SPY OPTICS New Zealand: A Day in the Pisa Range
A Day of Adventure in the Pisa Range
When it comes to snowboarding, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of being out in the backcountry. That’s exactly what Spy Optics New Zealand's snowboard team did recently, venturing into the rugged beauty of the Pisa Range for a full day of filming, riding, and photoshoots. This epic day is all part of a larger project—an exciting film we’ll be releasing this September, showcasing the passion, skill, and sheer energy of the team as they take on the many venues of New Zealand Snowboarding.
The Location
The Pisa Range, located in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and challenging lines. For Spy Optics’ team, it’s the perfect backdrop to showcase their snowboarding prowess. Armed with cameras, lenses, and of course, their top-of-the-line SPY goggles, the crew set out early in the morning to capture every minute of daylight available to them.
“We’ve been planning this for a while now, it’s cool to see it all come together” says Morgan Schofield one of the standout riders of the day. “Filming in places like this—where the conditions are constantly challenging—makes every turn, every jump, and every drop feel that much more rewarding.”
With perfect snow conditions and the mountains to themselves, the team wasted no time. They spent the day carving through untouched powder, hitting natural and developed features, and taking on some of the best terrain the Pisa Range has to offer. Along the way, the crew captured it all from heart-pounding action shots to candid moments of the riders between runs, and of course, the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Behind the Scenes: Capturing the Perfect Shot
No photoshoot or filming day would be complete without some behind-the-scenes magic. The Spy Optics team, known for their attention to detail and commitment to high-quality production, worked tirelessly to capture the most stunning angles and moments.
“Our goal is to showcase the riders in their element,” says Troy Tanner. “Every shot is an opportunity to tell a story. Whether it’s a massive air or the calm after a hard line, we want people to feel what it’s like to be out here with these athletes.”
The team wasn’t just focused on filming the action, though. They were also capturing the essence of the day—the camaraderie, the laughter, and the shared love for snowboarding that binds us all together. Whether it was setting up a shot on a ridge or laughing over a cold can of Canyon Brewing lager, it’s clear that these athletes aren’t just teammates, they’re a family.
What’s Next: A Sneak Peek at the Upcoming Film ‘Beyond The Frame’
All of this footage and imagery will culminate in a film project set to release this September. While we can’t reveal too much just yet, you can expect a visual journey that takes you from the first tracks to the final high-fives, all set against the stunning backdrop of New Zealand’s wild terrain.
“We’re really excited to share this project with everyone,” says Team Manager, Grady Johnny “The Pisa Range gave us the perfect setting to build what we wanted and showcase the team in their element. We can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve been working on.”
Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to the release of the film. We’ll be sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, rider profiles, and a closer look at what went into making this project one for the books.
In the meantime, you can catch a glimpse of what went down in the Pisa Range through our social media channels, where we’ll be dropping sneak peeks, teasers, and highlights from the shoot.
Get Ready for the Ride of a Lifetime
This project isn’t just about snowboarding—it’s about pushing boundaries, embracing adventure, and celebrating what makes New Zealand Snowboarding special. The Spy Optics New Zealand team has poured their heart and soul into this film, and we’re thrilled to share it with you this September.
Mark your calendars September 5th in Wanaka, September 6th in Queenstown. The mountains are calling—and we’re answering with a film experience that’s bound to leave you stoked.
