Queenstown Lakes District Council harbourmaster Marty Black said the couple had apparently seen the plastic boat when they were at Glendhu Bay and decided to borrow it to go a short distance offshore to take photographs.
Using a willow branch for a paddle and with no life jackets or safety gear, they were soon blown offshore by a strong southerly.
Mr Black said the pair were rescued thanks to quick thinking by the manager of the Glendhu Bay Motor Camp, who noticed them drifting in the area between Sandspit and Fernburn and realised they were in trouble.
He alerted a local worker who happened to have a boat nearby.
Mr Black said the pair had been in the dinghy for about 20 minutes and were wet, cold and frightened when returned to shore.
''They were incredibly lucky that they didn't capsize and drown. Even though it sounds like they only meant to go out and take a few pictures, this was a recipe for disaster.''
