mt cook |

Here is a small collection of mountain landscapes. I admit mountain landscape is my favourite photographic subject. When there is snow on the mountain top, it is like icing on the cake. Enjoy the pictures.

Saas Fee - Switzerland

There are many beautiful places in Switzerland. Saas Fee happens to be my favourite. A little bit of information on Saas Fee here.

The Matterhorn, Zermatt - Switzerland

Zermatt lies at the foot of Matterhorn – a natural landmark in Switzerland. Here, snow is guaranteed in winter. Even in summer, you can still ski and snowboard here. More pictures on Zermatt here.

Mt Cook as viewed from Lake Matheson, Fox Glacier, New Zealand

Mt Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand. You can explore hiking trails in Mt Cook Village and catch glimpses of the mountain while driving towards Queenstown. For more photos on Fox Glacier and Lake Matheson click here.

Crescent Moon on Mountain top in Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown is the adventure resort in New Zealand offering endless array of non-stop activities. For more pictures and information on Queenstown, click here and here.

Snowy Mountains, Australia

Snowy Mountains is located in New South Wales, Australia. You can get there via Sydney or Canberra. More on Australia later.

Click on the pictures for a larger view.

Tip : By the way, if your camera white balance setting is set to auto, the end result may show a very off-white picture. In such circumstances, I sometimes switch the white balance setting to tungsten. This overcoats the picture with a bluish cast. Good for emphasizing the blue sky and at the same time creates a natural filter to reduce glare from the white snow. It is all up to individual taste.

In very cold temperatures, minus degree celsius, the camera may stall and the batteries get exhausted much faster. In my case, I wrapped the camera and the batteries in my cap or jacket to keep warm.

Till next time, good luck shooting!

Rainbow in Queenstown - first snow in winter

I have done a number of Top 5 or Top 10 articles but have never done an overview of the places and attractions in New Zealand. Let’s be fair and round up both North Island and South Island.

Sunset in Wellington, New Zealand

So, here is a list of places that if you are short for time, at least visit these places :

North Island

Pahia, Bay of Islands – Hole in the Rock Cruise, Russell or Hahei – Cathedral Cove kayaking
Auckland – skyjump or skywalk from Sky Tower
Rotorua – tour the sulfurous landscape, raft the Kaituna River
Lake Taupo – Huka Fall, jet boat, raft the Rangitaiki River
Wellington – Te papa Museum, city landscape

Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown

South Island

Christchurch – Cathedral Square
Fiordland – Milford Sound cruise
Lake Tekapo – Church of the Good Shepard
Queenstown – rafting, bungy, hiking
Fox Glacier – walking on glaciers, Lake Matteson

I have covered Queenstown, Milford Sound and a bit of Fox Glacier earlier.

For a first time visitor in New Zealand, the above places are suggestions to give you an overall sight of the country. You can do more later on the next visit and I feel sure you would want to come back!

Milford Sound boat cruise

If you have less than 7 days, I suggest concentrate on just either North or South Island.

South Island Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 : Christchurch

Day 2 – 4 : Queenstown

Day 5 : Fox Glacier/Franz Josef Glacier

Day 6 : Christchurch.

After your arrival in Christchurch, take a walk to Cathedral Square to see the church or simply shop around. Spend quiet times at the Botanic Garden to unwind from the long flight. Next day, head to Queenstown. The drive there is spectacular as you pass by breathtaking scenery. Stop at Lake Tekapo for pictures of the beautiful landscape and the Church of the Good Shepard. Nearby is Mt Cook Village. Get a closer look at the mountains and learn the history of the place. Upon arrival in Queenstown, head to the boardwalk for a closer view of Lake Wakatipu. Take the cable car and enjoy the aeriel view of Queentown. Why not have lunch or dinner there. There are a number of hiking trails starting from the gondola. Most tours run along this itinerary with at least 2 nights in Queenstown with one day at Milford Sound. If you have a free day here, choose a combination of activities to save time and cost. Try rafting, a boat cruise on the TSS Earnslaw, skydiving – the choice is limitless. Next visit is either to Fox Glacier or Franz Josef Glacier. I prefer Fox Glacier as there is Lake Matteson. You will come back full circle to Christchurch.

Lake Matheson - Fox Glacier, New Zealand

For North Island, try this itinerary.

Day 1 : Auckland

Day 2 : Pahia or Hahei

Day 3 : Taupo

Day 4 – 5 : Rotorua

Day 6 : Auckland or if you have time – Wellington.

If you flight arrival is in Auckland, this will be your starting point. Go shopping or for that adrenaline kick, skyjump from the Sky Tower. Some tours skip Pahia or Hahei so there is enough time for a visit to Wellington. If you have time, on the second day head to Pahia and join a boat cruise. The highlight – passing through a rock in the middle of the ocean – very cool! Alternatively, head to Hahei. Stroll to Cathedral Cove beach or even better go kayaking – real fun on the water. At Lake Taupo, hike to the Huka Falls or jetboat there. If staying an additional night, you have time for rafting the Rangitaiki River or hike the Tongariro Crossing. Don’t miss Rotorua. It is the equivalent of Queenstown for North Island. Plenty of choice pickings here. I would highly recommend rafting the Kaituna River – what a thrill jumping over the waterfall. Visit the various sulferous landscape next and catch a Moari show. Last, but not least, chill out at Wellington. Shop here or take the cable for an aeriel view of the city.

The choice is yours whether to join a group tour, backpack or free and easy driving on your own.