Category: New Zealand

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Sheepdog memorial statue

A statue of a dog perched on a rock, with a snow topped mountain landscape in the background.

There is a lot to take in on the shore of Lake Tekapo. It is most well known for the crystal clear, bright blue colour of the glacial melt water. Depending on the time of year you might see Lupins by the lake or the Milky Way at night. Many tourists also come to see the tiny Church of the Good Shepard. Just a few metres down the road is this statue which seems to get missed by a lot of people. In the 19th century, Scottish shepherds came to work on the land around the lake. The high country could not have been farmed successfully without the border collies they brought with them. This statue honours these canine Scots. 

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Pair of paradise ducks in Christchurch



Two ducks perched on rocks surrounded by calm water in their natural habitat.

Walking around Christchurch Botanic Gardens is always a good idea. I try to visit each time I am in the city centre. This was taken in July (mid winter here in New Zealand). There was frost on the ground but these two ducks weren’t bothered. They were enjoying the water garden. When I captured this photograph I knew the duck on the left was a female Paradise Shelduck (pūtangitangi) as the distinctive white head is easy to spot. I believe the darker coloured duck on the right is a male paradise duck but please correct me if I am wrong in a comment below.



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Maraetotara waterfall

A fast moving waterfall cascading through a dense forest with vibrant greenery framing the scene.

The scenic Maraetotara falls are one of the best I have photographed in the Hawkes Bay region of New Zealand’s North Island. You might not believe it from this high view point but this is a popular swimming spot among the locals. It’s a 15 metre heigh waterfall and only a 10 minute walk from the road. It wasn’t particularly accessible when I visited. This photograph is taken from above the falls looking down on them. Previously I shared a Maraetotara Falls photograph showing the swimming spot in front of the falls.

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Days Bay Wharf Wellington

A scenic pier with crowds of people on it and a striking red tree in the foreground.

Catching the East by West ferry across the Wellington Harbour is a wonderful day out, especially in summer. It takes around half an hour to go from Queens Wharf in the central business district to Days Bay. The ferry had set off back to the city when I captured this photograph of the Days Bay wharf. But you still see plenty of tourists and locals on the wharf enjoying the sun or fishing. In the foreground is a Pōhutukawa tree in full bloom. Known as the New Zealand Christmas tree it is a coastal evergreen tree with bright red flowers that bloom around Christmas. This was taken on boxing day just a few weeks ago.