zoso

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.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I bet there's a source of locations used for that fantasy movie recently shot there. I'm sure others will know the name.

zoso

you must mean the Hobbit

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

That sounds about right. Did you see the New Zealand airline commercials based on The Hobbit?

http://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=new%20zealand%20hobbit%20commercials

zoso

not really a Hobbit enthusiast but if it offered good photo ops, i'm all over it

Finewoody Loc: Near Canberra Australia

If you like to PM me with a rough itinerary and photography preference (landscape, architecture etc) I can provide some specific locations and some sample images from my travels. We make regular crossings from Aus to NZ.

Gordon

Preachdude Loc: Geneva, OH

Don't miss Bay of Islands. Though it is known for big game fishing, the flora, fauna, and landscapes are amazing. If you have a super-wide retrofocus lens, you'll find it useful for landscapes. A macro lens is also very useful.

michealj Loc: West Virginia

You might check this web sight out, it might give you some ideas and a little inspiration! :thumbup: Hope this helps! Mike J.

http://chrisgin.com/north_island.html

Way2Late Loc: Stuart FL

Just got back from NZ, There is a Gannet colony about an hour drive from Auckland, Muriwai's gannet colony. Chicks were in all stages from Just hatched to almost ready to fly (Jan 12th). I also climbed Mt Ngauruhoe, spectacular views from the top, highly recommended if you're in shape for it, not a technical climb, but a good workout. Best view (IMHO) of Auckland is from Mt. Eden.

(Download)


(Download)


(Download)

zoso

Thanks, my real love is landscapes. Any suggestions you might have in that area would be greatly appreciated.

Ringer

There are a number of hot springs in the Lake Rotorua area. Some have bubbling mud pots and geysers like we would associate with Yellowstone, and the mineral deposits leave rainbow colors in the hot pools. I enjoyed taking photos there last January.

JackB

I was just there in Oct-Nov of last year. I visited the following sites and got some great shots: Bay of Islands, Auckland, Rotorua, Whangarei and Hobbiton ( Alexander Farm where the Hobbit movies were filmed). Many great sites in the South Island if you can get there. Hobbiton is a beautiful place and you won't want to miss it even though it is a bit of a tourist trap and the crowds can be large.

Hole in the Rock - Bay of Islands - New Zealand North Island


Hobbiton


Hobbiton

TrishV Loc: Now living on Whidbey Island, WA

As a kiwi from Christchurch, South Island (now living in WA state) all I can say is it is too bad you aren't going to the South Island as I personally think there are many more photo opportunities there. However the Bay of Islands, Napier area, etc., make for some fabulous photos too. Good luck and enjoy yourselves.

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

Hi zoso. As has already been said, pity you aren't going south. We live in the North Island but have just returned from a 9 week tour down south, and for photo ops, the South Island just blows the North off the map, in my opinion.
Anyway, you will still find a lot of beautiful scenery and chances to use your camera here in the north island.
Have a look at some of the pics on my website, might give you some ideas. Although most of my north island pics are not on the usual tourist route.
In the meantime; the Bay of Islands, far north, is beautiful. Auckland Harbour and Marina, great for pics if you like boats. Coromandel Peninsular, absolutely stunning bush scenery and historic stuff. Waihi, gold mining area. Mt Maunganui, great sea scenes and surfing, beaches. Rotorua, Lakes and Maori culture. Lake Taupo, worth a visit. Havelock North, lovely little town, photogenic. Mt Taranaki, New Plymouth and down to Wanganui, all great photo ops. The capital city Wellington, very very pretty waterfront (get a walk in along the wharfs with camera). I think there are a couple of pics on my website of Wellingtons harbour tugs.
Anyway am happy to answer any questions regarding your itinerary if you think I can help and when near the Bay of Plenty, any problems feel free to contact me for assistance.
Hope you enjoy your visit.
Cheers

Adicus Loc: New Zealand

This is a 5 minute drive from my home in the Auckland suburb of Cockle Bay . New Zealand is full of photo opportunities but it all depends upon what the weather is doing at the time you are shooting, just like anywhere. Enjoy your visit and give me a ring if you want to catch up.