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Polynesian Spa at sunset

After long days of travel, with hours spent driving or walking around with a camera, a spa is the perfect treat. One of the best I’ve so far experienced in New Zealand is the Polynesian Spa in Rotorua. This was the second visit, this time at sunset. There are two natural springs that feed 28 hot mineral pools with geothermal waters. For the best experience the lake view private pools, shown above, are the way to go. You get this pool all to yourself for about 30 minutes. The water is 38.5 degrees C even in the evening. The perfect way to relax.

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Lake Rotoura sunset

Lake Rotorua – Te Rotorua nui ā Kahumatamomoe is a large lake just north of the town of Rotoura. I’ve been here half a dozen times but found photographing the lake itself quite a challenge. There’s great views of the lake from the Skyline Gondola that goes up Mount Ngongotaha. This visit I wanted to capture the sun setting over the lake. This wouldn’t be possible from the nearby mountain. In the end I drove the east side of the lake. Overlooking Ōwhatiura Bay this is the view of the lake from the end of Owhata Road. Just below the sun on the horizon is the centre of Rotorua.

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Watching the sunr​is​e at Circular Quay

Watching the sunr​is​e at Circular Quay

One hour after watching the moonrise over the Sydney Opera House the sun started coming up. Now there were a few more people around. Looking at the round street lights made me wonder. Would it be possible to compose the sunrise behind one of these lights? This experiment turned out much better than I’d hoped. Especially with the couple stood under the light and the two ferries in the harbour.

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Wellington Harbour at Sunrise

Wellington Harbour at Sunrise

Walking along the waterfront and spotting this photographer I knew I had to get my camera out. Here we can see the sun rising over the Hutt Valley. The hills behind are in the low cloud. The rays of light from the sun are what stopped the man in the foreground and many others stop to capture this scene. Taken at about 8:15am at the end of May, here in New Zealand this is winter time. So there isn’t anyone using this diving board or rowing in the harbour. Captured on my iPhone this shows how far the quality of phone cameras have come over the last 10 years.