NZ Route Taken
This is the summary of the route I took for the NZ South Island trip in April 2009.
The Cathedrals, Gore Bay
The Cathedrals with Gore Bay as the background. These are siltstone cliffs being eroded into shapes that resembles the pipes of a organ that is usually found in cathedrals.
It was not very well known 2009 as I had some issue trying to get the right co-ordination to the location for viewing this sight.
Seals at Fyffe Quay, Kaikoura
There is a Seal Colony at Fyffe Quay in Kaikoura. However, when I reached the location on this day, I only managed to spot in total of 3 seals lazing on the rocks. This seal is the active one that bothered to lift its head and look around!
Kura Tawhiti (Castle Hill)
With the imposing array of limestone boulders in the area reminiscent of an old, run-down stone castle, this place is named as Castle Hill. It is a popular choice for rock climbers to be bouldering the unique limestone outcroppings. It is located along the Great Alpine Highway, between Darfield and Arthur's Pass.
Punakaiki Pancake Rock (Infrared)
The Pancake Rocks, a famous and popular destination for tourists in New Zealand. The cliffs and ravines with hundreds of horizontal slices along their vertical faces looks like huge stacks of pancakes, thus the name.
Seagull in flight
Was having dinner at the Hokitika driveway overlooking the beach. Seagulls were attracted to the smell of food and waiting to attack the food when your attention is not on it.
Fantail Falls, Haast Highway
Among the waterfalls found in Mt Aspiring National Park along Haast Highway, lies Fantail waterfall at the foot of Fantail Creek. It is easily accessible from the small roadside car park.
Lake Hawea
Just 10 mins from Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea would be one of the locations along the drive from Fox Glacier to Lake Wanaka.
Crown Range Rd Summit
The Crown Range lies between Queenstown and Wanaka, and the road over the range, is known as the Crown Range Road. Although it is the shorter route to Queenstown, time taken to travel on this road is longer. This plague on the stone in the photo confirms that this historical summit is the highest sealed pass (road) in New Zealand.
Crown Range Rd (Infrared)
Another area of the Crown Range Road, while driving towards Queenstown from Lake Wanaka. Drove this road instead of the other highway because I was told that it was worth the time and effort due to the scenic views that can be seen on this route.
According to some websites, around this area is Middle Earth as locations used in LOTR films are all around.
Lake Hayes
Considered as the 'most photographed lake in New Zealand’, and another of the many "mirror" lakes. It was one of those days where the lake was so still, that it gives off a perfect reflection.
Lake Hayes (Infrared)
The perfect reflection off Lake Hayes in Infrared which gives a different feel to the area.
(No, that is the moon, not a dust particle!)
Queenstown at Dusk
A view of Queenstown at dusk (with The Remarkables as the backdrop) from Bob's Peak, which can be reached by taking the Skyline Gondola up.
Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge
In November 1988, this bridge became world famous; for it was here where pioneers AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch launch in what would become an international phenomenon - Bungy jumping.
This shot was taken from Chard Farm winery, where we could view the location used for the (Gates of) Argonath, or The Pillars of Kings in the LOTR films.
Wilcox Green
Autumn leaves of Wilcox Green. Lord of the Rings fan may recognise this place as the wintery Gladden Field where Isildur and his three eldest sons (Ciryon, Aratan and Elendur) were ambushed by Orcs and after jumping into Anduin river where the Ring slip from his finger and sank to the bottom of the river.
Arrow River (Infrared)
Arrow River, some walking distance from Arrowtown. This location was used for the Ford of Bruinen scene where Frodo, and others, were ambushed by the Black Riders while crossing this area on their way to Rivendell.
Ruins of the Welcome Home Hotel
The remains of Lowburn's Welcome Home Hotel, built in 1869 along Skipper's Road within Skipper Canyon. Came across this place during the Lord of the Rings safari (Queenstown).
Rock Formation in Skipper Canyon
As part of the Lord of the Rings tours, we traveled along Skipper Road in the Skipper Canyon and this rock formation was pointed out to us by the guide/driver. It does look like a side profile of a gorilla. King Kong, anyone?!?
View along Skipper Canyon (Infrared)
This is one of the views from Skipper Canyon, somewhere near the Hells Gate.
Clay Target Shooting Range
I joined a session of clay target shooting as an afternoon activity while staying in Queenstown. This location is outside of Queenstown, somewhere off Morven Ferry Rd, passing a deer farm.
The clay targets were stored in the small hut in the photo. This is also the starting location where the clay targets gets hurl into the sky to be shot at.
Deer
We were driven past the deer farm on the way to and back from the clay target shooting range. This farm is just off the Morven Ferry Rd.
Eglinton Valley (Infrared)
On the way to Milford Sound, we stop over at Eglinton Valley, where my friend's daughter decided to run around the area.
Mirror Lake (Infrared)
On the way to Milford Sound, you will come across the Mirror Lakes (which are actually small lakes around the area). On a day such as this, you can find a perfect reflection of the Earls Mountain.
Key Summit Lookout (Infrared)
View from Key Summit lookout on the way to Milford Sound.
Christie Falls
Visible on the Milford Sound highway, it is also known as Falls Creek Falls. Many buses and cars on its way to Milford Sound would stop by to view, and some, like myself, will take a photo of it.
Lake Te Anau
Sunrise over the largest lake in the South Island, Lake Te Anau. It is also the largest fresh water lake in NZ.
Scenes from Doubtful Sound Cruise (Lake Manapouri)
Taken of view surrounding Lake Manapouri on the way back during the Doubtful Sound cruise.
Scenes from Doubtful Sound Cruise (Lake Manapouri - Infrared)
Infrared photograph of Lake Manapouri during the Doubtful Sound cruise - on the way back.
Scenes from Doubtful Sound Cruise (Lake Manapouri)
Taken during the Doubtful Sound cruise - this is taken on Lake Manapouri on the way back.
Deep Cove (Doubtful Sound)
To get to Doubtful Sound, we have to alight from the cruiser that has taken us from the station in Lake Manipouri to the West Arm of the lake. We then had to transfer to a bus which took us to Wilmot Pass and stop at the lookout. It was cloudy when we first look at this area. Within 5 mins, the clouds disperse and this was the view we saw - our first glimpse of Doubtful Sound at Deep Cove.
Scenes from Doubtful Sound Cruise
Scenes from Doubtful Sound cruise. It was either a cloudy day when I was there or it is always this cloudy over in Doubtful Sound.
Scenes from Doubtful Sound Cruise
Scenes from Doubtful Sound cruise.
Scenes from Doubtful Sound (Infrared)
An infrared scene from Doubtful Sound taken during the cruise.
Waterfall in Doubtful Sound
The cruiser stopped along this stretch of Doubtful Sound and this waterfall was right in front. The cruiser stop was to let us hear the natural sound that can be heard in the Sound itself. We would not be able to hear anything if it have not totally stop its engine.
Scenes from Doubtful Sound cruise
Scenes from Doubtful Sound cruise.
Clifden Suspension Bridge
New Zealand's longest suspension bridge which spans 111.5 metres over the Waiau River. It was in use by vehicles until 1978 when the current bridge was open downstream, and was accessible only by pedestrians thereafter. However, in April 2010, the bridge was closed due to safety concerns after a routine inspection of the bridge after an earthquake in late 2009.
Lower Waiau River (Infrared)
Waiau River, an outflow of Lake Te Anau, is the largest river in the Southland region of the NZ South Island. This section of the river is the lower section and it would reach the Foveaux Strait. The Clifden Bridge was built across this river around this area.
McCracken's Rest
McCracken's Rest is a lookout and a rest area along the Southern Scenic Route, overlooking the Te Waewae Bay. It is the 1st stop after hitting the southern coast from inland when driving from Te Anau to Invercargill.
Signpost in Bluff
Signpost in Bluff to tell you that you have reached the Southern most tip of the South Island.
Sheep Farm
This sheep was walking when we rode up to the edge of the fence, and literally turn its head to look, and then stopped. It's action led to the next photo where all sheep's heads were turned in our direction.
Sheep Farm
This shot, taken at a friend's sheep farm, was pretty funny because all of the sheep were looking our direction and seems to be waiting... I was told that they were waiting to see if we would open the gate and allow them to go over to the grass behind us for grazing.
I guess they, too, think grass is always greener on the other side!
Waipapa Point
Waipapa Point, rocky promontory, is located at the extreme southwestern end of the Catlins coast. Due to the number of shipwrecks, and after one of the worst shipping disaster then (1881), a lighthouse was built and has been in operation since 1884.
According to the signboard, sea lions does exist in this area - but could not find them anywhere near.
McLean Falls
McLean Falls (consisting of 2 waterfalls - upper and lower) is located on the Tautuku River in Catlins Conservation Park along the Chaslands Highway.
McLean Falls (Infrared)
Because of the number of steep dropoffs and terraces, McLean Falls are often described as the most spectacular in the region.
Tautuku Bay (Infrared)
Looking across the Tautuku Bay towards the rocky headland of Tautuku Peninsula (from Florence Head), along the Catlins coast. The Tautuku Peninsula was a former port for timber and flax exports and was the site of a whaling station. Today, Southern Right Whales are known to be spotted around the peninsula occasionally.
Purakaunui Falls
Purakaunui Falls, a cascading multi-tiered waterfall on the Purakaunui River, is located in the Catlins area and can be reached by walking a short trek. Unfortunately the timing of the visit was in a dryer period, so the flow was not in full glory.
Sea Lion
Sea lions in Cannibal Bay - This is one of the sea lions which was trying to inch/move its way to the group that was already on the beach (napping away, thus lying there like lumps of rocks).
Cannibal Bay
Chance upon this shot as I track back across the Cannibal Bay beach, back to the car.
Footprints in the sand, Cannibal Bay
Shot of footprints along Cannibal Bay. Was tracking along this beach to get to the area where there were some sea lions.
Nugget Point coast line
Located at the northern end of the Catlins coast, Nugget point is also home to many seabirds, including penguins, gannets and spoonbills, and a large breeding colony of fur seals. This is a view of the coast line surrounding the headland.
Nugget Point
Looking past Nugget Point from the lighthouse, it probably got its name from the rocky islets (The Nuggets) that surrounds the steep headland.
Grass in the wind (along Waipahi Highway)
These grass can be seen around the South Island in New Zealand, either in lush abundance or miserly little clumps. This shot was taken along the Waipahi Highway more as a memory shot of the grass seen while driving around the island.
Morekai Boulders
According to science, Moeraki Boulders (Kaihinaki) are grey-coloured septarian concretions that were exposed, due to coastal erosion, from the mudstone that had enclosed them.
The local M?ori legends however, puts them as the remains of eel baskets, calabashes, and kumara washed ashore from the wreck of Arai-te-uru, a large sailing canoe.
Elephant Rocks (Panorama)
Elephant Rocks are giant limestone rocks sculpted by eons of erosion and it got its name because it look like elephants asleep in a field. They are part of the Vanished World Trail - leading through several geological wonders of the Waitaki District.
Elephant Rock
Elephant Rocks is located near Duntroon, between Oamaru and Omarama in Otago. It may looked familiar for any Narnia film fans as this area was used in the 2005 Chronicles of Narnia film The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - scenes of Aslan's camp were filmed here.
Clay Cliffs
The Clay Cliffs are geological formation of `badland` of deep ravines and pinnacles eroded into ancient river gravels and lake silts situated on the active Ostler Fault Line.
Clay Cliff (B&W)
The cliffs are on private land - 10km on an unsealed road; turn off from the road (towards Twizel) around 4 km north of Omarama.
Church of the Good Shepherd (Infrared)
Church of the Good Shepherd features an altar window that frames stunning views of the lake and mountains which makes it a popular venue for weddings. Services are held regularly at the church by 3 congregations (Anglicans, Presbyterian and Catholic).
Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is 710m above sea level, thus making it NZ's highest large lake. The lake's turquoise colour comes from the presence of "rock flour" - the glaciers in the headwaters grind the rock into fine dust.
The shot was taken from the lake's edge, so maybe that's why the colour is deeper than it should have been.
Bronze sheepdog with Two Thumb Range
A well-known bronze statue of a New Zealand Collie sheepdog with the Two Thumb Range of the Southern Alps as its background. The status was commissioned by Mackenzie Country residents in recognition of the indispensable role of the sheepdog in their livelihoods.
Balloon Flight
Balloon flight has been one of the activities to try in Christchurch and managed to do so while I was there. Woke up very early (4.30am) in the morning to wait for the bust which took us to a location outside Christchurch where we were given hands on experience in helping set up the balloon.
Balloon Flight
The balloon flight experience took us over a chequer-board of farmland laced with rivers in the early morning. After landing in a farmer's field, we were given a glass of chilled Methode Champenoise to enjoy.
French Bay, Akaroa
A short trip from Christchurch is the historic seaside village, Akaroa, situated on the shores of French Bay. It that was originally settled by French whalers and taken over by the British. However, you can still find a lot of French influences in this little village.
Christchurch Cathedral
The Christchurch Cathedral was built in the second half of the 19th century, and had suffered some damages during earthquakes in 1881, 1888, 1901, 1922 and 2010; but was repaired subsequently. However, the 2011 earthquakes (February, June and December) has left the church with significant damaged (including this spire) that it was deem unrepairable - thus it was deconsecrated and to be partially demolished. New building were to be built within the same grounds after the demolition.
Albert Park Fountain
Spent some time walking around in Albert park, one of the parks in central Auckland. The cast iron fountain was part of the park and saw this seagull trying to land on the platform among the water that were sprouted out by the fountain.
Auckland Skyline
The Auckland skyline as seen while on the Auckland Harbour cruise. The tall building with the sharp spook-lookalike is the Sky Tower, part of the SkyCity Auckland casino complex (which includes a hotel). 2 activities that can be done in the Sky Tower - SkyWalk which you walk around the sky tower on the outside, and SkyJump which is New Zealand’s highest jump (192m) and only Base Jump by wire.
Scene from Auckland Harbour Cruise
Had a free morning while in Auckland, so spent some time on the Auckland Harbour Cruise. This is one of the many beacons in the harbour waters as seen during the cruise.