Queenstown, New Zealand. Adventure Playground

Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown was our last stop in New Zealand, before returning to Australia. Apart from its obvious natural beauty, Queenstown is also a destination for all kinds of adventure sports, and general partying.

Clustered on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, and set against the dramatic Southern Alps, Queenstown is a perfect vacation location for every season of the year, and is a photographer's dream.

The Remarkables (so called because they are, well… remarkable) tower over Queenstown, 

rising to a height of 2319 metres. 

This was the sunset view from our room at the hotel we stayed in.

…and this was the view directly opposite our room

TSS Earnslaw, the vintage steamer on Lake Wakatipu

We often saw this vintage steamer as it travelled up and down the lake, taking visitors on a leisurely cruise. Known as The Lady of the Lake, the TSS Earnslaw was first commissioned in 1912 by New Zealand Railways, as a service to isolated farming communities. She was rescued from the scrapyard in 1968 by Real Journeys, and put to work once again.

Another view of the Remarkables

…and another…

…and yet another

One surprising fact about Queenstown is that it is a must-stop place for burger lovers.  Fergburger, commonly known as Ferg’s, always has a seemingly unending queue stretching down the street. You’d think that a burger is a burger is a burger! But Ferg’s has at least 20 different types of burger on their menu. Of course there’s the standard Fergburger, but also ones like Southern Swine (beef, bacon, avocado), Chief Wiggum (pork belly), Bun Laden (falafel), Codfather (cod) and Holier than Thou (tofu).

Queues outside the Fergburger.

So our trip to New Zealand finally came to an end, but in the words of the Terminator, “I’ll be back!”

Elizabeth Coughlan

Glenorchy, New Zealand. The Gateway to Paradise

The Head of Lake Wakatipu

Popularly known as "The Gateway to Paradise", Glenorchy is a tiny settlement at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, set among the most breathtaking scenery. Even Hollywood can't get enough of the stunning landscapes surrounding this tiny town, and has used them as the backdrops for many movies, including 'The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe', 'Prince Caspian', 'The Narnia movies', 'X Men Originals', 'Wolverine', and for 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. Sir Ian McKellen who played Gandalf in the trilogy said, "This is the Middle-earth I had always pictured."

We stopped off at the Glenorchy Café for lunch,

before exploring the area

There was an exhibition by Dan Kelly,

a local sculptor, in a field behind the café

Dan Kelly works primarily in recycled materials

After admiring the sculptures, we walked out on to the jetty,

to marvel at the view…

…and take photos, of course…

…of glorious scenes…

…whichever way we looked…

…and even though it was summer,

there was still snow on the mountain tops

We were blissfully at one with nature

Thank you, Brian and Avis, for yet another wonderful day in the paradise that is the New Zealand Landscape.

Elizabeth Coughlan

Travelling Highway 6, New Zealand

Our journey took us beside Lake Wakatipu

From Invercargill, we travelled with Brian and Avis to Arrowtown, on Highway 6, surrounded by stunning views everywhere we looked. Our mountainous route hugged the shore of Lake Wakatipu, and climbed the Devil's Staircase, as we headed for the Crown Range. The road was too steep and narrow to stop to take photos, but fortunately the powers that be had provided two safe places to pull over. Our first stop was the Devil's Staircase Lookout.

Brian, Avis, and David beside Lake Wakatipu at Devil's Staircase Lookout

The higher we climbed the more magnificent the view

Our next stop was the Crown Range Lookout, with a bird's eye view of the countryside.

Which ever way we looked, the view was beautiful

As we continued on our way, our route took us through the Cardrona Valley, an historical area dating from New Zealand's gold rush era.

I just had to stop and take this shot of the Cardrona Hotel, 

with its vintage car, permanently parked outside.

Even though it was summer, there was still snow on the mountain tops

What a journey we had. New Zealand is an amazing country, with unique scenery. It should definitely be on everyone's bucket list.

Elizabeth Coughlan

Maple Glen Gardens, Southland, NZ

Maple Glen Gardens

I have never seen so many shades of green in one place, as I did in Maple Glen Gardens. This work of art, hidden away in Southland New Zealand, about 40 minutes' drive from Invercargill, is overlooked by most visitors to Southland.

Brian, David, and Wayne walking through the gardens

Maple Glen is a 25-acre private garden, lovingly developed over the last 47 years by the owners, Bob and Muriel Davison. We would never have found this magnificent garden without our local guides, Brian and Wayne, but it was well worth the trip.

The garden was immaculate everywhere we looked...

…with beautiful floral displays

…and even a field of sheep

David took some great photos with his phone

Does anyone know the name of this plant?

The colour is stunning

We enjoyed watching the ducks…

And the wonderful views

Hmmm… looks like someone’s taking a break

Photographers are always lagging behind the group,

but I eventually found them, and joined them.

(Brian took this photo with my camera)

There were birds everywhere, but these pigeons were the easiest to capture!

The guys take a well-earned rest after all the walking we did

If you ever find yourself in the south of South Island, New Zealand, then this garden is a wonderful place for photographers, birders, and gardeners. Entry is free, but there is a donations box if you want to contribute towards the upkeep of the gardens. There is also a nursery, where you can buy many of the exotic plants.

Thank you, Brian and Wayne, for taking us on great day out in Southland.

Elizabeth Coughlan