Middle Earth

Mongolia

Why Mongolia? Because Few Dare to Go

Mongolia is one of the world’s last true frontiers—wild, untamed, and breathtakingly beautiful. While many dream of visiting, few actually make the journey. Why? Because getting there isn’t easy.

With no direct flights from North America and limited direct flights from Europe (only four per week from Frankfurt and six from Istanbul), reaching Mongolia requires determination. And once you arrive in Ulaanbaatar, there are just three flights a week to Ölgii—the gateway to the stunning Altai Mountains.

But here’s the thing: the effort is absolutely worth it.

Mongolia’s vast landscapes remain unspoiled by mass tourism. You’ll experience jaw-dropping scenery, encounter nomadic families who welcome you into their traditional Gers (not yurts), and capture once-in-a-lifetime photographs of eagle hunters, rolling steppe, and the towering dunes of the Gobi Desert.

If you're looking for luxury, this isn’t the trip for you. This is adventure travel at its finest. We’ll be off-roading for hours in 4x4 SUVs, staying in traditional Gers (with no five-star amenities), and eating simple but authentic Mongolian food. The days will be long, the conditions rugged—but the rewards? Unmatched.

Mongolia isn’t for everyone—it’s for those who crave adventure, authenticity, and once-in-a-lifetime photography opportunities.

Itinerary

Day 1

We’ll start our adventure with a dinner in Auckland.

Day 2 & 3

We kick off our trip in earnest with a tour of Hobbiton and Middle Earth before heading to Rotorua for a walk among the Redwood trees at 75 feet in the air near the treetops. Rotorua is filled with geothermal geysers, so we’ll visit two geothermal parks and enjoy a natural spring spa.

Day 4

Fly to Christchurch on the South Island and begin a true Lord of the Rings adventure.

Day 5 & 6

We take a scenic drive to the West Coast of the South Island, where we will spend two nights on the beach, capturing the rugged coastline and the iconic Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. We'll also visit a visit to a cavern will allow us to witness the mesmerizing glow worms.

Day 7

We continue south along the West Coast to Fox Glacier, stopping for photography along the way. Time permitting, we will take a short hike to Lake Matheson, known for its mirror-like reflections of the Southern Alps.

Day 8

The day begins with a heli ride over Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, including a breathtaking snow landing. Afterwards, we head south to Wanaka, making stops at waterfalls and the Blue Pools along the way.

Day 9

Following a sunrise shoot at the famous Wanaka Tree, you’ll have the option to hike to Roy’s Peak, one of the most photographed spots in all of New Zealand.

Day 10

We take another opportunity to photograph the Wanaka Tree before departing for Te Anau, capturing stunning landscapes along the way.

Day 11 - 12

No New Zealand adventure is complete without visiting a sound. We embark on an all-day cruise through Doubtful Sound, where we’ll see spectacular waterfalls and, if luck is on our side, dolphins and seals. We will also seek out the iconic silver ferns, New Zealand’s national plant, during a scenic hike near Te Anau.

Day 13 - 14

Our final stop is Queenstown. We will take a leisurely drive, capturing stunning scenery along the way. The evening includes a gondola ride to the top of Queenstown for panoramic views, followed by a hike back down. For thrill-seekers, Queenstown offers options like bungee jumping and high-speed boat rides. Or, for a more relaxed experience, enjoy fine chocolates and a laid-back day in town.

Day 15

Return to Auckland, bringing home unforgettable memories and photographs of this incredible journey.
Transportation

You will be responsible for all international transportation requirements. This photo tour will begin in Auckland (exact hotel and meeting location will be provided after registration) and end in Queenstown (flight back to Auckland is included; if you would like to continue on in Queenstown please let us know). Once the photo tour begins, all internal transportation costs are included in the registration fee including flights. We will be using private vehicles and walking within city limits when possible. When moving between cities we will use private vans to get from city to city.
Accommodation

You will be staying in local hotels with a 3-4 star western standard rating.
Meals

All breakfasts will be included. Lunches, dinners or beverages are not included. Please note that a couple of breakfasts will not be available right away because we will be leaving too early in the morning. Please bring 2-3 of your favorite power bars to get you through 1-3 hours before we can find something!
Medical

It is recommended that you have all your childhood immunizations up to date and, if necessary, boosted before traveling.
Documents

Most citizens of Western countries with a valid passport do not need an entry visa for New Zealand. However, we recommend checking with your local embassy or consulate for specific requirements. Travelers are responsible for obtaining their own visas, and registration does not include any visa fees.
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