Queenstown

18/07/202323/07/2023

The Dart River and Kinloch, and some important photography advice

Dawn at Kinloch, at the head of Lake Wakatipu.

An authentic kiwi work day:

Sheep crossing the Greenstone River, New Zealand by swing bridge.

Sheep cross the Greenstone River, located a few kilometers down the (gravel) road from Kinloch, beside the lake.

The bridge serves as an access point to the popular Greenstone Caples round-trip tramping track, offering a moderate and relaxing 3-4 day hike.

Capturing the above image while crossing required two things from us:

(It was mind boggling watching about 2000 of them cross a bridge in an orderly manner. A tribute to the stock men and woman that pulled it off with total respect for the animal’s welfare).

positioning ourselves after receiving prior warning of the upcoming crossing from the farmer above.
being very considerate of their work with about 2000 sheep. Being mindful was crucial to avoid causing chaos or panicking the stock to their deaths.

As good Kiwi blokes, when we asked if we could hang around and take a photo, the farmer kindly offered us the best advice on where to be. We understood the importance of being considerate (and carrying venison home signaled they were of similar ilk, as it’s a cherished tradition in New Zealand).

Witness the beauty of dawn at Kinloch, located at the head of Lake Wakatipu.

Lake Wakatipu, an inland lake in the South Island of New Zealand, is perhaps better known by the name Queenstown, situated on its eastern shore. Kinloch is positioned at the head of the lake to the west, right beside the primary tributary, the Dart River. Access to Kinloch can be obtained by road through the township of Glenorchy.

Kinloch Lodge and camping area in the foreground — Kinloch Lodge with the public DOC camping area in the foreground

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.

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