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Aerial adventures through Southern Alps
Digital Imaging Ambassador
There’s nothing like the feeling of a sunrise flight, chasing first light over the Southern Alps as a photographer. Taking off from an airfield in Glenorchy, the landscape below was still hidden in shadow, but the peaks ahead held the promise of something spectacular. With the window folded up for a crystal-clear view, I was ready—camera in hand—to capture that fleeting moment when the sun warms the snow-capped peaks.
As the horizon began to glow, soft blues gave way to pink hues. Then came the showstopper: Mount Aspiring, bathed in fiery orange light, standing proud over the Southern Alps. Circling the peak, I felt a mix of adrenaline and pure awe, knowing this was one of those moments that adventure photographers live for.
I’m absolutely stoked to make this image of Mount Aspiring into a print, newly added to the print shop. This shot feels like everything I love about the Southern Alps wrapped into one moment.
From there, we flew west toward Fiordland National Park, passing over glaciers riddled with crevasses and the massive seracs below. The grandeur of Mount Tutoko, Fiordland’s tallest peak, was next, its rugged ridgelines cutting sharply into the soft blues of the changing light. Milford Sound came into view, calm and serene, its iconic cliffs towering above the dark waters.
It wasn’t just about the views, though. My eyes were glued to the terrain, scoping out potential ski lines on untouched snowfields. Adventure is everywhere in the Southern Alps, whether you’re flying above it or carving down its slopes.
Shooting from a moving plane in low light can be challenging, but the Sony A7CR paired with the 24-70mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8 II handled it perfectly. Having f/2.8 aperture on both the 24-70mm and 70-200mm lenses made all the difference. The wide aperture let me keep my ISO lower, preventing unnecessary grain while still nailing those critical early shots as the light began to hit the peaks. Anything narrower would have struggled in such challenging conditions.
Having a variable zoom lens like these made all the difference—being ready for both wide-angle landscapes and tight shots of the details below is a must in aerial photography. When the plane circles a peak or moves quickly between highlights, versatility in your gear ensures you don’t miss the moment.
As the sun rose higher, I could finally edge closer to my ideal shutter speed of 1/1000th of a second, ensuring crisp, reliable imagery—even with the inevitable bumps and vibrations of the Cessna. If you want to master techniques like this, my eBook dives deeper into tackling these kinds of dynamic situations, whether you’re shooting from planes or chasing light in the backcountry.
Flying through the Southern Alps of New Zealand isn’t just about the gear; it’s about timing, creativity, and knowing how to adapt to the changing light. If you’re looking to boost your skills, check out my eBook. It’s packed with practical advice to help you master adventure photography in places like Queenstown, Glenorchy, and beyond. Whether you’re capturing sunrise on the mountains or finding your next epic shot, it’s designed to inspire and guide you.
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As we flew back to Glenorchy, the light shifted once again—muting to soft blues and whites, a reminder of how dynamic the Southern Alps are. Every time I explore these mountains, I’m reminded of why I love this work. It’s about more than the photos; it’s about the adventure, the thrill, and the timeless beauty of New Zealand’s rugged landscapes. The Southern Alps at sunrise offer more than just a scenic flight—they provide an experience for the senses, blending awe and adrenaline. The first light hitting Mount Aspiring, the glaciers, and Fiordland’s rugged cliffs creates a memory that stays with you long after the plane touches down. Having explored these peaks from countless perspectives, I can confidently say this is the best scenic flight in New Zealand—an unforgettable journey through some of the country’s most iconic landscapes.
