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17/12/202104/10/2023

The Dunedin Railway Station is the grandest ‘Gingerbread House’ you’ll ever see.

Going back to 1906, this magnificent Flemish Renaissance-style edifice increasingly entraps the public. White Oamaru limestone facings on black basalt rock, creates a timeless and dramatic air.

The grandiose style and rich embellishments earned architect George Troup the nickname of Gingerbread George.

The building is also home to the Otago Art Society

Kokonga hut in the Oteake area of Central Otago, New Zealand Originally a railway station on the Dunedin to Clyde line, it was relocated to a remote area, and is used as a mustering hut. The railway line no longer exists as such – it’s now the Otago Central Rail Trail constructed for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

21/11/202120/07/2023

Fiordland New Zealand

Waterfall, Fiordland National Park New Zealand.

Note the tannin coloured water typical of the area. 7 metres of rain annually With over an average of appox. 200 rain-days/year.

Sunset Milford Sound New Zealand.

Fiordland. Sunset outlined clouds in Long Sound

Sunset side lighting on storm clouds in Long Sound in Preservation Inlet, Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Lake Orbell, Fiordland NAtional Park, New Zealand — Lake Orbell, Fiordland National Park. A panorama 6727 px wide.

Situated in the Murchison Mountains. Home of the takahe.

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21/11/202120/07/2023

Moke Lake, Queenstown

Dawn. Moke Lake is a small lake just a 15 minute drive from Queenstown, in the South Island of New Zealand.

There is a Dept. of Conservation camping area on the northern shores. And the short Moke Lake Loop Track is popular with walkers and cyclists.

14/01/202106/10/2023

The Southern Coast of New Zealand

Gemstone Beach Southland New Zealand.

Gemstone Beach is part of Te Waewae Bay, and near Tuatapere and Orepuki

Semi-precious stones such as garnet, jasper, quartz and nephrite can often be found on the beach. Subject to change of the surface. Sand to stones and back again occurs with the storms and tides of this very wild coast line. The very best of the Southern Coastline!

Wind swept trees on farmland, near Tuatapere, Southland, New Zealand

Tuatapere is on the edge of Fiordland National Park’s wilderness. There is spectacular unspoilt scenery merging with lush rolling farmland. It is an ideal base for many wilderness activities such as tramping, fishing, whitebaiting, hunting and jet boating.

The Waiau River flows through the town before reaching Te Waewae Bay, where Hector’s dolphins and whales are often seen. There is a rich sawmilling history and the area is home to a logging museum, along with many other quaint reminders of the town’s pioneering history.

Cosy Nook Beach Southland New Zealand.

Cosy Nook is on the coastal road between Invercargill and Tuatapere, close to Colac Bay, Gemstone Beach and Monkey Island. And part of part of Te Waewae Bay

It is a picturesque rocky cove sheltering several fishing boats and holiday cribs and baches. It is an important cultural and historical Maori settlement site.

Pahi, as it was originally named after Ngai Tahu Chief Pahi, boasted one of the oldest and largest Maori villages in coastal Murihiku in the 1820s. Captain George Thomson, Harbourmaster of Bluff, named his property Cozy Neuk, after his homeland Scottish village. He was the first European settler.

15/12/202006/10/2023

Native Birds of New Zealand

Takahē or notornis – a bird of the rail family, indigenous to New Zealand.

Thought to be extinct, due to hunting by Māori. It was not named or described by Europeans until 1847, and then only from fossil bones.

It was then rediscovered by Dr G. Orbell in 1948. In the Murchison Mountains, Fiordland National Park.

Managed since then the only remaining population in the world has grown.

There have been ups and downs. Currently the population by the lake number more than 200. Translocation has also been happening to other safe areas in New Zealand. It is still at risk, but on a steady path to larger numbers.

05/12/202020/07/2023

Wanaka, Hawea and Upper Clutha Trees

Cabbage trees/tī kōuka and Harakeke/flax

New Zealand landscape. They will often reach a height of 12-20 metres. Very popular in Britain, Europe, and the U.S. In the former they’re known as Torquay palm.

The flowers are very scented in early summer, and turn into bluish-white berries that birds love to eat. It is very fire-resistant. Māori used cabbage trees as a food, fibre and medicine. The leaves were woven into baskets, sandals, rope, rain capes and other items and were also made into tea to cure diarrhoea and dysentery. Lastly they were also planted to mark trails, boundaries, urupā (cemeteries) and births, since they are generally long-lived.

There are two identified species of flax in New Zealand – common flax (harakeke) and mountain flax (wharariki). (Harakeke is really a lily).They are unique to New Zealand and is one of our most ancient plant species. It grows up to 3 metres and its flower stalks can reach up to 4 metres. Tui, bellbirds/ korimako, saddlebacks/tīeke, short tailed bats/pekapeka, geckos and several types of insects enjoy nectar from the flax flower.

Flax was a valuable resource to Europeans during the 19th century because of its strength. It was New Zealand’s biggest export by far until wool and frozen mutton took over. Today, it is used in soaps, hand creams, shampoos and a range of other cosmetics. Flaxseed oil can also be found for sale.

Flax was the most important fibre plant to Māori in New Zealand. Each pā or marae typically had a ‘pā harakeke’, or flax plantation. Different varieties were specially grown for their strength, softness, colour and fibre content.

The uses of the flax fibre were numerous and varied. Weaving is now very common. Clothing, mats, plates, baskets, ropes, bird snares, lashings, fishing lines and nets were all made from flax leaves. Floats or rafts were made out of bundles of dried flower stalks. The abundant nectar from flax flowers was used to sweeten food and beverages. Flax also had many medicinal uses.

The outer layer represented the grandparents, whereas the inner layer of new shoots – the child – remained and were to be protected by the next inner layer of leaves, the parents.

Infrared of poplar trees

Poplars were first grown in New Zealand in the 1830s. Although ornamental in Central Otago they were primarily planted upwind in rather mundane straight lines to provide shelter for stock and houses. Especially from wind, but also to provide shelter from the intense summer sun .

This is probably the Lombardy poplar, given its column-like form. And was also often planted to mark boundaries and river fords as they could be seen from a distance. This planting is very grouped thus supplying quite a magical feel, in the gathering dusk of a summer evening.

That Wanaka Tree!

A willow that was once a fence post. Now a “must see/photograph” for every tourist that comes to New Zealand.

15/01/202004/10/2023

A year of photography – 2019

Autumn at Glendhu Bay, Wanaka, New Zealand

There were various reasons for lots of local NZ travel in 2019, and fortunately I had the time often to not rush trips across the likes of Central Otago, e.g. Wanaka to Dunedin and return.

The images below are very roughly in chronological order, but being lots of them I’ve uploaded with speed in mind – life in 2020 is nice and full, and sitting at a keyboard is best kept to a minimum. Enjoy!

Silver Peaks, Dunedin — *Silver Peaks range behind Dunedin on a day tramp in the damp, which helps engender a sense of mystery*

Sheep on a Southland Road — On various days I’d help an old friend Wayne survey road upgrades in Southland, and so I got to see lots more of rural NZ than I knew existed, as usually the surfaces that needed to be marked out for upgrades were on anything but main roads.

These were long days with lots of water needed to keep hydrated.

Cook Strait looking back at the South Island — An evening on Cook Strait heading to Wellington on a roadie with an old and dear friend. This is looking back at the South Island

Rowing on Wellington harbour — Wellington harbour

A relocated railway station in Central Otago now serving as a musterer's farming hut — A relocated railway station in Central Otago now serving as a musterer’s farming hut. Bordering the Oteake Conservation Area

Lan Yuan, Dunedin Chinese Garden — Lan Yuan, **Dunedin Chinese Garden**, in Dunedin. The garden commemorates the contribution of Chinese people to the history and culture of the city.

I met my cousin and husband down there so it was a delightful family outing looking at some strong history, with them both and my son

On the Rock and Pillar Range looking west — A side trip and camp out in my Land Cruiser camper, to altitude on the Rock and Pillar Range – the last of the block mountains between the Cardrona Valley, Wanaka and Dunedin. A very windy area.

Camping on the Rock and Pillar Range — Luxury with a cold beer out of the vehicle fridge, *on the Rock and Pillar Range* watching the sunset.

It got very windy in the wee hours though, and despite turning the truck around so it faced into the wind, to get a good sleep I drove a few km and parked up in a gully out of it, and woke to heavy rain.

Another evening camp out – this time at old gold diggings on the Hawkdun Range, Oteake Conservation Area.

I’d climbed up to here in very cold winds to get some photos, and then descended in the dark back to my welcome little mountain hut on wheels, aka Cafe Toyota.

Mt Aspiring in the background

Lower Rock and Pillar Range – Butterfly country once experienced and now imagined

awning on Land Cruiser. camper — My new awning on the camper – should have made one years ago for the simple reason that in rain the end of the bed would get wet.

Note no poles and my 100 year old industrial sewing machine got an airing

Sunset from the Hawkduns.

Just myself, my three legged tripod and some nearby cattle to enjoy a perfect evening while on my way to Dunedin

The now empty Cadburys chocolate factory in Dunedin.

Site of a new hospital coming up.

Classic car in Wanaka — During the year I finished off a new tire related web site in Wanaka, and so was delighted one day to spot this beauty outside the new building

Frog at Glendhu Bay, Wanaka — Best image from a sunset photoshoot at Glendhu Bay, Wanaka

University of Otago clock tower — University of Otago where my son has studied for several years. A truly beautiful campus

Christchurch cathedral statue — I had to visit Christchurch a few times during the year and since I’d never seen the city post earthquake I predictably ended up visiting the Cathedral ruins in the Square

Christchurch public toilets near the Square at night

Christchurch Art Gallery — *Christchurch* Public Art Gallery

Historic gold reserve cottage at Macraes Otago — Historic gold reserve at Macraes Otago

Luna Light Festival fairies - midwinter, Queenstown — Luna Light Festival fairies – midwinter, Queenstown

The smog of winter in the Manuherikia River Valley, Central Otago

Mt Tutoko, Fiordland National Park – photo from the jet service into Queenstown from CHC

Wintery tarn and Hawkdun Mountains, Oteake Conservation Park, on the edge of the *Maniototo*

World Loppet Merino Muster race 2019 — The front runners at the annual World Loppet Merino Muster race, the Snow Farm, Cardrona Valley, Wanaka.

These world class athletes on cross country skis are well into their 42 km race, and typically average speeds of up to 22kph over that distance

During the year I was appointed onto the Otago Conservation Board where we represent the public and advise the Dept of Conservation on select matters and strategic decision making.

As such I get to do field trips, and here is a native kaka at Orokonui Sanctuary near Dunedin.

Young lovers in the sunset, near the mouth of the Catlins River, Coastal Otago — My son and girlfriend near the mouth of the Catlins River, Coastal Otago.

I had a large print done for him of this image as a Christmas present, and it was well received.

Nevis Valley gold dredge pond tree — Yet another visit to a certain tree in the Nevis Valley – it’s my photo nemesis I think: satisfaction eludes me capturing the cold emotion of this old historic gold dredging pond, but I’m getting closer.

This visit represented the coldest I’d been in 2019.

Nevis Valley gold miners cottage — *Nevis Valley* gold miners cottage

Lake Hawea from a day trip up Isthmus Peak

Otago Conservation Board field trip Matukituki Valley 2019 — Otago Conservation Board field trip Matukituki Valley – me on the right

Proposed conservation land on Glenaray Station Otago/Southland. An inspection visit by helicopter pre submission.

One huge area – one hour flying only covered a fifth of the farm.

Lake Wanaka flood Dec 2019.

Last event 1999, and thankfully this one stopped short of the shops, just!

Glendhu Bay autumn ripples — My favourite capture for the year – there I was all set up at Glendhu Bay for a more sedate shot and a jet ski came by causing some ripples I did not think I’d benefit from, however they made for something much better.

Dunedin Gardens rose — Wishing you all the very best for you and yours for 2020 – may you always have time to smell the roses

14/12/201920/07/2023

The Dunedin Botanic Garden

Magnolia in the upper Dunedin Botanic Gardens

I often go to Dunedin for many varied reasons, and one of the delights of every trip is a visit or two to the oldest botanical garden in New Zealand, which was established in 1863.

There are two parts of the Dunedin Botanic Garden, linked indiscernibly, known as the upper gardens and the lower gardens which merge nicely with the University of Otago campus. View Google Map

The initial garden was established on a site now occupied by the University but due to extensive flooding in 1868, the gardens were moved to their current site in 1869.

White rhododendron at the Dunedin Botanic Garden — **A *rhododendron* typical of the more naturalistic upper garden, where there is an arboretum, rhododendron dell, native plant and geographic collections.**

Dunedin Botanic Gardens — **There are over 6,800 plant species**

Dunedin Botanic Garden — *The Garden is a preferred location for serious botanical studies as it is* home to a significant number of plant collections

Garden worker at Dunedin Botanic Garden — **The resources dedicated to the Gardens are significant, yet unlike many similar gardens in large cities overseas such as in Vancouver, entry to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens is free**

Dunedin Botanic Garden, the roof of the Winter Garden Glasshouse — **The roof of the Winter Garden Glasshouse – open 10am to 4pm, with nearby alpine house and toilets 9am to 4pm, and the cafe 9.30am to 4.30pm**

Students studying in the Dunedin Botanic Gardens — Each University year Dunedin city hosts 40,000 plus students and with the Gardens in close proximity scenes like this are common place. In short they offer an immense and peaceful place for relaxation and study, while also providing pathways to North Dunedin where there are lots of student accomodation flats

Dunedin Botanic Garden - Peter Pan statue — **Peter Pan and is that Wendy whispering in his ear?**

Dunedin Botanic Garden decorative hedges

Dunedin Botanic Garden -Japanese shelter — **A feature of the flat lower Garden**

Fantails ofter frequent the Dunedin Botanic Gardens — **Fantails often frequent the Dunedin Botanic Gardens**

South African section of the upper Dunedin Botanic Gardens — **South African section of the upper Gardens**

The formal rose garden and camellia collection in the lower Dunedin Botanic Gardens — **The formal rose garden and camellia collection in the lower Gardens**

17/11/201904/10/2023

Some thoughts on how to enhance sustainability in photography

One of the goals of Photo Quest NZ is draw attention to our unique New Zealand landscape in such a way as to do something tangible towards not only protecting it, but ensuring people grasp the need for habitat restoration for our native species.

Along the way though we leave footprints – not so much in the way of the obvious nasty chemicals used to make images pre digital, but in more subtle and insidious ways such as the need for electronics (with planned obsolescence, not to mention packaging), batteries and data storage.

With these thoughts in mind, and already being off the grid (all Photo Quest studio work is done via solar power) with equipment chosen for it’s potential longevity (can you believe a ten year old iPhone) thoughts recently have gravitated towards travel – the simple act of getting to remote locations and back again.

Duffers Saddle in the snow - Central Otago — **`At least I have accomodation with me`**

It’s been a habit in the past to go to a new locations, take a few images and then retreat back to the office where they’re evaluated pending another trip to said location. The thought being to be there for sunsets and sunrises, or a snow storm or two.

However recently good friends invited me to have a day trip up Isthmus Peak – a viewpoint popular with young back packers, which gives great panorama views of both Lakes Wanaka and Hawea.

View from Isthmus Peak track — `View from the lower section of the Isthmus Peak track`

**`Mts Castor and Pollux from near the top of Isthmus Peak`**

**`Lake Hawea on the left, Wanaka on the right, from near the top of Isthmus Peak`**

`Lake Hawea on the left, Wanaka on the right`

Mount Aeolus from from Isthmus Peak — ***`Looking across Lake Wanaka we could see the Wilken Valley peaks such as Mount Aeolus, but unfortunately the noon light did not make for a photo equal to the majesty of this view`***

On seeing the panoramas offered by this walk, it can come to mind to return for the golden hour after the sun has set, or better yet in this case, be there for dawn. Which actually means burning more fuel.

None of these blog page images are listed in our shop. Nor are they likely to be. But if you’re interested in purchasing, please note which image and email Donald so I can advise you with a price and options.

29/10/201906/10/2023

The story of an astute kereru (NZ wood pigeon) and a myopic photographer

NZ Fantail - piwakawaka on a branch in Dunedin Botanical Gardens

Last week I came across the above fantail /piwakawaka and as my camera was in my hand, I started stalking him/her with my lens, knowing full-well, like we all do, that these sweeties move about almost too fast for us limited humans.

But I got a good enough shot, and then I had the oddest feeling I was not alone and was being watched, so I took half a breath and realised the kereru was less than a meter from my nose.

The rest was history as they say, but look at the expression. It’s said these beautiful birds are dumb, but that was not what I saw…

Eventually my kereru friend decided to turn away prior to departure, but could not resist looking back for sometime with an air of indecision, or maybe even reluctance…

Back view of a NZ kereru / wood pigeon at Dunedin Botanical Gardens

One of favourite piwakawaka photos taken in red beech forest in Mt Aspiring National Park…

Piwakawaka / fantail in red beech forest in Mt Aspiring National Park

If you happen to be interested in purchasing an image please note which one and email Donald so he can process the various options, and advise you with a link when completed

22/10/201904/10/2023

That Wanaka Tree

I’ve been around this now famous tree in more ways than one, e.g. swimming, and simply took it for granted for a few decades.

In snow, flood, or times of drought this tree that used to be a fence post earlier than 1939, endures with a determination to not just live, but to be a rock star of the Internet

However before it became famous a few of us had been there with cameras in sunshine and storm, simply because it was nice subject matter for landscape photographers.

But even then we had no idea how social media would change all that – now days getting an image of it with no people is the ultimate challenge.

A Wanaka Tree photographer working in a snow-storm under an umbrella

And so the photographers came! With tripods, umbrellas, children and iPhones!

And often the sun sets on a perfect day, which finds the lake levels either up or down or somewhere in between

That Wanaka Tree bathing in unusual light

But what intrigues me of late is the tree seems to sense the attention it gets and becomes alive in another universe

Then again it is not always the centre of attention

If you happen to be interested in purchasing please note which image and email Donald so he can process the various options, and advise you with a link when completed

25/03/201904/10/2023

Exploring the Rock and Pillar Range in Central Otago

I’ve often wondered how this area got it’s name because to me it’s all about wind up on the tops, but then again I’ve not yet seen it’s full extent, especially the northern end around the historic [skiing] Big Hut area.

Recently though I’ve been poking my nose into the southern end, and it’s been enjoyable, despite being chased away by wind recently at about 3am – even after being parked into the gale the noise and rocking made sleep impossible, but that’s another story.

The ascent up from Styx Creek – I call this beautiful place Butterfly Rock…

This is another much larger tor higher up – a bit too high for butterflies

The view to the south…

The view to the north…

I used my 4wd Land Cruiser camper to get up aways to these high spots [google satellite map link], but on encountering a boggy patch and being alone I parked up and climbed on foot up to the left of this very large outcrop, then circled it and came down on the right. It was pretty chilly, so I “called it a day”, and descended, then spent sometime looking for a flat camping spot near where I’d parked, but everything was too steep, so I drove down to my favourite place…

A well earned cold beer and a sunset…

This used to be the Great Moss Swamp, but it was dammed for irrigation in the early 1980’s. Quite a tragedy by today’s reckoning, as it was the largest alpine wetland in the southern hemisphere. Now it’s called the Loganburn Reservoir…

My favourite camping spot at 1006 m above worry level – I call this spot yogi butterfly rock. But don’t be fooled – this is where the wind can be wild and free…

Dawn…

I “found” this a bit by accident while exploring the reservoir’s dam – they’re very private and even sheltered, but you’d best hurry if it’s raining! The crib, or bach as they’re known here is for those prone to fishing for introduced brown trout. The question is posed though: Ladies, gents and ? …

The rocks in the area were used as fence posts in the early days…

This photo was made on my last trip 2-3 weeks ago. The evening started out quite nice, but the ominous clouds heralded some very strong winds, and arrived at 3am, forcing me to move to a more sheltered location 7 km away…

Again from 2-3 weeks ago – the road heading north.. Many of the black and white photos above were made on the high point in the distance…

26/11/201804/10/2023

Rogue weather for a roadie from Central Otago to the Mckenzie Basin and back again via Dunedin

Lake Ohau lupins as a Nor Wester pipes down the valleys…

Braemar Road near Lake Tekapo…
NZ defence force land at braemar, lake tekapo

Wind! Lake Pukaki from Braemar Road…
Snow tussock at braemar, lake tekapo

Looking up the Jollie Valley from the Alps 2 Ocean bike trail…
wilding pines at jolly valley

NW storm at the head of Lake Pukaki with dust from the Tasman River delta…
dust storm tasman river delta, mt cook national park

The same view as a southerly front moves up Lake Pukaki, driving cold air under warm moist air, so it started snow a hour after this evening photo…
storm tasman river delta, mt cook national park

The next morning…
Dawn on Ben ohau mountain range

Driving back to Lake Tekapo…
power pole Braemar station

Driving back to Lake Tekapo…
snow Braemar station

Driving back to Lake Tekapo…
snow on lupins

Driving back to Lake Tekapo…
Braemar road farm building

Driving back to Lake Tekapo…
Braemar road

Burkes Pass while heading toward Fairlie and Timaru…
Burkes Pass vintage cars

Driving south to Dunedin in extreme weather conditions…
Star Highway flooded road in Otago

Ross Creek walk Dunedin – an infa red photo…

Interesting house at Woodhaugh Dunedin…
woodhaugh old house

Heading back to Wanaka, and it was still raining, which made to nice light photographically – St Bathans…

My camper that I did the stormy trip in [Matukituki valley – near Wanaka]…
Land cruiser camper

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18/07/201804/10/2023

The magic world of Luma, Queenstown

During some moments in time, recent time that is – less years in fact than can be counted on one hand alone, Queenstown Botanic Gardens changes in ways that only manifest on a few early winter nights each June.

With the onset of a dusk, hand-in-hand with sub zero temperatures, thousands of people can be seen walking the icy paths to the public gardens in a corner of Queenstown Bay.

There among the trees and ice covered waters magic unfolds as children and adults alike enter a realm where lights float and dance in and on the reflections of ice covered waters – places where minds come alight with imagination.

The by now beguiled wanderers will often be prone to stumbling bought on by magic imbalances, and the spells of wandering fairies.

And for every score of steps stumbled or walked, another “experience” comes to light.

Deeper in the forest it becomes even more immersive – lights climb trees, reflections dance on the forest floor like bright leaves in an autumn wind – a wind that carries beguiling music to which the lights dance.

Inspired by the LUMA Southern Light Project – Queenstown Gardens. All images © Donald Lousley southernlight.co.nz photography

30/04/201804/10/2023

Art exhibition by Eion Shanks at Rippon Vineyard, Wanaka

Last night a friend of mine from Oamaru [and ex Wanaka], Eion Shanks opened an exhibition of his paintings at Rippon Vineyard last night.

As well as owning a couple of his earlier works, which I really enjoy, I saw a few of the below at the Forester Galley in Oamaru back in March and thought it’d be nice to share them here.

One of the delights of a visit to the vineyard is the stunning view of Lake Wanaka, the rows of vines, and Ruby Island…

The entry door to Rippon Vineyard’s tasting building, which is also a popular venue for numerous events…

The tasting room main area…

Some of Eion’s work…

There are also some landscape style works at the exhibition, but due to lighting and composition being compromised by people enjoying them, they’re not featured here.