We may be Coming to New Zealand from the UK.

[markstothard]

Hi All,

I'm new to photographersonline.co.nz and never been to New Zealand before.

My wife's side of the family moved to New Zealand back in the 1960's.

They currently live near Green Bay, Auckland and are very keen to meet their Nieces and Nephews for the first time. We have started discussions in the five of us flying from the UK to New Zealand, perhaps for a 6 week holiday.

Although we are in the early stages of our plans to visit your part of the world, being a photographer by profession (Nikon) and am really keen to photograph parts of New Zealand.

I was wondering if photographersonline.co.nz community would suggest / recommend places, landscapes and events to photograph.

I know this may be a bit cheeky and a little vague, but will help us travel around your two island.

As way of a thanking I am more than will to meet up, swap notes about photography over a drink (Beer, Wine, Coffee or Tea) to say thank you.

Hope to hear from you and thank you.

Mark :D

[tomberkley]

Hi there
There are heaps of cool spots you can visit. if you are wanting to shoot a few landscapes, there are some cool spots in the north island, but you will be wanting to spend time down south, its so amazing truly.
As it happens i live like 3 minutes away from green bay, there are a number of west coast surf beaches you will want to check out. I shoot there all the time.
when are you guys thinking of coming out ?
Tom

[Lazlo Woodbine]

Hi Mark. Welcome to the forum!

I only just moved here myself and haven't had much chance to do any travelling yet so I'm a bit limited on places to recommend. The thing with New Zealand though is you can go practically anywhere and get great scenery.

I live in Wanganui which is a laid back town on the west of the North Island. The river here is stunning if you go upstream into the national park. So far I've only done a few hours in a kayak down it but it's just beautiful and unspoiled. The wildlife just stand on the banks and watch you float by.

I'll let you know if I find any other great locations before you get out here. I'm sure some of the kiwis on here can be much more helpful then me though.

If you happen to pass through Wanganui on your trip I'd be happy to take you up on that beer.

[Redal]

Mark,

Check out this site, has a lot of great places to see.
http://www.aatravel.co.nz/101/

Also take into account that in September and October, the Rugby world cup is on, and prices for accommodation/ flights will go through the roof.

When going to the south island, plan for cold/wet weather even in the middle of summer. And dont set your plans in stone, have flexibility , because the weather on one side of the island could be ok, when the other is pouring down. Some parts of the south island have an average rain fall of over 7 meters.
When going into the bush in NZ respect it, conditions can change very quickly , and each year we lose at least 5 overseas visitors, whom dont plan for the worst.

When you come over , you will become a fan of our wines, wineries are just about on every corner here :)
In Hawkes Bay ( where im from) we have 34 wineries with in 20kms of Hastings :)

[markstothard]

Hi there
There are heaps of cool spots you can visit. if you are wanting to shoot a few landscapes, there are some cool spots in the north island, but you will be wanting to spend time down south, its so amazing truly.
As it happens i live like 3 minutes away from green bay, there are a number of west coast surf beaches you will want to check out. I shoot there all the time.
when are you guys thinking of coming out ?
Tom
Hi Tom

Many thanks for the reply. We have no dates planned yet, talking / emailing all the New Zealand parts of the families to sort out accommodation etc.

So I don't even know if it's spring, summer, autumn or winter? I would hope its July or August this year (School summer holiday is end) if not this year then 2012.

Once we have our dates, it visa's, then looking at flight and car hire (something large for the 5 of us).

I guess as this is a 6 week trip, we will be considering this an once in a life time trip, so need to get it right.

Mark

---------- Post added at 06:34 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:30 AM ----------

Hi Mark. Welcome to the forum!

I only just moved here myself and haven't had much chance to do any travelling yet so I'm a bit limited on places to recommend. The thing with New Zealand though is you can go practically anywhere and get great scenery.

I live in Wanganui which is a laid back town on the west of the North Island. The river here is stunning if you go upstream into the national park. So far I've only done a few hours in a kayak down it but it's just beautiful and unspoiled. The wildlife just stand on the banks and watch you float by.

I'll let you know if I find any other great locations before you get out here. I'm sure some of the kiwis on here can be much more helpful then me though.

If you happen to pass through Wanganui on your trip I'd be happy to take you up on that beer.


Many thanks for the Welcome and reply.

National Parks, now thats very interesting to me as we live on Exmoor National Park in the UK.

I will start looking at the National Parks in New Zealand for some wildlife locations.

I will make a point to visit Wanganui on our travels for a beer !!

Mark

---------- Post added at 06:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:34 AM ----------

Mark,

Check out this site, has a lot of great places to see.
http://www.aatravel.co.nz/101/

Also take into account that in September and October, the Rugby world cup is on, and prices for accommodation/ flights will go through the roof.

When going to the south island, plan for cold/wet weather even in the middle of summer. And dont set your plans in stone, have flexibility , because the weather on one side of the island could be ok, when the other is pouring down. Some parts of the south island have an average rain fall of over 7 meters.
When going into the bush in NZ respect it, conditions can change very quickly , and each year we lose at least 5 overseas visitors, whom dont plan for the worst.

When you come over , you will become a fan of our wines, wineries are just about on every corner here :)
In Hawkes Bay ( where im from) we have 34 wineries with in 20kms of Hastings :)


Hi Redal

Thanks for the reply and link. I have book marked this and forward to my wife.

Rugby, now I do photography rugby in the UK and have several times been to Twickerham. I haven't been commissioned for the world cup this time, guess too expensive to fly me out?

Thanks for the tip on weather, 7 meters of rain, thats a lot.

Now for Wine, that will please my wife, whom loves wine. I do drink, but as I drive a lot due to being a photographer, I NEVER drink and drive.

All the best

Mark

[Wellzy6]

I would be more than happy to take/show you around parts of Central Otago that you probably wouldn't normally get to see. There are some nice cafe's etc here to meet up and have a natter about photography over a cup of tea or coffee, or even something a little stronger if you preferred. I can be contacted through this site if you were interested when you get here hopefully not the middle of winter.

Cheers Tony

[markstothard]

I would be more than happy to take/show you around parts of Central Otago that you probably wouldn't normally get to see. There are some nice cafe's etc here to meet up and have a natter about photography over a cup of tea or coffee, or even something a little stronger if you preferred. I can be contacted through this site if you were interested when you get here hopefully not the middle of winter.

Cheers Tony

Hi Tony

Sincerely Many thanks for your offer, I will when we come to NZ take you up on your kind offer !!!

Mark

[angieong]

hi Mark

im in auckland central. would love to learn some tips from you over a coffee :)
cheers

angie

[Haim]

welcome to the forum... i dont travel much so cant really tell you too much however i do know many auckland locations to show around if you are stuck for some ideas shoot me a PM and i'll point some out for you!