Snowy Morning

This is another one of my beautiful early morning shots from my time in Lake Wanaka. I used to walk this way to work every day, quite the treat.

Rocks

I was once asked by my partner to go and take some pictures of rocks at a quarry he worked at, for a website he was building. Now, I didn't exactly jump for joy at this proposition..I mean rocks, hardly exciting are they?
Well I was pleasantly surprised. Not only was the quarry a fantastic place for taking photos (see the section on cars), but I actually had some great results when photographing rocks!

Golden Leaves

The stunning colours that Autumn in Wanaka produces are evident in these photos taken around the lake. The tree above is quite famous in Wanaka and appears in many books and on many postcards. When the levels in the lake are high, the tree appears to grow out of the water.

This beautiful pathway of golden leaves is the entrance to Wanaka Station Park. Beyond this are secluded lake front gardens which are abundant in reds, oranges & browns in the Autumn months.

These poplar trees, line the edge of Lake Wanaka and provide a beautiful backdrop to the Lake in Autumn. Equally beautiful during the summer months when they are fresh and green.

Aoraki Mount Cook

It has to be a relatively clear day for anyone to be lucky enough to see the peak of Mount Cook. It is the highest mountain in New Zealand which is reflected by the Maori name for it; Aoraki or Cloud Piercer.
It is seen here from the shores of Lake Pukaki, a stunning alpine lake whose turquoise colour is created by "rock flour"; rock which has been ground to fine dust by the glacial waters. These particles suspended in the water and combined with sunlight give the lake it's unique colour. Quite simply breathtaking.

Blue Pools

The one thing that I've always said about NZ is that there is a "WOW" round every corner. Well, there really is! This is the magnificent Blue Pools near Haast on the West Coast of the South Island. Just a short walk from the road through some native bush and you are met with this stunning sight. The crystal clear waters of the Makarora River are really quite something!

Clouds

Aotearoa - Land of the Long White Cloud. This the name given to New Zealand by it's first settlers, the Maoris. No-one is exactly sure how the name came about but Aotea translates as Long and Roa as Cloud and it is thought that this is what the first Maoris to settle on the land saw when they arrived, a long cloud covering the land.
This I can relate to, after living in NZ for 7 years I witnessed some of the most amazing cloud formations that I have ever seen. It's not hard to understand why the first settlers would name the country after a cloud.

Frosty Mornings

Lake Wanaka always made a fantastic backdrop for frosty mornings during the winter. With the low cloud settling just above the lake and the early morning ducks taking a leisurely swim along the shoreline.

Watching the sun rise above the mountains on a morning such as this was always breathtaking.

Autumn Gold

More fabulous autumn pics from Central Otago, NZ. The top pic was taken at Lake Hayes which is just on the outskirts of Queenstown. The one below is the Clutha River at Albert Town.

Lake Wanaka

Early morning shot's of Lake Wanaka taken from by the wharf.

Crown Range

These shots are taken on the drive from Queenstown to Wanaka, across the Crown Range. There are the most spectacular views on this drive. Alot of the scenery almost looks as if it has been painted on. A most beautiful part of the world!

Picture Perfect

This first pic was taken in the Matukituki Valley close to Wanaka, NZ. It is quite simply breathtaking. There will be more of these pics to come...

This photo was taken on the outskirts of Wanaka looking towards Lake Hawea.

Autumn Hues

Wanaka, in fact Central Otago in the South Island of New Zealand is one of the most picturesque places that I have ever had the good fortune to live. It is at it's very best during Autumn as you can see from these pics.

Jacksons Bay

This is the stunning Jacksons Bay which is located on the West Coast of New Zealands south island, close to Haast.

Morning Glory

This photo was the first photo that I ever sold. I set up "Essences of ..." as a small postcard business when I lived in NZ and to my surprise it was quite successful (yes people actually bought them!)
It only ever used to snow in the Wanaka township once or twice a year. This was one of those occasions and I captured this snap on my walk to work. Not a bad view hey?