Page 19 - Cape-Camera-May-June-2025

Cape Camera May-June 2025

New Zealand cont. from p18

known to God”. My prayer was answered: the bag was sitting be-
tween two cars, just where it had been left. On my trip back my
thanks were a lot more heart-felt.
Supper was consumed under the watchful, hopeful, eye of a
flightless Waka bird.
Wednesday 9 April: I woke up before sunrise to capture the
Pancake Rocks and blow holes at high tide. I was the first per-
son there. There were a few scattered drops of rain. The blowhole
was heaving and sprayed droplets of salt water, which settled on
everything, including my camera. Sunrise over that coastline was
stunning. I returned back to camp feeling very happy.
It turned into a beautiful sunny day. Our next stop was at the Hok-
itika Gorge with its famously blue waters and beautiful curving
wooden walkways that run through a deep natural forest.
It was followed by a long stretch to the foot of the Franz Josef
glacier in the Tai Poutini National Park. After supper we walked
up to the Terraces trail to see the famous glow worms — but all
we saw were other tourists with very bright headlamps, before we
returned to the hotel and bed.
Thursday 10 April. We checked out in time to be at the assem-
bly point for the scenic helicopter flight at 8:30. We had a spec-
tacular flight across the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers and landed
on a snow platform to walk on the snow. There was hardly a cloud
in the sky.
The rest of the day’s journey — by road — took us further and fur-
ther south to Haast, where we turned inland. Mountains loomed
above us. We twice walked through dense natural forests to water-
falls. Finally we checked in at Makaroa deep in the mountains.
After checking in I went out to photograph the sunset. In a commu-
nal kitchen we chatted to a Canadian who was cycling around New
Zealand. I began wishing I was young again, then I stopped that
thought, and chose to be grateful for what I was experiencing— a
bucket list epic photographic trip! Whoopee!
Friday 11 April. Our destination was Te Anau, which is the
gateway to Milford Sound. It is located on the 60km long Te Anau
lake. We experienced our best drive yet as we skirted the edges of
Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. It was too breathtaking for words. Top: Lake Wakatipu, looking towards Queenstown.
Jono was doing all the driving and had to live with my requests to
stop for photos every 5 minutes. We stopped for tea at a great spot Middle: Sunset at Lake Hawea.
at Queenstown overlooking Lake Wakatipu. Thereafter, To p20 Bottom: Morning mist on Lake Te Anau.

A scene along Arthur's pass. At the end of Lake Pukaki close to Mount Cook.

Cape Town Photographic Society 19