New Zealand Lens Choice

OsteoRach wrote:

As others have said, the scenery is what you'll likely be photographing. No wildlife except for the kea and if you're lucky enough to see one on the way to Milford or across Arthur's pass you won't need a telephoto as they'll come and say hello. They like rubber on cars...

Make sure you cover the wider end and if you feel like dabbling in some astrophotography lake tekapo is a dark sky reserve and simply amazing.

As for quintessential NZ photos. If you get a chance see if you can get to the following places

1. Roy's peak in Wanaka

2. The lone Wanaka tree on the lake

3. The church at lake tekapo (go up to the observatory too

4. Punakeiki (pancake rocks) - have you ever seen black sand beaches?

5. Lake matheson in fox glacier (view of the alps and mt cook). This is where most photos on the front pages of NZ calendars are taken from.

6.plenty of photo ops around QT, go up the gondola. Take the drive to glenorchy

7. Milford sound . It's a long day trip but if you are not heading back to NZ anytime soon I can't over state how much you have to do everything possible to get there. The glow worms in Te Anau are also pretty cool if you stay the night. State highway 94 is considered one of the best roads in the world and it doesn't disappoint. The photos of mitre peak are taken from the car park before you get on a boat.

(4 &5 require the west coast so you may not get over tht side - note it's just as awesome as QT to ChC).

Sorry if you already had this info, I'm just a kiwi in love with the South Island.

Rachel, thank you! I will definitely be using your list of places to photograph. I'd heard of Milford Sound, but this is great.

Btw, you've got some beautiful photos! I may also use those for a few ideas