North Island Highlights

A selection of my favourite images taken on New Zealand’s North Island

Cone Division - Tongariro National Park, New Zealand (2022)

  • The volcanic cone of Mount Ngauruhoe encircled by clouds during a colourful sunset.

New Zealand Fern Tree and Light Ray - Bay of Plenty, New Zealand (2022)

  • Dramatic light rays pierce the mist of a nearby waterfall and illuminate the lush New Zealand forest along the Tarawera River. A majestic fern tree stands prominently in the foreground, symbolising the unique flora of the region.

Pool at Bridal Veil Falls - Waikato, NZ (2019)

  • Bridal Veil Falls is a plunge waterfall located along the Pakoka River in the Waikato area of New Zealand. The waterfall is 55 m high, and has over time caused the formation of a large pool at the base of the waterfall.

Tawhai Falls Pool - Tongariro National Park, NZ (2021)

  • A trip to the Whakapapa area of the Tongariro National Park is not complete without visiting the Tawhai Falls.

Whatawhata Morning Fog - Waikato, New Zealand (2019)

  • The layers of blue, white and green in this photo of morning fog in the Waikato always make me think of a national flag.

    A little research revealed that the national flag of Lesotho, a kingdom encircled by South Africa has such a flag. Also, someone suggested this as the new flag for New Zealand back in the days that we were debating replacing our current flag. The Blue represents the sky, the lakes and rivers, and the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea. White represents the long white cloud, the crests of waves and snow-capped mountain peaks. And Green represents the earth and the beautiful islands of New Zealand.

Too late to turnaround - Manawatu, New Zealand (2020)

  • A long exposure of Herbertville beach at Cape Turnagain, taken just before the weather turned to custard on Queens Birthday Weekend. This beach has wide, reflective sand flats that are ideal to capture the tidal and wave movement.

Mount Taranaki Reflection - Taranaki, New Zealand (2021)

  • In this photograph, Mount Taranaki stands majestically, its snow-covered peak glistening in the soft light of the setting sun. The mountain's reflection is mirrored in the tranquil waters of Lake Mangamahoe, creating a symmetrical image. The sky is painted with hues of purple and pink, casting a magical glow over the entire scene. The combination of the vibrant colours and the serene reflection creates a sense of tranquility and wonder, capturing the breathtaking beauty of this iconic New Zealand landscape.

Tama Lake Ridgeline to Mount Ruapehu - Tongariro National Park, NZ (2021)

  • I reached the ridgeline by the Upper Tama Lake well before sunrise when it was still dark and the Milky Way was visible. Gradually, the stars disappeared as it became lighter, the wind picked up and clouds started to roll in. Eventually, these clouds would cover the mountains, but not before I got this shot of Mount Ruapehu with a glimpse of the Lower Tama Lake.

Upper Tama Lake - Tongariro National Park, NZ (2020)

  • This shot of the Upper Tama Lake and the conical peak of Mount Ngauruhoe is one of the rewarding views at the turning point of the Tama Lakes Walk in the Tongariro National Park.

    The climb up the scree slope to this view can be quite challenging due to its steepness and exposure to the freezing wind. However, the 360-degree view from the ridgeline is definitely worth it.

    Note for photographers: I decided to emphasize the natural symmetry of the scene by placing the tree right in the middle of the frame, breaking the rule of thirds, and creating a symmetrically balanced composition.

Cape Maria van Diemen - Northland, New Zealand (2024)

  • This photograph captures the stunning landscape of Cape Maria van Diemen in Northland, as the setting sun bathes the scene in warm, golden hues.

Kaitawa Point Radiance - Porirua, Wellington (2024)

  • Kaitawa Point's coastal beauty captured in a radiant moment, as Neptune's necklace adorns the illuminated rockpool under the setting sun's golden embrace.

Castlepoint Lighthouse Tentacles - Wairarapa, New Zealand (2022)

  • There is a Māori story that Castlepoint (Rangiwhakaoma) was visited by Kupe, the great Polynesian navigator, when he was chasing a giant octopus and discovered Aotearoa in the process. According to this story, the octopus hid in a cave under Castle Point, before escaping. The spectacular, erosion-shaped rocks surrounding the Castlepoint Lighthouse very much strike me as the tentacles of this octopus.

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All photos from this series are available for licensing and as gallery-quality fine art prints.