BETHELLS BLACK SAND BEACH (TE HENGA) AUCKLAND:
One of Zara’s favourite west coast beaches to shoot at, with sunset over the waters horizon. You’ll find beautiful sand dunes, wide open beach space, rocks and caves as well as an estuary which makes for a beautiful lake-like backdrop, especially at dusk. Located on Auckland’s rugged west coast, Bethels Beach feels truly magical thanks to its striking black volcanic sand, towering dunes, and coastal cliffs.
We will shoot 2 incredible ethereal bridal looks which will be captured separately as well as together, set before sunset for maximum light play followed by flash photography at dusk with flash guidance from Zara and Jared to gain more confidence with flash on film, or flash in general
THE ITINERARY
WILLOWBROOK PARK ESTATE:
A hidden gem found an hour south of Auckland. An estate that feels like a movie set (think Saltburn)
where we will get creative in charming, romantic Georgian-style manor house complete with colourful, elegant interiors and 25 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds, including a rose garden and apple orchard and a beautiful private lake. The owners have planted over 15,000 plants and trees, creating garden “rooms” and scenic outdoor areas that blend beautifully with the rural backdrop.
Here we will set the scene of a micro cinematic wedding, with unique creative bridesmaids scenes and a ceremony which includes guests styled to a distinct dress code.
Overview: Full couple story - artful getting ready shoot, couple vows, couple portraits, unique bridal party and guest portraits.
QUEESTOWN/GLENORCHY:
Glenorchy's Paradise Valley (one of the sets for The Lord of the Rings) offers serene rivers, micro forests covered with moss, grassy valleys against the mountain backdrops as well as a river beach with steep mountains for sunset. Glenorchy truly is a local gem, often missed on the average travellers itinerary.
We will spend an afternoon learning the art of storytelling, we will take you through our process of gaining couples trust in telling their story and some ways to help break down any walls, you will capture an artful elopement story amongst the mountains, capturing details within the beautiful nature setting, vows in Paradise Valley, followed couple portraits around Glenorchy.
MILFORD SOUND, FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK:
Known as one of the 8th wonder of the world, Milford is a must see experience if you’re visiting New Zealand (or even if you’re a local, this will be Zara’s 6th visit). The overnight cruise is an extra special once in a life time experience, where you will see both sunset and sunrise amongst the Fiords, you feel like no one else except those on the boat exist. The birdsongs and stillness of the valleys will be something you’ll cherish and talk about for the rest of your life. This is a fully catered overnight experience where you’ll have the chance to swim in the water, kayak and hop in a smaller boat to go right up to the waterfalls and fjord cliff faces (all extra activities are included and optional).
Milford Sound is a limited space experience made to inspire your creativity in ways you may never expect. You will also have opportunities for more 1 on 1 time to dive deeper into any topics with Zara and Cara.
Travel Day to Queenstown
20 Jan 2027
Bethells Black Sand Beach Bridal Shoots
19 Jan 2027
Willowbrook Park Micro Wedding Story
18 Jan 2027
Welcome Dinner + Group Activity
17 Jan 2027
Glenorchy Elopement Story
21 Jan 2027
Milford Sound Overnight Experience
22-23 Jan 2027
$497
Join us for dinner and a creative group activity to set the tone for the rest of the week. Here you will have time to ask us any questions and get acquainted with everyone plus have the chance to create your own art that doesn't involve a camera.
All food for this evening is included in this price.
$1500
This overnight Milford Sound cruise experience is something you'll rave about for years to come (I am living proof of this). We have added this to our itinerary because we believe in taking inspiration from nature, going off grid and being fully present. You will get so much more out of this trip than we can begin to describe. Due to the nature of this trip there is very limited availability.
$1997
This will be our main shoot which is focused on telling the story of the day through your own unique style. This will include getting ready and a creative shoot with bridesmaids but with our own take on styling, there will be a ceremony set up as well as time to shoot all the details in between that make this story special.
If you're joining us for the breathtaking shoot in Queenstown, a must visit location when coming to New Zealand - we have allocated time for travel to settle into your accomodation before the elopement shoot the following day.
$997
Set in the evening at the beautiful black sand beach, where we are lucky to have the sun set over the ocean horizon. There will be a minimum of 2 bridal looks to shoot, with some time to practice with flash if your heart desires!
$997
Set in the remote and wild scenery of Glenorchy with mossy forests, lakes and mountains we will create an elopement with the fashion forward couple in mind with a pre wedding styled shoot followed by vows and portraits with some of the best backdrops New Zealand has to offer.
Arriving into Auckland
16 Jan 2027
After an international flight into Auckland (AKL) you’ll need to collect your bag and go through customs, please check if you need a Visa/ETSA depending on which country you are coming from. Once through security you can collect your rental car and head to your self booked accommodation, we will provide a list of locations we recommend staying in or we can assist with your bookings for a fee.
The nitty gritty
We felt like there was something missing within the creative space - an experience driven workshop that not only broadens your creativity but leaves you excited for your next photography-intertwined-adventure. It is important to us to offer the freedom of choice, if you want to join for only one or two shoots, you can! We have also bundled everything into one limited time special offer, as well as an option to book all of the shoots. We will be planning 3 events in Auckland followed by 2 events in Queenstown, all held at locations that are a must do when visiting New Zealand so you can mix travel with shooting -- a dream!
Without giving away too much, this is one not to be missed and we can't wait to see you at Aurora New Zealand 2027.
If you have any questions feel free to contact either Zara or Cara on Instagram or via email hello@zarastaples.com // hellocaramia@gmail.com
A well rounded creative workshop including which begins with the welcome dinner with an activity to broaden your creative diet, to live shooting demos, group settings for Q&As as well as our guidance while you shoot.
Education
4 thoughtfully created shoots to push your boundaries within story telling, learn about working with film and gain a community of like minded photographers + for the Milford experience included is dinner + breakfast, a private room and water activities are included.
Inclusions
Shoots priced separately as above OR
EVERYTHING (limited availability) - welcome dinner, micro wedding, Bethels editorial, Queenstown elopement, Milford overnight cruise: $5500USD
SHOOTS ONLY - micro wedding, Bethels editorial, Queenstown elopement: $3900USD
Payment plans are available.
Price
New Zealand
Location
January 17 to 23 2027
Date
Join us for a once in a lifetime experience: the aurora workshop
