The Old Dunstan Trail

In the old days this was the quickest way inland to the gold fields. Nowadays it is a popular route for 4WD enthusiasts. As an indication of how remote this road is the trail is often closed in the winter.

Big country

The hinterland of the south is Central Otago which is full of vast wide open spaces. To the casual observer it appears to be deserted and desolate with not even a single tree for miles and miles.

Welcome to Paradise Part 3

The view looking north from Mt Cargill is equally spectacular. On right is Port Chalmers and Taiaroa Head.

Welcome to Paradise Part 2

This slightly compressed view of Otago Harbour stretches from Port Chalmers on the left through to Dunedin city on the right.

Welcome to Paradise Part 1

Sometimes a single photo cannot convey adequately the grandeur of New Zealands landscapes. Fortunately in photography there is a away to overcome this limitation by creating ultra wide angle photos called panoramas.

Earlier in the year I started this blog with a view of Otago Harbour from Mt Cargill. I thought it appropriate to finish 2005 with a series of photos taken from the same spot. If you look carefully you will see this panorama gives a complete view of Otago Harbour from Taiaroa Head on the left through to Dunedin City on the right. Hint: 9 individual photos were "stitched" to create this panorama.

The Hinterland Awaits Our Gaze

Coastal Otago has been a major theme of this blog but there is another side to southern New Zealand that needs to be explored. In this photo we see the vast Central Otago hinterland. It is a land of extreme beauty.

A Place to Unwind

St Clair Beach on a winter morning

The Blue Road

Intense violet blue flowers line this country road near Wanaka in spring.

Wild Flowers in the Springtime

There are many road sides where wild flowers grow in the spring in amazing abundance. This photo was taken near Wanaka in Central Otago last year. The intense violet blue of these flowers is actually far more vivid than my camera could portray.

Southern Birdlife

I came across this bird while walking home after work. It's the South Island pied oystercatcher and it's a curious species. Most birds fly away when approached but not this one. The pied oystercatcher defends its nest by making itself very conspicuous and sometimes by feigning wing injury. That's good news for a photographer as it makes an ideal wildlife subject! Photo taken with a Sony H1.

A Stately Building

The clocktower of the historic Dunedin Town Hall

The Old Farmhouse

The old farmhouse stands alone along the road to Allans Beach

A Safe Haven For All

Another Misty Day In Paradise - Part 2

Another misty day in paradise, part 2.

Another Misty Day In Paradise - Part 1

Another misty day in paradise, part 1.

The Waiting Is Over

The waiting is over.

Playing The Waiting Game - Part 6

Playing the waiting game, part 6.

Playing The Waiting Game - Part 5

Playing the waiting game, part 5.

Playing The Waiting Game - Part 4

Playing the waiting game, part 4.

Playing The Waiting Game - Part 3

Playing the waiting game part 3.

Playing The Waiting Game - Part 2

Playing the waiting game, part 2.

Playing the Waiting Game - Part 1

Playing the waiting game, part 1.

A Sunday Walk

A Sunday morning walk along St Kilda Beach in late winter can be a relaxing way to unwind.

Wild And Untamed

St Kilda on a windy day. Dunedin's beaches are always interesting even in rough weather.

A Moment to Savour

Sunsets are always special times for photographers. But occasionally when you are in the right place at the right time they become almost magical