New Zealand, Any must see?

I will be leaving for New Zealand next week. We will be visiting many of the Lord of the Rings sights. What other must see places can you suggest? I will be taking my 20d with the 17-40L, but I cant decide whether to take the 135mm F2, or my 75 - 300mm. Obviously the 135 is a better lens all around and I dont think I will need the extra reach. Any thoughts?...... Thanks! DennB

The South Island, particularly Fiordland, West Coast, Queenstown (fairly touristy though), Mount Cook. The scenery is huge - particularly in Fiordland - but don't miss it (but then I'm biased - I live here!).

Thanks mrsmac. Unfortunately most of my stay will be on the northern island however I will get 2 days in Christchurch. Cant wait to see your country! Thanks for the reply...DennB

If you're going to the North Island try & go to the far north, most people don't seem to get that far but it is really worth it. It more picturesque than spectacular like the South Island, very different. There are some photos in the last 3 folders at the below address ... the 2003 ones were scanned very badly but you get the idea .. these & the 2005 ones are in the North Island, the 2004/5 ones also scanned are from the South Island.
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http://robynnehayward.zenfolio.com/

Hi

There are loads of great places for photography in the North Island- loads of landscapes. The far north as a previous post said is really interesting, especially up in the Hokianga and the Kauri tree forests and also further north in Doubtless Bay and even Parengarenga- although it takes a while to get there.

West of Auckland is the west coast via the Waitakere Ranges- a great day trip can be had to a number of beaches with loads of picture ops- bush and beach.

The Coromandel Peninsula is also great and there is a mix of landscape and history with some old settlements such as Coromandel. The coast around the top of the Peninsula is pretty spectacular. At the lower end of the Peninsula, Waihi is a goldmining area and some of the earlier mines through the Waihi Gorge have some interesting walks and photo ops as well as a bit of history.

The Central Plateau is also well worth a look with volcanic peaks and wide open spaces.

Depending on how much time you have, I hear the Urewera National Park is also great although I haven't managed to get there myself.

Suppose it depends on what you want to take pics of. The usual tourist spots are also good but I am sure you'll be aware of those.

Hope you have a good time.

Cheers,

Chris
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http://chrissmith.zenfolio.com

Hmmm, I've lived in NZ all my life and I have to say that if there's ANY way you can spend some mroe time in the South Island, you should do it... Especially the West cost and Fiordland.

Check out my landscapes section... They are all from New Zealand except the Rottnest Island photos which are taken from Rottnest Island off Perth, Australia...

http://www.nzsnaps.com/Landscapes

For lens choices, Your 17-40 will get a workout I used a 1D and Sigma 15-30ex for a lot of pics and that's pretty close to what you have there. I would probably take the 75-300 for convenience over the 135, but honestly I'd find extra room in the bag

Denn B said:

Thanks mrsmac. Unfortunately most of my stay will be on the
northern island however I will get 2 days in Christchurch. Cant
wait to see your country! Thanks for the reply...DennB

Click to expand...

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Regards - Neil
Check out my random pics at http://www.nzsnaps.com

And try to take a flight up over the southern alps.

Steve

Thanks to all that replied! It will be a great trip. I love to do landscape photos. I just got my 135mm f2 for xmas from my wife. she gave it to me early for this trip. This is an amazing lens. I thought my 17 - 40 was sharp but this 135mm is even sharper. THanks again for the replies....DennB

Denn B said:

I will be leaving for New Zealand next week. We will be visiting
many of the Lord of the Rings sights. What other must see places
can you suggest? I will be taking my 20d with the 17-40L, but I
cant decide whether to take the 135mm F2, or my 75 - 300mm.
Obviously the 135 is a better lens all around and I dont think I
will need the extra reach. Any thoughts?...... Thanks! DennB

Click to expand...

Doubtful Sound is gobsmackingly beautiful and it's worth staying at Te Anau or Manapouri for the day long trip. It's not cheap but once you done it you'll say it was worth every cent.

Dunedin a good place for wildlife as they have Royal Albatross and Yellow eye Penguins as well as seals and little blue penguins. There are no native mammals so forget any wildlife other than freakin sheep everywhere. NZ is achingly beautiful in the bits they have preserved, but otherwise it's got the worst land clearing in the world and it's now 90% farm and very little forest outside of the national parks. You can drive 400km and only see sheep or cattle farm on the south Island.