2026 NZ Plein Air Tour with Joe Paquet

Join Joe Paquet for an Exclusive Plein Air Tour in New Zealand’s South Island!

This is your chance to paint side-by-side with, Joe Paquet, in some of the most breathtaking and exclusive locations in New Zealand’s South Island. For only one EXCLUSIVE plein air art tour!

Tour Dates & Pricing:

NZ Plein Air Tour: January 26th – February 6th NZD 10,850 (Approx. USD 6,640)

What’s Included:

5 nights in Queenstown at the luxurious Platinum Apartments.

5 nights in Wanaka at the stunning Lakeside Apartments.
Daily painting sessions in private, serene, off-the-grid locations — places few have ever painted.
Personal guidance from Joe Paquet throughout — from composition to finishing touches.
Welcome dinner and an exclusive farewell dinner included.
Collection and departure drop-offs included.
Art kits available on enquiry, cost depending on personal need.
Each guest will have their own private bedroom and bathroom while sharing a 2 bedroom apartment with one other guest.

Why This Tour is Different:

This isn’t your typical painting retreat. You’ll be accessing private lands, painting subjects rarely seen by others, let alone captured on canvas. The landscapes? Epic. The atmosphere? Unmatched. Think towering peaks, still waters, and the kind of peace that fuels real creativity.
“You’ll be painting some subjects few have painted before!”
If you’re serious about taking your art to the next level — and having an unforgettable adventure — this is for you.

Limited Spots Available
Only 10 spots avaliable. If you’re keen, don’t wait. This won’t last long!

About Joe Paquet

Joseph Paquet grew up in a blue-collar, craft-rich household—his father was a railroad ironworker who carved and painted in his spare time; his mother sewed and knitted everything under the roof. Roaming the outdoors with a sketchbook, Paquet honed the same curiosity that fuels his plein-air work today: “I’m now paid for what once got me into trouble,” he laughs.

At New York’s School of Visual Arts, instructors John Foote, David Palladini, and James McMullan deepened his passion for drawing. Study with John Phillip Osborne later introduced him to the Prismatic Palette and the life-changing practice of painting on location.

Paquet’s philosophy is simple: each painting is “a chunk of my life—a record of my time on this earth.” That intimate connection to place and moment remains the heart of his art.

53K+

Follwers

Support Crew

Joe will be there with you throughout the tour, guiding, demonstrating, and helping you capture these landscapes on canvas.

Joining you is a dedicated, trained support crew, with local knowledge and the know-how to keep everything running smoothly. They’ll assist with logistics, help you set up, carry gear when needed, and make sure you’re comfortable and ready to paint. We’ll keep driving time short, so you can spend more time doing what you came for — painting.

Fitness and Accessibility

We’ve designed this tour for everyone. No hardcore hiking or climbing — we’ll drive to most of our spots, and the support crew will help carry your gear and get you set up. If you can walk reasonably well, you’re good to go. This is all about making sure any fitness level can take part, and focus on creating.

Extra Activities

New Zealand is a pretty special place — and while painting is at the heart of this tour, there’s room for a little more adventure if you’re keen.
If the weather’s on our side, here are some extra experiences you can take part in:

Helicopter Flight – Take to the skies and get a bird’s eye view of the mountains. We can organize a chopper trip to see some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes from above — perfect for photos, inspiration, and just soaking it all in.
Scenic Walks – For those who want to stretch their legs, there are some epic trails nearby. Join us for an optional hike, take in the views, and maybe even scout out your next painting spot.
Photography Tours – Spend time gathering reference material that’ll last you a lifetime. We’ll explore some beautiful spots for photography, capturing light and landscape for future work.

These extras are completely optional, and for those who want to experience a little more of what New Zealand has to offer. If something sparks your interest, let us know — we can help organize it for you.
(Please note: activities like the helicopter flight are an additional cost.)

Joe Paquet is the consummate teacher. I started painting later in life and painting has become my passion. His style of teaching is clear, encouraging and not overwhelming. A great sense of humor adds to the enjoyment. Joe has an amazing intellect and brings a knowledge of philosophy to the experience of teaching that resonates with me. I hope many people will have the superb opportunity to study with Joe.

Lois

Twelve years of classes with Joe Paquet transformed my art career. As a gifted artist and inspiring speaker he brings out the best in every student with teaching based on sound fundamentals. Joe’s support and encouragement continually challenged me to advance my own painting skills.

Carl

Joe Paquet is one of those rare individuals who is both an outstanding instructor, as well as a master painter. He genuinely cares about his students, providing instruction in an organized and intentional manner with real life examples. His instruction is relevant both to beginners and experienced painters. His teaching and enthusiasm for painting have changed my life!

Cheryl

Price
NZ Plein Air Tour: January 26th – Febuary 6th NZD 10,850 (Approx. USD 6,640)
*Listed USD prices are subject to change and may incur currency conversion fees. Once your deposit and booking are received, a final price will be provided in your preferred currency.

If you wish to bring a partner, you may if we have space, though they will have to pay full price as we require 10 full-paying guests for the tour to commence.

To convert to your currency, please see the link below:
https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/
Only 10 guests per tour

Why the difference in price?
Tour prices vary due to seasonal fluctuations and higher accommodation costs during the height of summer in New Zealand.
To secure your spot, a NZD 2,500 deposit is required.

What’s Not Included:

Flights to and from New Zealand, travel insurance (required), visas, and any personal expenses are not included. Need help or have questions? We’re happy to assist with info and advice to make your planning easier.

How to Book:

Download terms and conditions for the tour

Please send any additional questions to: megan@andrewtischler.com

Please fill out the form below to reserve your spot for the 2026 Plein Air Art Tour with Joe Paquet