New Zealand

Never been there but it is at the very top of my buck list on places I want to go.

Have fun!

Have fun. I've only been through the airport but I've been in Australia for a year and a half (Going back home to U.S.A next week). I know it's a misty green wonderful place. Can't wait to see your photos!!

Enjoy. I've found most airport duty free shops are more expensive for things such as cameras and tripods. Bring back a hobbit.

Hi Martin. I live in New Zealand. It's a beautiful country, I'm sure you'll enjoy your visit. Not really familiar with Auckland so can't help you with the tripod question. I live at the bottom of the North Island near Wellington. There's a lot to see in this small country. The roads aren't that great though. Where are you headed to after Auckland?

Thanks: )
Haha I am pretty sure it is prohibitied to take hobits away :D
Karen: I am thinking about North Land. But since I have WHS I will look for some seasonal jobs, so it will probably affect my next route: ) I donīt have much plans jet, but Moeraki boulders, Tongario crossing, Franz Josef glacier are definitely on my list: )

Oh how cool! Photos! You lucky person :)

Good choices. Tongariro is awesome. Northland is where I'd most like to visit, always wanted to go horseback riding on Ninety Mile Beach:) The weather is looking good for your arrival. Happy traveling!

It is very beautiful and peaceful country in my memory. The sky was so blue and the grass was incredible green. I went there in 1997, not sure if everything is still the same...

My in-laws have been fly fishing there three times. But the photos they come back with are boring, dry looking and look nothing like the Lord of the Rings. Maybe the fishing places are in the less dramatic areas.

Last x'mas I was in Queenstown for 5 days. good luck! I assumed you can buy tripod in NZ.

I think your in laws just need a really good camera, then the photos would rock.

I've never been but NZ is definitely on my wish list. My first International sale was to a buyer there, way back in 1996.

Safe -- and awesome -- journey, Martin!

JC - yup. Usually its the same photo of someone holding a fish with the same look on their face.

Looking forward to seeing some good shots.

Just skip the tripod if you have a decent camera. Modern cameras can use higher ISO and lens have stabilization.

Hi Martin
I've been there a number of times and it is a truly spectacular country. The north island is a strongly volcanic landscape; the south island is alpine. Many of the LOTR/ middle earth locations are relatively accessible and are about 50/50 split between both islands. I have some galleries with scenes from both islands if you want some inspiration. Have a great trip. Regards Nicholas Blackwell
www.nicholasblackwell.com.au

I have been there twice and it is one of my favourite countries (besides Nepal and Chile). It was the time when I made slides. Only this one I have scaned for a calendar:



Places You should not miss:

Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Franz Josef Glacier (roundflight!), Pancakes and Abel Tasman NP on the South Island.

Kauri Trees in Northland, Hot Water Beach (north coast), Hidden Valley and Wai-O-Tapu (both near Rotorua), Mt. Egmont and as absolutely highlight the Tongariro Crossing (called best one day hike in the world!) on the North Island.

Martin, happy and safe traveling around NZ, i also live here. There are many great places to visit and see, both islands are very different,so some great shots im sure you will get. Kia Ora and welcome :)

Thans everyone. It is really beutiful country. I am enyoing my time when I am not working at kiwi orchard : ))

Night Auckland from the Sky Tower


Stars over Mclarren falls park. Awesome night walk to a small waterfall through the forrest full of glowing worms.


Sunset over Pikowai beach. Interesting thing is that the river is flowing parallelly with the ocean before it before it flows in.


Waiotapu geothermap wonderland. Amazing, (but smelly: )) )place near Rotorua. There is many craters, hot water and mud pools with different colors. Craziest is Devils bath, it really has that toxic green color.

Cool! Make sure you get some of the Lord Of The Rings mountains and forests

Hobbiton and Tongariro park with Mt. Ngauruhoe aka. Mount Doom is on my to do list: )

Wow that weird green pool! Looks like you found some great spots.

I would need to go there one more time just with my camera and without my girlfriend and friends:D I hadnīt time to think more deeply about photographing. I was just like a tourist.

Martin the river at pikowai beach running infront of the sea is not normally there .We had a storm that redirected it .Normally it flows straight out to the sea from further up from the camp site :)

Ha,lucky me, it was pretty photogenic: )

Martin,

when You are back in the Rotorua region You should also visit Orakei Korako (the Hidden Valley).

http://www.orakeikorako.co.nz/

It is really a bit off the track and when I was there some years ago there was not any sign. Take the road from Rotorua south to Taupo. Half way when crossing a wide valley take the alley to the right. The next two intersections take each the right one.

Looks good, thanks for the tip.

Glad you're enjoying kiwiland Martin. I'm at Doubtless Bay in the Far North of Northland, 4hrs drive north of Auckland. After a much needed day of rain for the garden yesterday the sun is out and it's gonna be a cracker.

and this here is a favourite spot of mine on my own property so I don't even have to sneak over the fence into neighbouring native bush. Kahikatea and totara in an embrace near the bottom of the 'cathedral' my nick name for this well hidden pocket of native trees nestled in a gully. Sometimes I sit at the base and if I spot ruru morepork on his usual perch on a nearby taraire branch halfway between the 'siameze trees' and an old rimu 20 feet away, I have a chat to him, quite frequently.
If there are any hobbits in the bush round here they stay invisible like the patupaiarehe bush fairies.

Go South, Stay South.

Enjoy!

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/auckland-skyline-carla-parris.html

Sorry... tried to upload photo and tried to edit above post. FAA site not cooperating at the moment.

Hey carla you have to copy the link written on the right side of the page. It is in the table with information about the image.


I am still in Te puke in Bay of Plenty. There is still work at kiwi orchard.


I am planning to move south at the beginning of the January. I am really looking forward to it.

I am near Tauranga for the two months and I have visited Mt. Manganui for the first time this week. What a mistake! If you are around donīt miss it, the rocky beach under the mountain is wonderful. Just avoid those big seagulls, they are not very friendly :D

I have to visit this place again soon to make more photos.

The only one of my slides that I've scanned from our trip many many years ago. Should scan some more at some point.