Amanda Hyatt has been a professional watercolour artist for 35 years. She has had 35 solo exhibitions, with international exhibitions in New York and China where she was described as a ‘Master of Watercolour’ and an ‘International Master of ‘En Plein Air Painting’. For the past twelve years Amanda has taken Travelrite International painting workshop holidays to places such as Antarctica, Europe (France, Italy and Mediterranean Cruises) and the UK. She has won most major Australian watercolour awards and is a long-term member of both the Twenty Melbourne Painters Society and the Australian Watercolour Institute. Amanda has five teaching DVDs and her book Watercolour Tonal Impressionism is a best seller. Amanda is passionate about the art of watercolour and pushes the boundaries herself in discovering how to make a ‘piece of art’ rather than ‘just a painting’
VIEW ITINERARY
DAY 1 Monday 23 February 2026
Te Anau
Tour members will be greeted at Queenstown
Airport at 3:00 pm by the tour manager and
transferred to the hotel in Te Anau. The scenic drive
through the Southern Alps and Fiordland sets the
tone for the tour. Enjoy welcome drinks on arrival,
followed by an included dinner.
DAY 2 Tuesday 24 February 2026
Te Anau
Today will be dedicated to a full day of painting in
Te Anau, surrounded by its stunning landscapes.
Amanda will start the day with an inspiring
demonstration, where she will share her techniques
and insights on capturing the beauty of the
region’s unique scenery. Tour members will receive
individual guidance throughout the day.
DAY 3 Wednesday 25 February 2026
Te Anau
This morning, we will embark on a scenic journey
north to Milford Sound for an unforgettable cruise through one of New Zealand’s most iconic
landscapes. Situated on the rugged west coast
of the South Island, Milford Sound (Piopiotahi)
is renowned for its dramatic beauty, featuring
towering mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls,
and awe-inspiring views at every turn. There will be
opportunities for photography and sketching. There
will be an included dinner this evening.
DAY 4 Thursday 26 February 2026
Te Anau
Today, we journey to the picturesque town of
Manapouri for a full day of painting amidst its
breathtaking scenery. Nestled at the edge of
Lake Manapouri and surrounded by the stunning
mountains of Fiordland, this tranquil location offers
an abundance of natural beauty to inspire your
artwork.
DAY 5 Friday 27 February 2026
Queenstown
This morning, we will travel to the vibrant town of
Queenstown, where we will take a scenic cruise
across the stunning Lake Wakatipu. You will be
treated to panoramic views of Queenstown’s
spectacular alpine landscapes. After checking in
to the hotel, unwind before sharing an optional
dinner.
DAY 6 Saturday 28 February 2026
Queenstown
A full day of painting in Queenstown with Amanda,
surrounded by majestic peaks and the pristine
Lake Wakatipu. In the evening, ride the Gondola to
Bob’s Peak, where breathtaking views unfold as you
ascend. An included dinner at the summit caps off
the day.
DAY 7 Sunday 1 March 2026
Queenstown
Today, we will travel to the village of Glenorchy,
located at the edge of Mount Aspiring National
Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Area. Glenorchy
is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, offering
some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery.
Amanda will paint a demonstration, and then
provide individual guidance as tour members work
on their pieces. A delicious lunch is included.
DAY 8 Monday 2 March 2026
Queenstown
The final painting day in Queenstown begins
with a demonstration by Amanda, followed by
personalised guidance as participants put the
finishing touches on their work.
DAY 9 Tuesday 3 March 2026
Dunedin
Today, we begin with a visit to Arrowtown, a
charming historic village with tree-lined streets
and heritage buildings, for a morning painting session. Afterwards, we continue our journey south
to Dunedin, often referred to as the “Edinburgh of
New Zealand” due to its strong Scottish heritage.
Surrounded by dramatic hills and perched at the
edge of a long, picturesque harbour, Dunedin is one
of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities
in the Southern Hemisphere. This evening we enjoy
an included dinner.
DAY 10 Wednesday 4 March 2026
Dunedin
This morning we will have a sightseeing tour of
Dunedin, we will see the City Centre, Signal Hill
lookout, Baldwin Street (the steepest street in
the world), the university of Otago and Dunedin
railway station. We will also visit the Dunedin public
art gallery. In the afternoon, Amanda will find a
great painting location in Dunedin and complete
a demonstration. Following this Amanda will assist
individual workshop members with their painting.
DAY 11 Thursday 5 March 2026
Dunedin
Today, we will visit the historic Larnach Castle, an
architectural gem set in magnificent gardens with
panoramic views of the Otago Peninsula. After
a self-guided tour, we will spend the afternoon
painting, inspired by the castle’s intricate details and
beautiful surroundings.
DAY 12 Friday 6 March 2026
Dunedin
Our final day of painting in Dunedin with Amanda
Hyatt. A critique session led by Amanda will offer
constructive feedback and help participants refine
their skills. To celebrate the end of a wonderful
workshop, we will gather for farewell drinks,
followed by an included delicious dinner, offering a
chance to relax, share your experiences.
DAY 13 Saturday 7 March 2026
Departure
This morning we will say farewell to Dunedin and
be transferred to Dunedin airport for our onward
travel. Tour members can extend their stay in
New Zealand.
TWIN FARE PER PERSON | SINGLE FARE |
---|---|
AU$5,995 | AU$7,790 |
NON PAINTER DISCOUNT | AU$250 |
Touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
1. Payment Conditions:
A reservation deposit of $500 per person is required at the
time of booking. Final payment is due 60 days prior to the
date of departure. A 1.5% administration charge will be added
to payments by Visa, Mastercard and Amex.
2. Alteration to Workshop Vacation Price:
The Painting Workshop Vacation price is subject to change
in the event of unforeseen circumstances and changes in
the cost of travel and accommodation services. Should any
increase in the Workshop Vacation price be unacceptable
to the registered member, a full refund of monies paid will
be made.
3. Cancellation and Amendments:
* Cancellation conditions don’t apply for clients with future cruise/tour credits. Cruise/tour credits are non-refundable.
Cancellations received in writing 60 or more days from the
date of departure will result in a cancellation fee of $500
per person. Cancellations received 60 or fewer days before
departure will result in a loss of all monies paid. There are no
refunds for services not utilized while on a Workshop Vacation.
Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover Workshop
members for the consequences of unforeseen events during
the Workshop Vacation and for cancellation fees that could
result from illness, accident, death or other contingencies.
Once a booking has been confirmed, one amendment to
travel arrangements will be made free-of charge. Subsequent
changes to travel arrangements will incur an amendment fee
of $25 per change in addition to supplier charges.
4. Minimum Workshop Vacation Numbers:
Each Painting Workshop Vacation has been priced on the
basis of a minimum number of members travelling. In the event that fewer than the minimum number of members
have confirmed their booking 60 days from the date of
commencement, Travelrite International reserves the right to
cancel the Workshop Vacation, giving a full refund of monies
paid, or to offer arrangements to proceed with the Workshop
Vacation at a modified price.
5. General:
In the unlikely event that the Workshop tutor is unable to
perform his or her duties due to unforeseen contingencies,
Travelrite International reserves the right to substitute
another artist as tutor or to continue with the Workshop
Vacation as planned or to provide a cash refund to Workshop
members equivalent to the value of the Workshop leadership.
International Artist Painting Workshops can involve a
considerable amount of walking and stair-climbing in the
regions visited and it is important that all members have a
level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in these
activities without the need of assistance from others.
6. Tax Considerations:
If you regularly sell your own paintings, you may fall into
the semi-professional or professional category for taxation
purposes and the tour cost may be tax-deductible. We
recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified tax
adviser.
7. Responsibilities:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd., their agents, officers, affiliates,
and/or suppliers of services pursuant to or in connection with
these Workshop Vacations shall act only as agents in making
arrangements for hotels, transportation, restaurants, or any
other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for
any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person
or property due to an act of negligence or of default of any
hotel, carrier, restaurant, company or person rendering any services included in the Workshops, or by act of God. Further,
no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due
to sickness, pilferage, labor disputes, machinery breakdown,
quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism,
or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is
accepted for any additional expenses, omissions, delays,
rerouting or acts of any government or authority. Baggage
remains at owner’s risk throughout the Workshop Vacation.
The passage contract in use by the carriers concerned, when
issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers
and the purchasers of these Painting Workshop Vacations
and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any
Painting Workshop Vacation and/or to make such changes in
the Painting Workshop Vacation as may be found desirable
for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying
out of the Painting Workshop Vacation. Registration for any
Painting Workshop Vacation constitutes a contract which
shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be taken in the
State of Victoria.
How to Book:
Bookings can be made by completing the online booking
form or sending it with a deposit to:
Melbourne, Australia
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
Address: 423 Whitehorse Road
Balwyn, VIC, 3103, Australia
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Phone: 03 9836 2522
Email: www.paintingworkshops.net
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International
Pty Ltd is a well-established travel company which has been
marketing throughout Australia for over 30 years and operating
in Victoria for more than 35 years. It has two offices at Balwyn
and Heathmont which are also accredited with IATA and ATAS
No.A10538. As such they directly represent the major airlines of
the world and all major domestic and international hotel, cruise,
tour and transport operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a
full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA.
“Amanda & Alex delightful as usual. Love watching Amanda paint. Geoff had everything running perfectly supported by Jan. Very helpful not having to carry our gear too far.”
“Had a ball. It was a lovely group of people. Learnt so much artwise both from Amanda and other participants. The Tour Manager was excellent too.”