstown Simon Williams

AuthenticAs Queenstown: Love & Adventure Unite

Journey with us through Queenstown, New Zealand, where love and adventure converge in a tale as unique as yours. Meet Ian and Selena, a couple seeking something extraordinary for their pre-wedding shoot, and if we could include Ian’s parents Mercy & Noel, that would be the icing on the cake.

Here at AuthenticAs we pride ourselves on offering something different, not a run of the mill experience. Instead we can craft our packages individually for you whilst you visit the truly beautiful Southern Lakes district of Aotearoa / New Zealand.

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Astro, Lifestyle Simon Williams Astro, Lifestyle Simon Williams

An unexpected Auroral treat

So many people ask us if we’ll be able to see Tahu-nui-a-raki (The Southern Lights) when they are inquiring about our AuthenticAs Starry Nights Tours. Unfortunately, this isn’t the easiest of phenomena to predict, especially a few months in advance. On Friday night, Jakob & Taryn were treated to a spectacular show, that literally came out of nowhere.

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Lifestyle, Travel Photography Tours Simon Williams Lifestyle, Travel Photography Tours Simon Williams

AuthenticAs Family Time

Wai Tāhuna (Queenstown) is often thought of as a high adrenaline, bungy bouncing, jet boat spinning, ski adventuring and snow boarders paradise. This is true, but then what we would like to do is offer up a different side, one that’s not always advertised so boldly- Authentic As - breathtaking photography & guided 4WD tours.

Without a doubt, this beautiful part of the world that we like to call home, is the absolute perfect place to spend some time with your family and connect, to each other and to much more.

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Astro, Lifestyle Simon Williams Astro, Lifestyle Simon Williams

30th Birthday Trip With The Girls

People come to Wai Tāhuna (Queenstown) for so many different reasons. One of them, is to celebrate a birthday with their friends. Our amazing little town has so much to offer, it’s perfect, as this group of girls found out as they headed here to celebrate Ash’s 30th. An AuthenticAs Starry Night Adventure proved to be the perfect addition to their packed itiinary.

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Astro, Lifestyle, Mental Health Simon Williams Astro, Lifestyle, Mental Health Simon Williams

Solo Traveller - Nick

We love having solo travellers come on our adventures, it allows us to deliver a truly tailored experience so that our manuhiri (visitor) gets exactly what they are looking for. Read about our night under the Stars with Nick, an exceptionally inspiring young man from Melbourne, here in Tāhuna (Queenstown) for a week of snowboarding and adventure seeking.

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Astro, Lifestyle, Portraits Simon Williams Astro, Lifestyle, Portraits Simon Williams

Sue & Tania

Is there a more romantic way of proposing than being halfway up a mountain, in the snow, under the stunning Southern Night Sky? We’re not sure there is. It’s even better when it’s disguised as a Star Gazing Tour, keeping the secret safe and amplifying the surprise. Read about Sue & Tania’s unforgettable AuthenticAs Starry Night Adventure here in Tāhuna, Aotearoa (Queenstown, NZ)

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