Having finished my campervan tour of the south island of New Zealand (something which I will be summarizing in a post later this month) I was stoked with how beautiful the whole place was – in fact it was exactly what I envisioned NZ to be…and more.
Dramatic landscapes of postcard perfection and an all round photographers delight!
And as usual my iPhone was my most used camera – so I thought I’d wet your travel taste buds with some of my favourite pictures of the south island, with my top iPhone shots.
From Queenstown to Franz Josef – there’s something for everyone… (as always click to enlarge!)
Currently sitting nicely as my cover photo on the Facebook Fanpage this was one of my first pictures in New Zealand and is still one of my favourites. The gorgeous waters, blue sky and sunshine pretty much encompass my time in NZ so far!
This magnificent coal powered steam boat graces the water of Queenstown, it’s jet black smoke juxtaposed against a perfect skyline.
I’m not much of a landscape photographer, it’s never really been my most favourite subject to photograph. New Zealand has inspired me to take more landscapes though, the scenery is beautiful and it’s amazing to just soak it up on a walk.
Another shot from my rambles around the natural beauty of this country quaint streams sit amongst amazing forests. You don’t have to spend money here to enjoy yourself!
The epic glacier that draws people to Franz Josef is an incredible natural sight and the afternoon I spent glacier hiking was one of my favourite experiences here. You can’t even begin to comprehend the size of it!
Reflections and water are a running theme in my photos of New Zealand! This one was shot down in Te Anau at the far south of the island – a tranquil place where you can grab a coffee and stroll around.
Doubtful Sound was one of the most magnificent ways to soak up the nature of the place. This is the view over the Sound before we cruised around it – huge glacier carved gulleys filled with the sound of crashing waterfalls.
There’s some quirky things if you look around day to day kiwi life and for me this bus grill is a great example, no boring circular vents, just the iconic Kiwi bird!
This clock in Kaioura is a grat example of how modern New Zealand has embraced it’s Mauori roots with a greta fusion of old and new.
I love exploring new music on my travels and street music is often the best (and cheapest!) way to do so. This busker – Graeme James – drew a huge crowd on Queensland water front and is one of the best buskers I’ve ever listened to!
One of the experience that caught me off guard in NZ was the “Behind the Red Zone” tour I did of Christchurch’s earthquake damaged CBD. I had no idea the devastation was that bad. This artists installation commemorates the 185 lives lost in the quakes.
On the flip size of the devastation the genius Re:START Mall sums up the resilience of the city and the determination of its people. Shipping containers have been transformed into a boutique and quirky shopping mall which is a great place to wander around and shop!
I explored the south island in a campervan as my parents had flown out to catch up with me after ot seeing me for over a year – this is there first major travel experience and I was heaps stoked to share it with them…and yes they enjoyed it!
I’ve got a whole heap of other shots from my time in the south island which will be surfacing as I put up posts from my adventures over the last few weeks – this is merely the beginning, so keep an eye out over the next month or so! Hopefully they’ll put New Zealand firmly on your travel to do list!
Great photos Chris! Next time you will have to make sure you are around for the winter season!
Can’t wait to experience it during winter Angela – I can just imagine how epic the place will look!
Love all your New Zealand pics!! I have the one pic taken same like yours, the Lake Wanaka. Stunning! everywhere pictures shot in NZ, is just so picture perfect!