Can't rave enough! Great guide, great photographer (and the video of our group was awesome also!) and all around great guy. My fiancé and I had a phenomenal experience in New Zealand and it was all thanks to Phil. From the moment you wake up till Phil has your adventure planned out. Was a very stress free tour and extremely rewarding due to Phil's knowledge of the locale. Don't think we could have picked a better man for the job!

miss ya already Phil!

I had spend about 15 days with Philip Bartlett on a South Island photography tour in 2013. This was without any doubt my best photography tour for the reasons described below.

(a) I was looking at a combination of improving my photography and also sight seeing NZ, this tour delivered on both counts. First, being a local to NZ, Philip knew all the scenic places to visit in NZ (I did south island). Then with his photographic eye, he was able to get us at the right time of the day to enjoy the beauty.
Philip was ready to share his expertise of photography and never held back on his knowledge of photography. I did see a marked improvement in my photography skill after this visit.
(b) Was it fun? We had a great group of people which was well lead by Philip. He has a great sense of humour. As the leader of the troupe, he got the best of all of us (we were a group of 6 visitors). It was definitely a lot of fun with the group.
(c) Logistics during the entire trip was perfectly planned, great hotels, good food and absolutely comfortable.

I found the trip a bit pricey (NZ is for sure expensive) but I would say I got the bang for the buck.

My first trip with Phillip Bartlett from Capture New Zealand Photography Tours was the 12 day November/December 2013 South Island Photo Expedition. It was a fantastic trip. Phillip always made sure we were at the right place at the right time and that each person was getting the best out of every location. If needed, he would kindly suggest another approach one could use to maximize the photo opportunities. His first and only priority was making sure we got the shots. His local knowledge, experience and advice were invaluable.

I enjoyed my first trip so much I did the 8 day South Island Icons tour in April 2014 and it proved to be just as much fun. Travelling in 2x 4WD's meant we were able to go off the beaten track to different places. I look forward to doing another trip in the not too distant future.

I have no hesitation in recommending Phillip to all who would like to see New Zealand with a top professional photographer, tour guide and genuinely nice guy who goes out of his way to make sure it is a happy and memorable experience. There is no substitute for local knowledge and you will return home with stunning images.