Photos: Stunning New Zealand Scenery on South & North Island

New Zealand, the Land Of The Long White Cloud, needs no introduction. Everybody is aware of its sheer beauty, a beauty brought to a worldwide audience thanks to Peter Jackson’s 2001-2003 Lord of The Rings movie trilogy. Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to spend 6 weeks travelling around this remote, sparsely populated country (with 40 million & counting it has 10 times as many sheep as people) & I present here a photo essay, from the very tip of the North Island to the windswept bottom of the South, showcasing some it’s unparalleled natural beauty & must-see highlights.

This is a wonderful guest post contribution from David M Byrne: 

North Island

Stunning New Zealand Scenery

1. Sunset on a beach at remote Tawharanui Regional Park. April 27^th 2012.

Northland is a rugged finger of land stretching for some 400+kms north of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city (although not it’s capital). Up there it’s all about natural attractions; it’s a sparsely populated area of deserted beaches & breathtakingly beautiful coastal scenery.

2. The end-of-the-world feeling at Cape Reinga. April 30^th 2012.

You can’t get much further north than this, Cape Reinga, sitting at the tip of land that forms NZ’s northern extremity. Things get very remote up here & the end-of-the-world feeling one gets looking out over the vast expanse of ocean, with the waters of the Tasman Sea (to the west/left) and Pacific Ocean (to the east/right) breaking together, is hard to portray in pictures.

3. A giant Kauri tree in Waipoua Kauri Forest, one of the last remaining kauri tree sanctuaries on earth. May 1^st 2012.

This is Tane Mahuta who, at 51 metres high, 13.8 metre in girth and with a wood mass of 244.5 cubic metres, is the largest & one of the oldest kauri trees alive. He’s found in the Waipoua Kauri Forest, one of the great natural highlights of Northland’s west coast. Kauri forests were once widespread in the northern part of the country but they diminished with the arrival of the Europeans in the mid-19^thcentury. Now only remnants of the once-great forests remain.

4. Geothermal Activity at Steam Hells Gate Geothermal Reserve, Rotorua. May 5^th 2012.

Rotorua is the tourist hotbed of the North Island, a geothermal wonderland full of geysers, bubbling hot mud pools & clouds of rotten egg-smelling sulphurous gasses. It sits on the Rotorua caledra, one of several active volcanoes in an area known as the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Hell’s Gate is one of the many $35-entry-fee thermal reserves in the Rotorua vicinity, but the only one owned & operated by a Maori (indigenous New Zealanders) tribe.

5. A Silver Fern, the emblem of New Zealand, rests on an illuminated forest floor on the outskirts of Rotorua. May 5^th 2012.

The medium-sized tree fern is endemic to New Zealand & is the symbol commonly associated with the country – it appears on the country’s coat of arms & many New Zealanders get it tattooed on themselves to show their Kiwiness.

6. Volcanic topography in the heart of the Tongariro National Park. May 9^th 2012.

The volcanic centre of the North Island is dominated by the Tongariro National Park. Established in 1887 this was New Zealand’s first national park & is probably it’s most famous… & definitely it’s most spectacular. The park is dominated by three peaks, 3 active volcanoes. In winter (the northern hemisphere’s summer) it’s a haven for skiers & in summer it’s a haven for hikers, offering some of the world’s best tramps/hiking, crossing martian-esque terrain of active craters, steaming vents & beautiful coloured sulphur lakes.

South Island

7. Late afternoon sunlight off the rain-soaked West Coast. May 17^th 2012.

The West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island is one of the more remote and most sparsely populated areas of the country. It’s synonymous with beauty, rugged beauty; wild coastlines, snow-capped mountains & glaciers are its forte.

8. A party of climbers look very small as they descend Fox Glacier. May 19^th 2012.

There are over 3000 glaciers in New Zealand longer than 100m in length & this, Fox Glacier, along with nearby Franz Joseph Glacier, is one of the South Island’s must-see sights. The two glaciers, geographically 23km apart, are unique in that nowhere else in the world at this latitude do glaciers come so close to the ocean.

10. Early morning at Lake Wanaka. May 21^st 2012.

In a country overrun with stunning locations there can be very few as beautiful as Wanaka, a charming lakeside town surrounded by mountains and situated at the southern end of the lake of the same name. This is an early morning picture taken from the shores of the lake looking out towards the Southern Alps which make a stunning backdrop to the town.

11. Queenstown, the adventure/adrenalin capital of the Southern Hemisphere, as seen from Bobs Peak. May 23^rd 2012.

Surrounded by majestic mountains & nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is another South Island location with a drop-dead gorgeous setting. The so-called adrenalin capital of the Southern Hemisphere (some say the world), it is an immensely popular stop on the travellers circuit, especially in the winter months of July & August when the après ski crew are in town.

12. Exposed Waipapa Point on The Catlins coast. May 27^th 2012.

The Catlins, in the extreme south-east of the South Island, is yet another area of untouched costal scenery. Waipapa Point, a rocky promontory not too far from Slope Point, the most southern point on the South Island, is an exposed location infamous for it frequently wild weather, heavy ocean swells & as the scene of New Zealand’s worst maritime disaster – on April 29th 1881 the passenger steamer Tararua, en route to Melbourne, Australia, foundered offshore with the loss of all but 20 of the 151 people aboard. The lighthouse seen here, Waipapa Point Lighthouse, was built in response to the tragedy. It began operating in 1884 & became fully automated in 1976.

13. The snow-capped peaks of Mount Cook National Park. May 30^th 2012.

Mount Cook National Park sits in the centre of the New Zealand’s South Island. 22 of the 27 highest peaks in the country are to be found in this area, with the highlight being Mount Cook itself, the highest peak in the country. This is an extended exposure image taken in the White Horse Hill Camp Ground in the shadow of some of the other impressive park peaks, about a 2-hour walk from the glacier lake at the foot of Mount Cook.

14. Sunset at The Church of The Good Shepard on the shores of Lake Tekapo. May 31^st 2012.

The expansive inland plains of the South Island, Mackenzie Country, is an area of high ground, clean air, distant mountain ranges & turquoise lakes. Right in the heart of all this is stunningly beautiful Lake Tekapo, on the shores of which you’ll find the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, arguably one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand (& for good reason).

Bio/About the Author

David M is a hobbyist photographer, Getty Images Artist & ardent traveller. His photography blog contains an ever-growing collection of quality images captured all over the world. You can also find him on facebook, twitter, Google+ & flickr.

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Photography Tips For Capturing The Sheer Beauty Of New Zealand

1. Embrace the Golden Hours

The best light for photography in New Zealand comes during the golden hours—shortly after sunrise and just before sunset. The soft, warm light enhances the natural beauty of the landscapes, creating stunning shadows and vibrant colors. Whether you’re capturing the rolling hills of Hobbiton or the jagged peaks of the Southern Alps, shooting during these times will elevate your photos.

• Pro Tip: Plan your shoots around these times to make the most of the natural light. In New Zealand, the sun can rise and set quickly, especially in the mountains, so be ready to capture those fleeting moments.

2. Use a Wide-Angle Lens for Landscapes

New Zealand’s landscapes are vast and breathtaking, making a wide-angle lens an essential tool in your photography kit. This lens allows you to capture the sweeping vistas, dramatic coastlines, and expansive skies that make the country so photogenic.

• Lens Choice: A lens with a focal length between 10-24mm is ideal for capturing the grandeur of locations like Milford Sound or the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The wide field of view will give your photos a sense of scale and depth.

3. Play with Reflections

New Zealand is famous for its crystal-clear lakes, which offer perfect opportunities for reflection photography. Mirror-like surfaces, such as Lake Matheson or Lake Pukaki, create stunning symmetrical images that are a favorite among photographers.

• Techniques: To enhance reflections, shoot in the early morning when the water is calm. Use a tripod to keep your camera steady and experiment with different angles to capture the best reflections of mountains, skies, and trees.

4. Capture the Night Sky

New Zealand’s remote locations, like Aoraki/Mount Cook and Stewart Island, are perfect for astrophotography. The lack of light pollution makes the stars shine brightly, and on clear nights, you can capture the Milky Way in all its glory.

• Astrophotography Settings: Use a wide-angle lens with a large aperture (f/2.8 or lower) and set a high ISO (1600-3200) to capture the faint light of the stars. A long exposure of 15-30 seconds will bring out the details in the night sky.

5. Focus on the Details

While New Zealand’s landscapes are awe-inspiring, don’t forget to focus on the smaller details that make the country unique. Macro photography can capture the intricate beauty of native flora, such as ferns and moss, or the textures of volcanic rocks.

• Close-Up Shots: Use a macro lens or a telephoto lens with a short focal length to capture close-ups. This technique is particularly effective in the rainforests of Fiordland or the geothermal areas around Rotorua.

6. Experiment with Composition

New Zealand’s diverse landscapes provide endless opportunities to experiment with composition. Use leading lines, such as roads or rivers, to draw the viewer’s eye into the scene. Frame your shots using natural elements like trees or rocks to add depth and interest.

• Rule of Thirds: Apply the rule of thirds to create balanced and dynamic compositions. Place key elements, like a mountain peak or a tree, off-center to create a more visually engaging image.

7. Capture the Changing Weather

New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable, but this offers a unique opportunity to capture dramatic scenes. Mist, rain, and clouds can add mood and atmosphere to your photos, transforming a simple landscape into something extraordinary.

• Weather Photography: Don’t shy away from shooting in less-than-ideal conditions. Stormy skies over the West Coast or a misty morning in Fiordland can result in powerful, moody images that tell a story.

8. Utilize Long Exposures for Waterfalls and Rivers

New Zealand is dotted with stunning waterfalls and rivers, from the mighty Huka Falls to the serene rivers of the South Island. Use long exposure settings to capture the smooth, silky motion of the water.

• Settings: Set your camera to a low ISO and use a small aperture (f/16 or higher). A shutter speed of 1-2 seconds will create the desired effect. Use a tripod to avoid camera shake.

9. Leverage Polarizing Filters for Enhanced Colors

A polarizing filter is essential when shooting landscapes in New Zealand. It reduces reflections from water and enhances the colors of the sky and foliage, making your images pop.

• Best Use: When shooting lakes, rivers, or coastal scenes, a polarizer will help you capture deeper blues in the sky and more vibrant greens in the vegetation.

10. Capture the Majesty of Fiordland

Fiordland, home to Milford and Doubtful Sounds, offers some of the most dramatic landscapes in New Zealand. The sheer cliffs, dense forests, and waterfalls cascading into deep fiords make for breathtaking photos.

• Approach: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the landscape. Early morning or late afternoon light is best for emphasizing the depth and scale of the fiords.

11. Photograph the Unique Geothermal Areas

Rotorua and Taupo are known for their geothermal activity, featuring geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pools. These unique landscapes offer vibrant colors and surreal scenes that are perfect for photography.

• Composition Tips: Focus on the contrasting colors—bright oranges, reds, and blues of the geothermal features against the lush greenery. A wide-angle lens will help capture the full scope of these areas.

12. Capture the Seasonal Changes

New Zealand’s beauty is ever-changing with the seasons. In autumn, the Central Otago region comes alive with golden foliage, while winter transforms the Southern Alps into a snow-covered wonderland.

• Seasonal Strategy: Plan your visit according to the season you wish to capture. Autumn is ideal for vibrant colors, while winter offers dramatic snow-covered peaks and clear skies.

13. Explore New Zealand’s Iconic Coastlines

The country’s rugged coastlines, such as those along the West Coast and the Catlins, provide stunning photo opportunities. Rocky cliffs, sea stacks, and crashing waves create dynamic scenes.

• Seascape Techniques: Use a slower shutter speed to capture the movement of the waves against the rocks, creating a sense of motion. Golden hour is the best time for capturing warm light on the coast.

14. Incorporate People or Wildlife in Your Shots

Adding a person or an animal into your landscape shots can provide scale and a focal point, making your images more engaging. Whether it’s a hiker on a trail or a native bird like the kea, these elements bring your photos to life.

• Composition: Place the person or animal using the rule of thirds to draw the viewer’s eye and add a sense of scale to the vast landscapes.

15. Take Advantage of New Zealand’s Dramatic Weather

New Zealand’s weather is known for being unpredictable, but this can work to your advantage. Storm clouds, rainbows, and changing light conditions add drama and mood to your landscape photos.

• Weather Shooting: Don’t be afraid to shoot in stormy weather. Use the dramatic skies and shifting light to create powerful, atmospheric images. A waterproof camera cover is a good investment for these conditions.