New Zealand photo opportunities
Jan 24, 2015 19:53:49 #
Rotorua is a great place for photography. Somewhat like Yellowstone only the town itself is full of boiling pots, hot water flowing in the streams, geysers, etc. there is a mountain there with one side blown out similar to Mt. St. Helen's.
Jan 24, 2015 20:08:01 #
I agree with "it's too bad you are not going ro the south island"! It is much more scenic and interesting. Mount Cook and the glacier is a great area. Milford Sound was awesome even in the rain. There must have been 10000 waterfalls coming off the cliffs when we did the boat ride. We saw huge fields full of huge lupin of every color. I think the kiwis consider lupin a weed but these fields were gorgeous.
Jan 28, 2015 08:11:06 #
Thanks, I do have a macro lens, as well as a 17-50mm F2.8, and a 70-200mm F4.0 lens. Hope these work.
Jan 28, 2015 08:12:43 #
We did the south island last year but the Lupin were not in bloom. what time of the year were you there?
Jan 28, 2015 08:17:00 #
We'll be staying in the following towns:
Aukland 2 nights
Russell 2 nights
Hot water beach 1 night
Rotorura 2 nights
Taupo 2 nights
Whakapapa Village 2 nights
Waiatomo/Hamilton area 1 night
Aukland 2 nights
Russell 2 nights
Hot water beach 1 night
Rotorura 2 nights
Taupo 2 nights
Whakapapa Village 2 nights
Waiatomo/Hamilton area 1 night
Jan 28, 2015 08:18:39 #
Jan 28, 2015 08:30:08 #
Way2Late
Loc: Stuart FL
zoso wrote:
We did the south island last year but the Lupin were not in bloom. what time of the year were you there?
I know you asked someone else, but this photo was taken Dec. 24th, they were all over the higher elevations.
Jan 28, 2015 09:03:28 #
Jan 28, 2015 09:26:08 #
Way2Late
Loc: Stuart FL
zoso wrote:
Wow, maybe I wasn't at high enough elevations. Do they only grow at high altitudes?
It seemed that way, mostly saw as we were heading up into and throught the passes, saw more foxglove at lower altitudes.
Just read this in Wikipedia:"In New Zealand, where it is known as the Russell lupin, Lupinus polyphyllus is classed as an invasive species and covers large areas next to roadsides, pastures and riverbeds, especially in the Canterbury region. It is documented as being first naturalised in 1958 and it has been suggested that tour bus drivers deliberately spread seeds of the plant to promote colourful roadside vegetation in areas "which some tourists may consider to be rather drab. The plant threatens indigenous species especially when it invades the braided river beds in the South Island.
Jan 28, 2015 09:45:40 #
If you have an interest in old airplanes:
http://thevintageaviator.co.nz/vintage-aviator/vintage-aviator-ltd
If you run into Gene DeMarco tell him Larry Fingar said "Hi!".
http://thevintageaviator.co.nz/vintage-aviator/vintage-aviator-ltd
If you run into Gene DeMarco tell him Larry Fingar said "Hi!".
Jan 28, 2015 10:01:23 #
zoso wrote:
i am taking a 2 week vacation to the north island of NZ and looking for suggestions for great photo ops. Anything you'd recommend or DO NOT MISS shots.
You cannot help but find great photo opportunities. Instead to going where others have been, why not just open your eyes widely and make your own best memories and photographs of the sights that impress you the most?
Jan 28, 2015 13:46:39 #
zoso wrote:
We'll be staying in the following towns:
Aukland 2 nights
Russell 2 nights
Hot water beach 1 night
Rotorura 2 nights
Taupo 2 nights
Whakapapa Village 2 nights
Waiatomo/Hamilton area 1 night
Aukland 2 nights
Russell 2 nights
Hot water beach 1 night
Rotorura 2 nights
Taupo 2 nights
Whakapapa Village 2 nights
Waiatomo/Hamilton area 1 night
Interesting itinerary.
I assume you are coming during our winter with the inclusion of Whakapapa. :?:
I see you are interested in landscapes etc. You will have plenty of opportunity while driving that itinerary.
While in Rotorua, make sure you do a tour of Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Quite spectacular. Do take a bit of care to cover your camera though. The steam from geysers is laden with sulphur and can make gold/silver jewellery tarnish very quickly.
Rotorua (City) itself is a large, mainly tourist area with all the normal shops you normally find in any NZ city. The thermal activity is only short drives from where you will be staying. Wairakei, just outside Taupo, also has a lot of thermal power generation. Worth a photo stop.
Enjoy.
Look forward to seeing your pics.
Jan 28, 2015 13:57:54 #
zoso wrote:
Wow, maybe I wasn't at high enough elevations. Do they only grow at high altitudes?
No. They grow mainly on the road side. We have just returned from 9 weeks in the South Island and they were in full bloom as we drove thru Lindis Pass. So flowering in December. (and before and after??)
They are a very invasive weed (someone mentioned they saw them in pastures. That would be unusual as the farmers spray them. Pasture is worth too much to have them growing on farmland).
Also, dont believe everything you read on Wikipedia. I dont think a tour driver would really care enough to import seeds (from the USA) and then toss them out the window just to boost the scenery. :-D :-D Just another 'urban myth' perhaps.
Jan 29, 2015 08:51:35 #
Actually we're going to be there in March so not in the winter but will be staying at the Chateau Tongariro which is supposed to be a wonderful experience and is close to Whakapapa Village. Thanks for the input re Rotorua....and especially the gases affect on cameras.
Jan 29, 2015 14:22:12 #
zoso wrote:
Actually we're going to be there in March so not in the winter but will be staying at the Chateau Tongariro which is supposed to be a wonderful experience and is close to Whakapapa Village. Thanks for the input re Rotorua....and especially the gases affect on cameras.
We love Chateau Tongariro. One of NZ's iconic old hotels (even though I think its now Japanese owned).
Whakapapa Village may be pretty quiet, its mainly a ski town.
Not sure if there will be any snow around, even on the tops in March.
We are currently having a very very dry hot summer with many areas approaching drought conditions.
I see you are also visiting Waitomo (caves). Black Water Rafting is a 'must do' in my opinion. Not too adventurous but exciting (you will get wet but they supply wetsuits). I know it sounds daunting, but they take very good care of you, know what thy are doing and it's really a highlight.
Have a great trip and enjoy our beautiful country.
Cheers
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