Wanaka – New Zealand images

Early Autumn Photography

Green leaves turning to the typical gold of autumn — Green turning to the typical gold of autumn.
Note the softness. In camera, which gives a sharper look in this case, of segments of background – bit like pieces of a jigsaw

Green leaves turning to the typical gold of autumn, in Wanaka — Soft, out of camera, and then applied again in software

Green leaves turning to the typical gold of autumn, in Wanaka. High key filter — High key filter, post processing

Not every moment of Easter weekend 2021 was spent in the woods…

An un-seasonal nor wester on Lake Wanaka, and a dog with a stick — An unseasonal nor-wester on Lake Wanaka.
But every dog has it’s day

A moody clouds as prelude to the official autumn season on Lake Wanaka — A moody prelude to the official autumn season on Lake Wanaka

Hand stand in the wind, Lake Wanaka — Hand stand in the wind – gusts of 120 km/hr!

Focus stack of two images combined. Autumn colors — Two images combined

Claret colored tree in autumn, with lichen on the trunk — Lichen with claret!

dead birch tree leaves — Perhaps more dead than an “alive autumn look

Pink rose in the rain, with rain drops — Be prepared to get wet in the quest for soft light

White peonei — Source image for the mandala style one below

Bright red autumn foliage — Non distracting background known as bokeh.
More easily achieved if the background is someway behind the subject.
Plus lens wide open

Pink rose close up with raindrops — Roses in certain light are not always as they seem

And lastly some odds and ends for the week

University of Otago Campus. Post processing involved some playing with infra red

Computer manipulated image of a white peonei — Once was a peonei

Decorative blue piano in Cromwell Mall — Nothing to do with autumn, but seen in Cromwell town

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.

A year of photography – 2019

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

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.

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

None of these blog page images are listed in our shop yet, but if you happen to be interested please note which image and email Donald so he can process the various options, and advise you with a link when completed

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.

Wanaka Autumn Art School 2018

Last week I attended the annual Wanaka Autumn Art School held at Mt Aspiring College, during the NZ Secondary School holiday period.

It was the 29th annual school and offered 16 classes taught by highly talented tutors from New Zealand and Australia.

I choose the Fine Art Photography course, and here are a few pictures of the five days worth of intense and enjoyable work often using PhotoShop, or similar to bring together various elements into one picture.

On Friday, the last day of the course we eagerly gathered around the printer, while our tutor Kaye Davis [centre] downloaded our images and printed them for us on the best paper I’ve ever seen or touched…

Cold press bright paper kindly given to us by Epson who make high quality photo printers, and they also donated the ink – thank you Epson!

Below are selections of our work for the week – some of us did three or four prints, while others put all their efforts into just one..

I for one, was really inspired by the creative and varied answers emanating from my class-mates, to our brief to bring together various elements to tell a story…

Here are my four efforts – each involving the honing of various skills, both in camera and in post production.

The first was almost my undoing until Kaye made one vital suggestion to change the centre element edges/blending/bleeding wise, and to go pure black and white to match the walls…

During the first four days we made joint or individual trips around town to gather information in our camera’s. One option was to take advantage of a visit to Wanaka by the gypsy fair house-bus people. Although I’m pretty sure what they offered was not used, it was a colourful event held in the Wanaka Show Grounds…

Many thanks to Kaye, and to five of my good friends who attended – I enjoyed your company immensely 🙂

If any of you would like to add your effort[s] for the week please email me a copy – no smaller than 1024 pixels wide please ~ don@southernlight.co.nz

Wanaka by night – an alternative view over Easter

After a noisy few days in Wanaka over Easter weekend with vintage aircraft from the Warbirds over Wanaka Airshow filling the sky, I took a peaceful walk downtown in the early night.

The iconic White House Restaurant…

Many older cars were in town – many on display at the Airshow…

The town centre with my back to Lake Wanaka…

The town centre night life from the banks of Bullock Creek…

Wanaka by night – Looking along Tenby or Upton St from the war memorial…

Entry way to the iconic White House Restaurant near the New World supermarket

Wanaka by night – the Fire Station and full moon

A couple of suprising places to visit, with visitors, on a rainy day in Wanaka

For the last few weekends in Wanaka it has rained. Since this is not the usual state affairs it can pose a few challenges when visitors come visiting.

I’ve long promoted Puzzling World as a fun place to go, but never thought of the National Transport and Toy Museum at the airport, and in this later case Brian led the charge – neither of us having any idea how much it has grown.

Brian found a car the same as his first back in his youth…

Vladimir, originally from Russia enjoyed seeing a Gaz from his home country…

I found an Austin, same model as my parent’s first car. It was more of indigo colour. Like this car it had very thoughtful footrests for passengers in the rear…

Then we adjourned to Puzzling World, where we were content to not be puzzled, favouring a more passive role playing with puzzles over a coffee…

The magic of the Glendhu Bay area of Lake Wanaka

I went out a couple of evenings ago to capitalise on the beautiful evening light we’ve been getting lately, and the cool airs, after another scorcher in Wanaka – I even had a swim 🙂

I was not disappointed with the burnt off grass tones, and the reflective nature of the water surface mimicking the clouds was a bonus …

Roys Peak Wanaka, from Glendhu Bay — Roys Peak Wanaka, from the Glendhu Bay area

Glendhu Bay and Mt Aspiring — Glendhu Bay with Mt Aspiring in the background

Some little known Lake Hawea and Wanaka history of gold mining back in the 1880’s

As tourists when we tick the boxes on the must-visit places it can be a bit of a rush. Then it’s easy to overlook other rushes accommodated by the past.

Close to Wanaka and on the very busy road beside Lake Hawea that goes to Haast and South Westland it’s easy to rush by a little creek on the left called Craigburn, and it’s accompanying Dept of Conservation interpretation board, which alerts us to some history of gold mining endeavours upstream back around 1880, mainly in a tributary called Long Gully.

Now days called the Matatiaho Conservation Area it once sported 200 miners, three stores and a butchery, but this development was not long lived as the hope of finding the source of the gold in the very rugged and deeply incised headwaters upstream came to nought. Sadly little evidence of this has survived.

Flowering kanuka and lupins as seen from the DOC track, with a backdrop of Lake Hawea…

About an hour in, the track comes to an end as it drops into seclusion down by the river at some signage, and a small gate in a deer fence…

Hunters [permit required] usually frequent the rugged country further to the west [through above mentioned small gate], and to the much steeper southern areas including Mt Burke…

Lupins by the carpark…