So you've chosen to visit New Zealand - great!

The next step is to come prepared, and we've got some great tips for you.

Start taking anti-histamines 2 weeks before coming to New Zealand, to boost your immune system.

The pollen we have in New Zealand are different to what you are used to, and we definitely want to see you smiling, not sneezing! 

Bring a jacket, even in Summer (Novemer~February). 

It can get very cold at night in the South Island, even in summer. Many of our couples ask for our signature Milkyway Shots, and it can get pretty cold for the girls at night in their wedding dresses. 

Bring Sun-Screen and Moisturisers.

New Zealand happens to be right under the hole in the O-Zone Layer. The sunlight will burn your skin, so be prepared. The Otago region is also very dry, so it is highly recommended to be prepared with moisturisers even for men.

Bring Comfortable Shoes and Clothes. 

Let's think for a second - do you really want to be walking on rocks and sand with high-heels, a bulky dress and a massive veil? Bring a dress that is light, comfortable and airy, and long enough to cover the comfortable sneakers you'll sneak under the dress. 

Spend at least one day resting, before the photo shoot. 

Some of our clients in the past have made travel arrangements that are too rushed, and their exhaustion (red eyes, eye-bags, bad posture) will often show up in the photos.

There are beautiful spas in Queenstown and Tekapo, and we suggest giving them a visit before the photo shoot to relax. 

We recommend Onsen Hot Springs in Queenstown and Tekapo Springs. 

Find a hotel/Air BnB somewhere not too close to the city. 

In Asia, it's common for good Air BnB units to be found in the city centers, but in New Zealand there are a lot of party-goers near the city center especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

Places out of town will not only be cheaper, but a lot more quieter at night. 

In the Queenstown region, we recommend places near Arrowtown, Frankton, Kelvin Heights and Fern Hill. 

Fly with Air New Zealand, not Jetstar.

Jetstar flights to Queenstown will be cheaper than Air New Zealand, but they have frequent flight delays and cancellations. Don’t miss out on your photoshoot because of a flight delay.

(Pic left: Not Air New Zealand!)

Book everything in advance.

Accommodation, activities, tours, restaurants and cars all get booked out very quickly over the peak Holiday Season over December, and prices for many things will also be inflated by up to 2x.

April, June and July are also busy holiday seasons that cause inflation of accommodation and car rental costs.

Get a Sim Card in New Zealand.

Rental Cars in New Zealand don’t come standard with GPS Navigation Systems - Don’t get caught out in the middle of Mordor, have Google Maps and internet access ready.

We recommend Ace Rentals for the best rates on car rentals.

Know the Drone Rules.

If you are bringing a drone to New Zealand, you must fly under the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules. Click HERE for more information on the aviation rules.

We also have our own drone that we use for aerial imaging.

Last but not least, Make sure that your photographer has a valid Work Visa or Residency to work in New Zealand, a valid NZ or International Drivers License, and Business Liability Insurance.

Some overseas photographers get caught out by Immigration New Zealand, for coming to the country without a proper Work Visa to carry out the photographic work. 

Without a valid International Drivers License, it will also be impossible to rent and drive a car in New Zealand to get to your locations. 

Lastly, make sure you are protected in the case of major accidents. 

Needless to say, we at James Hirata Photography Ltd are NZ Citizens with valid Full Drivers Licenses, and we have full Business Insurance just in case anything were to happen.