Home»Photo Galleries»New Zealand»New Zealand 2013

Our 2013 journey in the “Land of the Long White Cloud” took us to both the North and South Islands. Starting from Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, we had dozens of memorable walks, including treks on Tiritiri Matangi Island, at Lake Okataina and Lake Tarawera near Rotorua, along the Pacific Coast Highway and peaceful Anaura Bay, in the forests surrounding Lake Waikaremoana, in the amazing Tongariro National Park, and to the top of the majestic volcano peak of Mt. Taranaki. After spending a few days in the capital city of Wellington and exploring its world-class Te Papa Museum, we crossed by ferry to the South Island, where we stayed with friends in Nelson, and then hiked in the mountains at the magnificent Nelson Lakes National Park. After arriving at our primary destination of Dunedin and the University of Otago, we made weekend trips to Wanaka and Queenstown, as well as to the Catlins. And, of course, we explored the gorgeous beaches of the Otago Peninsula and other areas near Dunedin.

We returned with minds and spirits full of images and sounds from trails walked within / along / through / beside / over / below / above forests, mountains, valleys, lakes, rivers, beaches, cliffs, and waterfalls, and from the tuis, bellbirds, falcons, wood pigeons, kaka, yellow-eyed penguins, gulls, oyster catchers, herons, and other birds whose wonderful calls and songs and shapes entertained us on our walks, plus the seals, sea lions, and even dolphins that we encountered from time to time. Etched within our memories are the sounds of the sea, the colors of the sunsets, the purity of the air, and the clarity of the southern night sky. And our social worlds have been expanded with new friends, colleagues, and connections. We also bring back with us new understandings, insights, and inspirations. We hope all of this comes through in the images we share with you through these galleries.