Te Wai Pounamu Tour
The Experience Section

YOUR EXPERIENCE

  • 🏝️
    Top of the South Island
  • 📅
    From November – March
  • 🌙
    10 days
  • 📸
    Videography & end-of-trip movie included
  • ⛴️
    Includes transport, accommodation, meals and activities
  • 💰
    Starting from US$ 10,000
  • 💳
    US $3,000 deposit to secure space
Sea Turtle Swimming in Crystal Clear Water

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The 3 Sellers

Once-in-a-lifetime journeys

Expert local guides who know every hidden gem and story behind the breathtaking landscapes

Thrilling adventures and adrenaline-pumping activities that create unforgettable memories

Cinematic moments captured in stunning locations perfect for your travel story

Overview Section
Humpback whales underwater

Trip Overview

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the breathtaking tropical paradise of Mo'orea, French Polynesia. This exclusive humpback whale underwater photography retreat gives you the rare opportunity to swim alongside these gentle giants in the warm, crystal-clear waters of Mo'orea. With just five guests, the experience is intimate and personalised, allowing you to capture the extraordinary photographs you've always dreamed of.

This isn't just a photography tour, it's a full retreat, crafted for those seeking depth, connection, and adventure. It caters for all people that are seeking a deeper connection with nature. This means that if you are a photographer, it presents you with the opportunity to capture photos like you've only ever dreamt of and you'll have access to my knowledge and experience to help guide you in improving your camera and storytelling techniques.

"With just five guests, this retreat offers an intimate experience where connections run deep. We may arrive as strangers, but we'll leave as friends, bonded by unforgettable moments in the wild."

What's Included

What's Included

Accommodation

Comfortable lodging in carefully selected accommodations that blend comfort with authentic local experience.

Local Expert Guides

Knowledgeable local guides who share insider perspectives and ensure authentic cultural experiences.

Adventure Activities

Thrilling activities including hiking, water sports, and exploration of hidden natural wonders.

Meals

Delicious locally-sourced meals featuring fresh ingredients and traditional cuisine throughout your journey.

Transport

Comfortable transportation to all destinations, ensuring seamless travel throughout your adventure.

Cinematic Movie of Your Trip

A professionally edited cinematic video capturing your journey's most memorable moments to treasure forever.

Info Blocks Section

Who Is This For?

This isn't just a photography tour — it's a full retreat, crafted for those seeking depth, connection, and adventure. It caters for anyone who values nature and wants a profound connection with it, not just photographers. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced photographer, or someone who wants to immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world, this retreat offers something unique for you.

Person swimming with stingrays

What Will You Learn?

During this retreat, you'll gain hands-on guidance and expertise from Ross Long himself, an award-winning wildlife photographer with a deep passion for marine life. From mastering composition techniques to understanding animal behavior, Ross will guide you every step of the way to ensure you capture the perfect shot. The learning doesn't just stop with whales, Ross will teach you various aspects of photography covering underwater, portrait, landscape, drone and lifestyle. He once offers to all.

Shark underwater

What Experience Do You Need?

Whether you're snorkelling or joining from a freediving background, intermediate swimming skills and basic water experience is required. Similarly it does not matter where you are in your photography journey. You can be an absolute beginner or more advanced, I will be able to personalise the education so that can get you to the next level in your photography.

Person swimming with rays
Itinerary Section

Itinerary

Experience an unforgettable week in Moorea, combining wildlife encounters, immersive nature experiences, and photography guidance designed for all skill levels. This retreat blends adventure, storytelling, and personal connection with one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

Day 1

Welcome to paradise! Arrive in Moorea and settle into your accommodation. Meet your group and guides during a welcome dinner where we'll discuss the week ahead, share photography tips, and get to know each other. Enjoy the stunning sunset views as we prepare for an incredible adventure.

Day 1

Day 2

Begin your journey with an early morning photography session capturing the island's golden hour. After breakfast, we'll head out for our first marine encounter, swimming with tropical fish and exploring the vibrant coral reefs. Learn underwater photography techniques and practice composition skills with expert guidance throughout the day.

Day 2

Day 3

Today we venture into deeper waters for our first humpback whale encounter. Experience the magic of swimming alongside these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Between encounters, we'll review your photos, discuss animal behavior, and refine your underwater shooting techniques. An unforgettable day of wildlife photography awaits.

Day 3

Day 4

Another full day on the water searching for humpback whales and other marine life. We'll explore different locations around Moorea, giving you multiple opportunities to capture stunning images. Evening session includes photo editing workshop where you'll learn post-processing techniques to enhance your underwater photography.

Day 4

Day 5

Experience a magical sunrise lagoon session with sharks and rays. Capture the dramatic lighting and graceful movements of these incredible creatures. After lunch, enjoy a land-based adventure exploring Moorea's lush interior, waterfalls, and mountain vistas. Perfect opportunity for landscape and nature photography.

Day 5

Day 6

Our final full day on the water offers more opportunities to photograph humpback whales. With several days of experience under your belt, you'll be able to anticipate behaviors and capture even more stunning images. We'll visit the best locations based on recent whale sightings to maximize your photographic opportunities.

Day 6

Day 7

Conclude the retreat with an optional sunrise shoot at the lagoon with sharks and rays, followed by a group reflection session. Review your favorite moments, share lessons learned, and receive guidance on final editing techniques. Enjoy a farewell lunch before departing with a curated collection of images, enhanced skills, and memories of an extraordinary connection with nature.

Day 7

Day 8

Optional extension day for those who want more time in paradise. Relax on the beach, explore the island at your leisure, or join an additional marine excursion. Perfect opportunity for personal reflection and capturing any final shots you may have missed during the main retreat.

Day 8

Day 9

Extended adventure day exploring neighboring islands and hidden gems around French Polynesia. Visit secluded beaches, snorkel in pristine locations, and capture the diverse beauty of the South Pacific. This day offers unique photographic opportunities beyond the main retreat itinerary.

Day 9

Day 10

Final departure day. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with last views of the turquoise lagoon. Exchange contact information with new friends, share final photos, and say goodbye to this incredible island paradise. Depart with a heart full of memories and a portfolio showcasing your growth as a photographer.

Day 10
Activities Section

Activities

Choose your activities so we can design your epic trip with us.

Sky Ocean Mountain
  • Skydiving
  • Helicopter flights
  • Wings over whales
  • Surfing
  • Foiling
  • Jetskiing
  • Swimming with dolphins
  • Fishing
  • Kayaking
  • Sailing/yatching
  • Hiking
  • Rock Climbing
  • Mountain biking
  • Zipline
  • Snow sports