The Road to Glenorchy
Tāhuna / Glenorchy rests quietly at the head of Lake Whakatipu. Until 1962, when the road from Queenstown was completed, access was strictly by horse, foot, or steamship.
Today, this winding ribbon along the lake edge is celebrated as one of the world's most spectacular scenic drives. Leaving Queenstown behind, we skirt beneath dramatic mauka (mountains) along the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu (Whakatipu-Wai-Māori).
Rather than rushing past viewpoints or joining crowd-heavy tour stops, we travel at your pace in our classic Land Rover Defender. We select quiet pull-ins based on the day’s light and weather - including optional side trips to Moke Lake or Bob’s Cove - giving you space to slow down and immerse yourself in the landscape.
You sit back and take in the scenery while we share genuine stories of the land, its history, and its environment. As we explore, we quietly document your journey. There are no stiff poses; instead, you get effortless, high-end hero photographs of you together in world-class settings - giving you a complete gallery of scroll-stopping memories from your time in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our background in local environmental education across the Whakatipu Basin shapes how we guide, offering a much richer, deeper understanding of the places we visit together as we prepare to head deeper into the valleys beyond.
An iconic rural Kiwi town
We spend time soaking up the relaxed, timeless atmosphere of Glenorchy- a classic lakeside settlement resting at the foot of Mount Earnslaw.
Mrs Woolly’s General Store is our favorite stop for authentic Southern Lakes keep-sakes, offering a thoughtful collection of locally crafted artisan gifts and provisions. We build in ten quiet minutes here for you to browse at an unhurried pace.
The iconic red boat shed and timber wharf will be instantly recognizable to anyone who has admired imagery of Whakatipu Wai Māori. While this historic shoreline draws visitors from around the world, our deep local knowledge means we navigate around the crowds - finding quiet, secluded perspectives that feel private and intimate.
From the wharf, we explore the northern shoreline where the Dart River feeds into the lake. In spring and early summer, vibrant wild lupins line the water's edge, creating a striking natural backdrop.
An easy, flat 15-to-20-minute walk out along the Glenorchy Lagoon boardwalk brings us to the famous red bench, where mirror-like wetland waters reflect the surrounding peaks. It is a relaxed, optional stroll to stretch your legs and take in the crisp mountain air before we head deeper into the valleys—or we can swap this for a quicker lakeside viewpoint if you’d prefer to maximize your time further out.
In the words of our manuhiri (guests)
Unforgettable Queenstown Adventure – A Perfect Blend of Scenery, Photography
& Hospitality!
Our photography tour with AuthenticAs was an experience of a lifetime! Simon’s expertise, passion, and deep local knowledge made every moment special, taking us to breathtaking locations we would have never found on our own. His photography tips and storytelling added an extra layer of magic to the journey.
To top it all off, Emma’s beautifully arranged picnic was simply outstanding—fresh, delicious, and set in a stunning spot. This tour is an absolute must for anyone looking to capture the true essence of Queenstown in the most exclusive and immersive way. Highly recommended!
Pavneet & Simran - Trip Advisor 5*
An Unforgettable Queenstown Adventure with Simon
After an unexpected free day opened up during our vacation, we wanted someone to guide us around the Queenstown area and show us the region’s hidden gems—places less accessible and often overlooked by larger tours. Simon was incredibly responsive, creating a custom itinerary for us on very short notice.
The next day, we found ourselves in his 4x4, surrounded by Queenstown’s breathtaking scenery, from remote backcountry mountains to lush rainforests. Simon not only guided us but also took stunning photos of both us and the scenery, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience without worrying about capturing the memories.
Between stops, Simon shared his deep knowledge of Maori culture, providing fascinating backstory and helping us appreciate the Maori people’s connection to the beautiful landscapes we were exploring.
To top it all off, his photo turnaround was impressively quick. He shared previews the very next day, and we received the full album within a week.
Simon exceeded all expectations—his expertise, friendliness, and attention to detail made this one of the most memorable experiences of our trip!
Kyle & Libby - Trip Advisor 5*
Discover ...without distraction!
So often as solo travellers our time leading up to the trip is spent planning for it and after arrival it's a battle between wanting to enjoy ourselves but also capture the experience. Authentic As is your answer to that dilemma!
I stumbled across Simon and Emma's website while I was working on my South Island itinerary. Despite all my years in Aotearoa, I had spent more time visiting overseas locales than I had our gorgeous Te Waipounamu. It's easy to push things in your backyard further down the bucket list isn't it? But with an imminent move to Australia coming, I knew I had to make the most of my time.
The initial email exchange with Simon and Emma instantly put me at ease. They understood my desire to enjoy the day without having to whip out the phone for selfies lol. Ofcourse the day itself was absolutely memorable - really appreciated how organically our plans unfolded based on the light conditions and the spots I was enjoying. Simon spared no efforts in making sure that I not only got to enjoy the natural beauty around us, but also that he captured those moments for me, so I could remember them by. Thanks to Authentic As, I got to discover all sorts of spots - underrated and well loved that day.
And I have to mention that I was wholly unprepared for Emma's fabulous picnic - what an absolute treat! After a wonderful day out, Simon made sure to send an initial set of pics out to me so I could share the excitement of the day with friends and family (despite having a very early start the next day for a community event I must add). Soon after that Simon shared the full photo package as well - what an absolute delight it was to re-live the stunning day turning to dusk turning to night. The transition had been magical to experience in the first place and getting to see it all over again was a gift <3
Queenstown and its surrounding locales are so gorgeous, it'd be a shame not to let yourself be fully immersed because you are distracted by the desire to capture your memories on camera. I never took out my phone once to click pics during the trip; I didn't have to do any planning; I thoroughly enjoyed my day ...what more could one ask for? As Simon likes to say... "let me do the hard work!" :)
Parul - Trip Advisor 5* Review
Leaving sealed roads behind
As we travel beyond Glenorchy, the smooth sealed road gives way to unpaved backcountry tracks—and you couldn't ask for a better vehicle to be in. Our 2015 Land Rover Defender is an outright classic, offering modern refinement for a relaxed journey while maintaining the unmistakable feel of an authentic mountain expedition. It also serves as a striking, iconic prop in your photographs.
Operating under official Department of Conservation (DOC) concessions, we hold the legal permits to guide you through these protected public lands and wilderness areas. Depending on the day’s light, weather, and river conditions, we may:
Venture up the Rees Valley toward Muddy Creek, exploring wide, braided glacial river flats flanked by towering mountain walls.
Travel through the Dart Valley into Paradise, tracing the base of Pikirakatahi (Mt Earnslaw) until the road quite literally ends at the edge of the ancient beech forest.
Head toward the Routeburn Track head, taking unhurried walks through lush rainforests and over crystal-clear alpine rivers at the gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park.
Every choice is made collaboratively as we travel. We follow the light and your interests, never racing a clock. If a particular riverbed or mountain view captures your imagination, we are free to stay a while longer—giving you complete freedom to enjoy the landscape while we craft unforgettable, scroll-stopping hero photographs of your journey.
A few practical details
This experience spans approximately six unhurried hours, beginning with private pickup directly from your accommodation anywhere in Queenstown or the Whakatipu Basin, and ending with a seamless drop-off back at your door—or at a local dining spot if you prefer.
We design the day around comfort and discovery. Stops are frequent, and activities range from scenic viewpoints to gentle walks through native rainforests and along lakeshores. Comfortable, practical footwear is all you need.
Every journey is 100% bespoke. Because it is exclusively your private group, we adapt the itinerary on the fly based on mountain weather, light, and what catches your eye. We never run whistle-stop tours or push you from spot to spot; our goal is for you to slow down, relax, and truly absorb the landscape.
We know you will be eager to share your experience, so we fast-track our post-production process. The very next day, you will receive a first-look preview gallery—polished, high-resolution hero images ready for immediate sharing—followed by your complete, master-edited collection within two weeks.
When it comes to your gallery, we focus on depth and story rather than repetitive snapshots. Every guest receives three distinct digital deliverables:
First-Look Preview: A fast-tracked selection of high-resolution hero shots delivered the very next day so you can share your experience immediately while the energy is fresh.
The Highlights Album: A personal cinematographic interpretation of your journey—a hand-selected, story-driven collection curated with an artistic eye for light, mood, and composition.
The General Album: A comprehensive collection of every candid moment, sweeping landscape, and genuine interaction from your six hours on the road.
Naturally, the final count reflects the flow of your day and your group's energy. However, guests typically walk away with a master-edited collection of 250+ distinct, high-resolution photographs across their full galleries.
We also offer gallery-grade, archival-quality fine art printing options. Prints can be produced and delivered directly to your Queenstown accommodation before you fly home, or securely packaged and shipped anywhere in the world.
To the Top & Back – 6 Hour Glenorchy & Beyond Adventure
At a glance
Private 6-hour guided tour for up to 4 people (NZD $2,500 flat charter fee)
Door-to-door luxury transport with pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in the Whakatipu Basin
Travel by classic 2015 Land Rover Defender along the world-renowned scenic road to Tāhuna / Glenorchy
Bespoke, flexible pathways: We follow the day’s light, weather, and your interests into Paradise, the Rees Valley, or the Routeburn Corridor
Guided by a professional, award-winning photographer: Full coverage of your journey, capturing candid moments and artistic hero portraits while you relax
Three distinct digital image deliverables included: Next-Day First-Look Preview, an artistically curated Highlights Album, and a comprehensive General Album (typically 250+ master-edited photographs)
Archival quality fine art printing options available to order during or after your stay
Fresh, house-prepared picnic and refreshments included: Tailored to your dietary preferences and served at a serene high-country scenic spot
Driven and guided by Simon: Fully passenger-endorsed, qualified astroguide, and experienced local environmental educator
Learn more about our local family business → About Us
Good to know
Flexible itinerary planning built around real-time mountain weather conditions
Operated under official Department of Conservation (DOC) concessions
Health & Safety audited by Qualworx and Qualmark Silver accredited
Qualmark Silver accredited
Tailored for solo travelers, couples, families, or small groups seeking a safe, host-guided private charter (your vehicle and guide are 100% exclusive to your party)
Larger groups? Contact us at emailus@authenticAs.org and we will tailor a custom solution for your party
About Your Guide
Simon holds a BSc (Hons) in Astrophysics and has lived in the Southern Lakes for over 21 years. He photographs every experience himself, which means he's guiding and watching in equal measure - reading the light, reading the people, noticing the moment just before the moment. His formal study of kā taka o te marama - the Māori lunar calendar and its relationship to the land and sky - began in 2024 under the guidance of experts carrying intergenerational knowledge. The more he learns, the more it shapes how he moves through this landscape. Emma holds the other half together - qualified astroguide, photographer, and the reason everything is as safe as it is considered.