6 Weeks Filming the Southern Way Project

This huge undertaking took Claire and I on an epic 6 week trip through the ever changing landscapes in southern New Zealand.

In September 2022, I got a call that would alter the course of the upcoming months. We had won the contract for the Southern Way project! I was amped, I knew this ambitious project was going to really showcase my skills and passion for capturing New Zealand's natural beauty - we couldn’t wait to get started!

Southern Way

The Southern Way Project: Origins and Goals

The Southern Way project was a collaborative project working with the following eight Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs): Lake Wanaka Tourism, Destination Queenstown, Great South, Tourism Central Otago, Tourism Waitaki, Clutha Development and Enterprise Dunedin.

The ‘Southern Way’ idea was conceived back in 2019 when the eight RTOs joined forces to create a unified self-drive touring experience. The concept aims to encourage visitors to explore beyond regional boundaries, extend their stay, and share their experiences with friends and family. Stage one of the project was the launch of a new website www.southernway.nz, designed to inform and inspire visitors to slow down, explore further, stay longer and ultimately return. The website features places of interest, suggested itineraries, and a wide-ranging set of world class experiences.

Our task was to create a content library of footage and photos as well as long and short form videos for their brand marketing that evoked emotions of peace, belonging, adventure, and exploration, appealing to a wide range of visitors.

Catching the morning light at Sandymount Track in Dunedin

Cycling the stunning Around the Mountains trail

The Planning: Preparing for Filming

Before the fun of filming began many an hour was spent back and forth with the RTOs dialling in the brief (which as you can imagine changed countless times with so many people involved), planning shoot locations whilst ensuring an even balance between the regions, talent scouting, chatting with tour operators and business owners, and one of the most time consuming aspects - filling in filming permission paperwork. As many of the locations we wanted to shoot were on private or DOC land, gaining permissions simply couldn't be missed.

The Journey: Living and Working on the Road

With the mountains of permissions paperwork behind us, we set off on our Southern Way roady adventure. Claire and I have been living and working full-time on the road for the last two years. Our trusty motorhome, our home and office, proved to be an invaluable asset for this project. Its flexibility allowed us to navigate the ever-changing New Zealand weather and provided us with a comfortable space to live, work, and plan our shoots. Being able to stay in the regions meant we really got the feel for the locations we were filming at.

Showcasing the Region's Diversity: Capturing the Spirit of the South Island

With a mission to capture the unique urban and rural landscapes, activities, rare wildlife, and culinary delights of the region, we set out to portray the Southern Way's diverse offerings. The project sought to inspire visitors to travel through multiple regions, enticing them with unforgettable experiences for nature lovers, food and wine enthusiasts, arts and culture aficionados, and adventure seekers alike.

Selecting the Perfect Locations: An Array of Themes and Experiences

Working closely with the RTOs, we determined the best locations and themes for the Southern Way project, ensuring a cohesive narrative that showcased each RTO's distinct proposition. Our goal was to highlight the region's rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural environment, crafting a story that celebrated the South Island's captivating beauty.

Southern Way 30s Cut

Our Favourite Locations: Fiordland and Beyond

Choosing a favourite location is difficult, but we have to admit that the majestic Fiordland holds a special place in our hearts. A particular highlight was capturing an epic drone shot of us on Key Summit just as the sun was setting and living out my dream to fly a drone on Milford road - epic!

Capturing the Essence of New Zealand: Wildlife and Wilderness

There's nothing quite like the raw beauty of New Zealand's wildlife and wilderness. The Catlins coast was another highlight, with unforgettable moments like filming sea lions on Surat Bay and horse riding along the Catlins pristine coastline.

Memorable Moments: Serendipity and New Friends

One rainy evening, with only a few days of filming left and no talent secured for our Gibbston Valley biking and wine tour, we approached a couple, David and Lucie, at a campsite. They agreed to help, and the very next day, we had a fantastic shoot! Months later, we bumped into them again in Nelson, and they shared that the experience had been a highlight of their trip whilst travelling down south.

The Impact: Showcasing New Zealand's Hidden Gems

Our hope is that our video and photo content will inspire travellers to explore more deeply through destinations in the Southern South Island, and that the RTOs will benefit from the content library for their future campaigns.

Filming the Southern Way project was an experience we won’t forget. Looking back the scale of the project was an ambitious undertaking, but it’s been so rewarding to know that we accomplished it and had fun along the way!